This is my absolute favorite time of year. Not only because the trees are in their glory, (but that is huge!). But because it is the time of year we set aside to honor those who have moved on. Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, in-laws, pets, and my late husband. For some reason this year feels different. And I can’t quite put my finger on the reason. I swear the other night I saw a cat follow my husband into our room. All of our pets have crossed over. But there he was, my little black tuxedo cat, Egon following James into the room. I miss that little guy with the ginormous personality.
I have our ancestor photos up on the hearth altar. Remembering. This year is the first year in a long time we are missing the Ghost Supper our friends put on. Everyone makes a favorite dish of someone who has crossed over. The youngest female in the group goes in the house as the rest of us gather by the bonfire. She will put a serving of each dish on a paper plate and bring it out to the fire. The plate gets thrown in the fire as an offering to the ancestors. It’s a beautiful tradition and one I will miss this year.
I am remembering them all this year. Their laughter, tone of voice, and what I loved about each and every one of them. I am 70 now, so that list is getting longer every year. I hope that someday, I am remembered fondly by my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Wonder what dish they would prepare for the Ghost supper in my honor? Sigh.
I also love the shorter days, colder temps, and quiet of the dark half of the year. Time to go inward. Slow down. Reflect. Less doing and more thinking/meditating/journaling. Watching the trees give in to their slumber with their brightly colored leaves falling to the ground to nourish the earth and give shelter to the small ones. Not to mention squash soup, pumpkin whoopie pies, apple everything, thick hearty stews and delicious soups. Now I’m hungry, time for one of those whoopie pies. What are your favorite dishes this time of year?