November 29th, 2020 – Sunday (Day 333 of this Covid-19 year)
Today is day 333 of this strange and angst-ridden year. Amidst America’s raging virus stats and daily case numbers that rival complete year numbers for other countries … and the political scene that is still in turmoil … we have arrived at this special day.
This is a magical day if you are into numbers. 333 … it means that we only have 32 days left of this year. Something, I’m sure, we can all celebrate! It also is a triple “3” … and that is really good. It is a power number and means you are to take a little personal inventory of the path you are on. Are you going where you want to? If not … there’s time to make some adjustments before the clean slate of the new year.
The number 3 represents confidence, power, creativity, joy, and inspiration. If that is your favorite number that means you strive for self improvement every day – even in the smallest of ways. Each one of us has at least a couple of skills or talents which make us special and unique. This number might serve as a guide to help you along your journey.
If you happen to see 3:33 on the clock or as an address or as the next to last day in November … stop a moment and take stock. Be aware and leave yourself open to the power that is YOU.
I am at my dining room table, now laden with the autumnal trappings of my seasonal decorating, and was going to write about other things but I am inclined to write about all things Autumn. Because, after all, it’s still Fall! On the calendar we have another 3 weeks until Winter “officially” begins, but December 1st starts the winter season for me.
I know many friends have already decorated their homes for Christmas but I can’t do it. In my heart, it’s still Fall until the clock chimes midnight on November 30th. And being that it’s Sunday and I have a whole ‘nother 30 hours until (my) winter begins … I’m going to revel in it.
I’ve known the end of this month would mean putting all this away. I’ve been hesitant to accept that I need to take down my decorations. Every year I fall in love with Fall all over again. I bring out my bins of pumpkins and leaves and squirrel figurines … and dress the house. If I felt comfortable doing this in August, I would … but, it’s still Summer until I turn that page to September.
I sound a bit rigid! Where’s your flexibility, Les? Egad! I hate to admit it – but I’m a stickler for seasons. They are clearly delineated and cannot be merged!
Winter is December, January and February. Spring is March, April and May. Summer is June through August. And Fall is September through November. And nothing more or less.
So, as much as I love watching the Hallmark holiday movies before I’ve even bought candy for trick or treating … and as much as I’ve already signed and stamped my holiday cards … and as much as I love Christmastime and all things holiday … I can’t give up on Fall – yet. I have one more day.
I fancy Fall. I adore Autumn. I love leaves. You get the picture. So, even though I’ve gathered my autumnal splendor up and am ready to pack it away tomorrow … I’ll eat dinner on this table and give one more look to my pewter squirrel and the plaster one that makes me smile. (He has seen better days as he’s now without a foot and looks a little weary but I still love him.) If Autumn could start in August, I’d be thrilled! Another month of all things pumpkin spice would make me a very happy camper! But, who am I to mess with the calendar?! I look over what I’ve amassed here and am surprised at the amount that is on my table. I thought I had put out more but I guess when spread around, a little goes a long way.
The ceramic pumpkins will be carefully wrapped and tucked into the bins amongst the faux foliage and zip locks of acorns, gourds and spiny sweetgum pods. I’ve got grapevine pumpkins and a glittery beaded one … and everything in between. I’ve got two big fake ones … a large, fat green one and a smaller black one with a twisted stem. They look almost more real than my real ones do! I’ve got nut and seed pods, real and faux leaves, baby pine cones and another cluster of something – I’m not sure what – but they are spherical pods with an elaborate pattern on them. There must be a nut inside each pod because they rattle when I shake the small branch. Perhaps they might be from a buckeye tree.
I’ve got a special bin for my Thanksgiving decs … this year I only brought out one thing. A dinner plate sized/turkey-shaped tin candy mold . I found him at some antique shop years ago and it was love at first sight. This year he sat on my dining room table surrounded by those nut pods and leaves … looking ever so regal all through November. At night the candlelight shimmered off his silver surface. I usually have a vase of lilies on this table … I’d like to think he enjoyed them as much as I have.
I’m working with one good eye still. So, my collection of things has been hit or miss. I’ve gone through each room three times. It wasn’t until that last walk-through, with my one eagle eye searching, that I spied something I’d missed before. That small pumpkin in my pothos … the bittersweet entwined with my cooking utensils … the acorn wreath on the door. I’m sure I’ll find some leftover something in April. I always do.
I feel like a squirrel … safely and tenderly tucking my treasures away for another time. And when I do so, it brings me such comfort and a rare sweetness. I know nothing is certain … but I like to think that I’ll unpack all these lovelies again when the calendar turns to September, next year.
On Tuesday, I’ll bring down the bins that hold my holiday decs and start putting things around and making my home all things Christmas. I pine for pine boughs, and delight in whites, greens, and reds. I’m a sucker for silver and gold and anything that glitters, twinkles or shines.
But tonight and tomorrow … I’ll enjoy one more evening and day of the rusts and umbers … the mustards and olive greens. I’ll look over my stash of squirrels and pods and reflect on another Autumn gone and done.
Christmas can wait another day … because, after all, it’s still Fall.