We’ve been hinting, since Lammas at the start of August, of summer’s waning and autumn’s slow approach, and today we find ourselves unquestionably there, for autumn arrives today in its official capacity in our Northern Hemisphere. 2:19 in the afternoon is the moment here in Lake Worth. In honor of this milestone, we are releasing our newest letterpress printed broadside, which, to be honest, was printed at the end of 2022. Convivio friend Kathleen Maugeri wrote the poem for the broadside in 2022, and I printed it, together with Lionel Zaccardi, on the midwinter solstice that same year. But it is a poem about the end of summer, the shift to autumn, printed at midwinter… it is a project that bridged many seasons. When Lionel and I printed it, suddenly it was Christmas, and then the new year came, and then I tucked the broadsides away on a shelf (a most logical one: a bookshelf), and then the end of summer came again and I couldn’t recall the logic behind where I’d last set the edition of broadsides, and the logic was not revealed again to me until just a few weeks ago. And here we are: end of summer again, “ambling along toward Autumn,” as the poem goes. You may see the project by clicking here.
Later this evening, once the sun has set, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will begin. Micah 7:19 reads, “You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea,” and you may find people at the water’s edge during Rosh Hashanah, casting bread into the sea, each bit of bread carrying some of those sins. And with dinner tonight: a round loaf of challah, round to symbolize the circle of the year (as one year ends, another year begins), and, of course, apples dipped in honey… and, with some luck, teiglach, too. L’shanah Tovah.
At the shop, we had our Hallowe’en Boo Bazaar this past weekend. Saturday was busy, but the skies opened up on Sunday morning and it did not stop raining until Sunday evening, just in time for a lovely sunset, but not many folks came out because of the weather. I will try my best to schedule another Boo Bazaar for some evening before Hallowe’en, but it gets a bit tough for us this time of year, as already next weekend we will be in Miami at the German American Social Club preparing for Oktoberfest. Last Sunday I taught a pasta making workshop at the shop and gosh, we had the best time. Check out our workshops page for more opportunities to learn new things. Next up is Gift Basket Making with instructor Deborah Desser on Saturday October 4. If you’re looking for a new side hustle… this might be a great idea for you.
Happy Autumn to you all.
John, three years is hardly a blip in time for something lost to be found! And timing is everything!!! Hugs, Judy
Thank you, Judy. Timing is indeed everything. Happy Fall!
Happy Fall! Some are grieving the lessening of the light. I’m celebrating it. This is my favorite half of the year. I suppose I’m an oxymoronic child of darkness. My favorite aspect of this time is the glow of a candle, the warmth of firelight, the radiance of starlight—light shining in the darkness and not being overcome.
For John, Seth, and all who read this: I wish you light.
I’m with you, Scott. I, too, prefer this half of the year. I feel more closely connected to things autumnal and wintry, and I realize this may be because I live in a place that is green year round. I, too, am naturally drawn to those smaller sources of light you mention. It’s always felt to me like a more grounded time of year, more poetic, more introspective, more rooted in story and connections. These are things I like best.
Plus I do love pumpkins and apples an awful lot.
Also, perhaps because there is less light, we cherish it more. We wish you light, as well. Hide not your light under a bushel, everyone.
Wonderful post, beautiful poem and art, and fantastic comments! Happy Autumn all! Glorious time of year!
Happy Autumn, Mary Beth!
Thank you so much for the post . Autumn has always had a special place in my heart I am so grateful for your post 🩷
We are grateful for you, too, Kathleen!