September is here. My very favorite time of year. 

When Bracken and I woke up this morning we went outside and found Jeff planting kale. He had planted the seeds a few weeks ago and kept them in the greenhouse. Today was the perfect day for them to go in the ground. Then we harvested in the garden. Some days it’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done, but the morning harvest is surrounded by peacefulness. We focus on what’s right before us. We don’t worry about what else needs to be done for the rest of the day. All of us together, in the garden. It’s a good way to start the day. 

The nights have been getting colder. When we go out in the mornings it’s still chilly in the mountains, but then the sun comes out and it’s so warm. The light looks more golden. The whole world seems quieter as autumn approaches. Summer feels busy and noisy to me, even though it’s a season I love and is filled with so many good things. Fall feels quieter to me. Everything starts settling down and falling into place. These last few mornings, I’ve been savoring that golden light. The feeling of it. The warmth of it. If I am still for a moment and listen I can hear the river below. My Spirit breathes deeper as fall gets closer. 

I need these quiet mornings. I carry these feelings throughout the day. I know I’ll need them later in the day to bring me back to center.

 This morning our baskets contained: zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce, kale, collards, chard, coriander, onions, and apples. We didn’t have much success with onions this year, they were so tiny which made us laugh when we put them in the basket. Jeff said “they’re small, but I bet they’re potent.” Our two apple trees are loaded with apples this year. Bracken already picked the ones within his reach a long time ago. Then we saw a bunch more missing and wondered what happened since they were higher than Bracken could reach. Turns out the bear got those. We picked some apples today. I’m glad the bear decided to share them.

 A few St. John’s Wort flowers got harvested too. 

Sitting on the bench, sharing an apple. 

 A peek at the piece of cedar Jeff sanded for our bench.

After Bracken ate his apple, he sat at the bench with a handful of huckleberries. He never passes by the blueberries, blackberries, huckleberries, or apples these days without a handful.

As the season shifts, I remind myself to soak up this time outside. It won’t be long before we’re indoors by the woodstove. So for now we’ll eat berries warmed by the sun and take our moments of peace in the golden light.