Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Have you noticed the trend over the last decade or so that as soon as Halloween is over, some people decide it is officially the Christmas season? They put their trees up, deck the halls & the outside of their homes and that’s it. Social media has definitely exacerbated this course as the perceived competition to be the first one to start this holiday rush is palpable. And this year many more people are jumping on this bandwagon as a way to escape the reality of the pandemic & other 2020 fare. I am all for the live and let live mentality, but I for one absolutely adore fall and all it brings so I am not swayed to rush this season at all.

Thanksgiving is obviously part of this fabulous time of year. And all that is available in nature to decorate and prepare for this holiday is just everywhere & too lovely to miss. like bittersweet, dried leaves, fresh apples, pinecones, acorns, as well as the main attractions, gourds and pumpkins. And what would fall be without apple picking and cider donuts?

I have always chosen to host Thanksgiving as it is just the ultimate celebration of my favorite season. Luckily this year we can still enjoy the food and the fun of decorating, but sadly, many of the festivities were cancelled. The fairs. the festivals, the barn dances and other autumn staples became casualties of the pandemic. And while I was OK when many of the other things stopped or were canceled this year, the loss of the fall commemorations hit me hard. But this too shall pass.

One way I am still able to honor my favorite season is through-what else-music. Today’s song, released on this day in 1992, is one I would hear at every fall festival & dance I would attend. I also listen to it while I prep & cook the big Turkey Day meal and luckily that has not changed. This track is a celebration of the season, of love, of tradition and of finding sheer delight in the moment we are in. It is also by Neil Young which is basically a home run for me.

“But now it’s gettin’ late
And the moon is climbin’ high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin’ in your eye“.

. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Neil Young: “Harvest Moon” (1992, written by Neil Young).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.