There is a period of time each fall when the acorns fall hard and fast and I fear for my safety on the deck. I went out a few days ago and collected enough acorns to fill two large bowls as well as a good-sized basket. This particular wooden bowl was a gift from my aunt Phyllis, many years back. It's resting on a lovely runner, hand-woven by Mary Worley in Vermont. She used to sell her weavings each year at the American Craftsmen Show in Wilton, but she isn't doing that anymore. I feel very lucky to have quite a few of her linen kitchen towels, some runners, and a couple of wool blankets. I think it's very important to support those who make beautiful things. If you see something handmade and you like it, grab it while you can. It won't be coming your way again.
The annual First Congregational Church Fair was a week or so ago. A true town tradition, with enough apple pies for everyone to buy and a huge caldron of simmering "Everything Soup," hanging above a small fire and carefully tended by members of the congregation. It's possibly the best soup on the planet, or at least it's in the top ten. It seems like everyone in town, and beyond, manages to stop by at some point in the day. All ages are represented along with a fair number of well-behaved dogs and puppies. There was live music - performed by our neighbor's band, Yippee Coyote. Their rendition of Jack White's Never Far Away, literally brought tears to my eyes. I also enjoyed the woman in her 70s (I'm guessing) who stopped by during a different number and danced along to the music. It was a lovely sight and made me wish I could feel the freedom she must feel, to be who she is and do what she does.
There are always artisans who set up their booths - in fact, that was where I did my first craft show along with two friends: Judy Wylie, who hooks gorgeous rugs, and Eileen Honey, a painter who these days is doing a lot of art journaling. Also, there is a humongous rummage sale where I scored this beautiful vintage bird cage, for six dollars. My initial instinct was to buy it for resale, but I like it too much to let it go. The roses, by the way, are from my daughter's boyfriend, Bill. He brought two bouquets - one for Adeline and one for me. Smart man.
