In a move that probably surprised no one except me, the trees have shed their leaves. I see them on the ground but I don’t recall the events that led to their arrival on my doorstep. Further shocking news: garland and holiday lights now adorn Walnut Street. The city is preparing to celebrate the annual Light-up Night, formally beginning our holiday season. Where did the year go? If any of you find it, can you report back?
My daughter and I spent a recent afternoon planting spring bulbs. It was a popular activity among the neighbors, resulting in many comments from the people walking themselves and their dogs up and down our street. “Can’t wait to see them in six months.” “Love your butterfly garden.” were among the most validating comments. Having to pick off the sticker seeds liberally coating our clothes and gloves was not, however, a satisfying end to the effort.
My nextdoor neighbor was undoubtedly pleased that we also raked leaves. When we don’t rake them quickly enough, they blow into his yard and then, my friends, THEN he has to get out the leaf-blower to send them back to us. Community is having a neighbor who uses his leaf-blower every day and being sad that one day he’ll no longer do so.
As I was walking to the coffee shop, I passed a young woman holding a bright red leaf in her hand like it was a trophy. I understand the feeling. The desk in our entryway is currently strewn with bright leaves and perfectly round acorns, while my phone is filled with pictures of fall wildflowers still blooming in our yard.
About a year ago, I joined BlueSky (@deborahz.blsky.social) as I was considering moving on from Twitter (yeah, I’ll never be calling it by that other name, except perhaps to make fun of it). With the election over, that other space has become toxic, with bots adding “your body, my choice” to women’s posts. Since there aren’t effective reporting/blocking tools anymore, I’ve officially left that place and am trying to find community amongst the butterflies of BlueSky. So far, it has been very welcoming, as well as delightfully weird, like early-days Twitter when accounts used to do things like quote entire novels to each other 140 characters at a time. I love the nerdiness.
I finally finished the “whimsical” biography I had to write to accompany a CNF piece being published in an annual lit magazine. I’ve never had so much difficulty writing anything. You’d think someone with a considerable ego would have little difficulty writing about herself. Apparently, I’m a conundrum of contradictions. lol
If you celebrate, Happy Turkey and Pie Over-consumption Day.
Much love.
