The Vine
When the sun sets on the last day of summer, it’s time to get ready for one of the best times of the year.
I feel a spark of joy when I see those first red leaves appearing in swampy areas. Day by day, the different colors begin building into a kaleidoscope of comforting warmth and a sense of nostalgia.
Interestingly, studies have shown that people feel more renewed and happier when bathed in autumn colors. Autumn is celebrated around the world, reminding us that another year has passed and that life is fleeting. In Japan, momijigari, or leaf-peeping, is a cherished autumn tradition; in Germany, Oktoberfest celebrates the season with beer, colorful costumes and folk dances. In China and South Korea, autumn harvest festivals are celebrated with family gatherings, mooncakes and tributes to ancestors. In India, autumn ushers in vibrant harvest festivals like Diwali and Navratri, blending seasonal change with spiritual significance.
Autumn is a teacher; it shows us how beautiful it is to let things go and that with every ending there is a new beginning. It can be a time for self-reflection and personal growth. Author and journalist Jim Bishop said autumn carries more gold in its pocket than any other season.
I’m a lifelong lover of waterfowl, and my home is filled with wooden decoys and artwork that celebrate their beauty. Waterfowl start new families each year and, come fall, head toward their winter homes and playgrounds. Watching the fall migration is one of my favorite pastimes; geese, ducks, woodcocks, songbirds, and many others take part. Their journey is the definition of strength, courage and determination — driven by a deep instinct and desire to return home safely so they can begin the cycle again.
For all the chefs out there, autumn is the time of year when pumpkins, apples, pears, squash and spices seem to rule the kitchen. It’s also time for a great soup, stew or a slow-cooked meal. In 2004, I was introduced to author and chef Molly Stevens. Her book, All About Braising: The Art of Uncomplicated Cooking, captured my soul, and it has taken me and many dinner guests on an incredible culinary journey. Molly has taught me one very important thing, and that is to give yourself a chance and cook, cook, cook. In her own words, “It will improve your life and the ones you love around you. Please gather family and friends around your table to share the results!”
If you are a gardener, autumn is the time to plant your garlic. I hope you all had a successful gardening season. Our garlic came out wonderfully this year. As I write this in August, our garlic has just finished curing, and the cloves are nice and juicy. Remember to get them in the ground by November 10, if not earlier.
As I look out my windows in autumn, the leaves tell me that it is time for us to start our fall sojourns — moments to fall in love again and show our gratitude to and for those we hold dear. Take your own journey this autumn in search of warmth, beauty, strength, harmony and peace.
When you open your eyes and they are filled with gold and crimson, you will have reached Shangri-La …
… or, you know, autumn.
