i heart fall.

first you put on your favorite fleece socks and most comfy old sweat pants. pick out a favorite cd and turn the music up. then switch on the fire in the fireplace, take another peek at the cozy clouds outside and roll up your sleeves.

wash 2 large butternut squash and cut them in half. find a secret heart inside. smile to yourself. take a picture.

marvel at the brightness of the color. add season salt. roast for an hour an a half. take a walk and find some leaves along the path.

let the sweet smell greet and comfort you when you open the door with fresh color on your cheeks.

cut a white onion. cry if you want to.

brown onion in olive oil. add carrot and let it simmer.

call a friend. talk about your feelings. tell stories and laugh till your belly hurts. know that you love. that you are loved.

boil water with chicken stock. add pureed onion, carrot and peeled roast squash. take care not to burn your fingers while peeling. eat lots of squishy samples.


savor spoonfuls of the big pot all day.

enjoy while sitting on the couch with a friend. lick the bowl. don't be greedy, though you may want to keep all of the orange sweetness to yourself. take a big bowl to your friends who live a few streets over.

call it a favorite from now on. make it a tradition. look forward to next year.