Tuesday we marked the passing of the Fall Equinox, without many of the pleasures of the season. It was announced that our university will close down for 2 weeks due to spiking Covid. We don’t expect any trick-or-treaters on Halloween, and costume contests are likely to be virtual. Despite our freak snowstorm, days are back up to 85 degrees and evenings are a balmy 55-60 degrees. There is usually an evening in September when we feel that first real chill in the air, but we had it, and then it left! 2020 has been one long exercise in letting go of any and all expectations.
But when that brisk chill arrives, quilters everywhere know it is time to get to work on sewing projects and holiday gifts. Sewing season is upon us. We pick those last few tomatoes, pluck the last Rose of Summer, and put on the kettle.
Our kids are now 18,23 and 30. When they were little, I would sing a list of 3 favorite songs to them every night. They would hop into bed and beg me to sing those songs, and then their eyelids would droop and they would softly fall into their dreams.
Those 3 songs were tunes that my grandparents sang, when they were first dating in the 1920s in Southern California. They would go park on the beach, watch the sunset, and sing popular songs like these, in harmony.
And what were those 3 songs I sang to my kids?
1. Amazing Grace
2. You Are My Sunshine
3. Summertime from Porgy & Bess
My kids are grown now, but occasionally I will hum those tunes as we prepare a meal together, and we all smile. At times like this, sometimes it is those little private memories that bring us such joy. I wish you those same small quiet moments of happiness as the seasons change and the leaves begin to change color.
with hope for the future…
Luana and Paul
