As of 7:43am, Sunday, September 22, fall officially arrives. For those familiar with Dallas, you know Autumnal Equinox may usher in shorter days and longer nights, but not necessarily flannel weather. Fall sneaks into North Texas in more muted ways – distant high school bands playing under Friday Night lights, native cedar elms showing a hint of yellow, a touch of cooler air on the morning breeze. In the garden, both flora and fauna that managed to survive yet another scorcher take a collective sigh of relief and settle in for their second season growth. How fortunate are they to recognize and relish this small gift of time before hunkering down for winter?
For many of us, we’re already caught up in hectic school routines and debating who will sit where and by whom at Thanksgiving dinner. But what if, instead, we take a few cues from nature and pause a bit within the transition from one season to the next?
Consciously choose to savor the first sips of morning pumpkin spice even if it’s consumed during bump-to-bumper. Leave your phone at your desk for a few moments (like we used to be able to do) in order to sit outside without sensing the need to reach for a text. Make a date with someone special to wander the Dallas Farmers Market, and stick to it! Be intentional in your visit – don’t be afraid to ask suggestions on how to use persimmons in a recipe or how best to prepare an acorn squash. Our farmers are experts in their individual products and are here to encourage you in embracing everything from Chioggia beets to orange watermelon.
The holiday season will be upon us soon enough. Take a deep breath here and now.
And linger.
