Velvety November
I could not let sweet November pass without giving it its due requiem. There is something so lovely and atmospheric about this mysterious month and yet, it only requires a turkey dinner of us. That’s easy for me to say because my dear sister usually hosts our Thanksgiving holidays and little is asked of me except to contribute my sweet and savory carrot soufflé.
November is a deep well with celebratory promises to come. In that dark shaft, my thoughts flow back to schooldays and fragrant burning leaves and pork chop suppers under a brass lantern above a kitchen table. That lantern dimmed before extinguishing one shadowy November night during the Great American Blackout, when all of the Northeast seaboard went pitch-black at the same exact time. We huddled near an old transistor radio while Mom attempted to build a fire in the brick fireplace which had always been Dad’s territory.
In November, the dark comes fast – my lights are lit at 3:30 pm these days. I’m grateful for the loden velvet sky that hangs over my house like a blanket pin-pricked with small bright stars. It reminds me that this is the month to slow down and reflect as much as possible.
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I’m not sure if or when I will write my usual Feminine Christmas series. My mother has been hospitalized again and we are working hard to get things ready to bring her home. If you want to pray for her, her name is Joan. My editor has given me some tips on how to create my Christmas series in new shortened ways. Hopefully, I can write again soon.
8 Comments
Karen
I will pray for Joan. Your dear mom. I will pray that her release from hospital to home will go so smoothly that you’ll be surprised by the ease. And have time and inspiration to write your usual feminine days of Christmas posts. We dearly love them. God bless you.
xo The Other Karen
Ann
Lovely post. Will add your mother to my prayer list…and you, too. Blessings for stregnth and healing.
Debbie
You are a gifted writer… so beautiful… I am always most nostalgic for New England in the fall… sending prayers for your mom that she will be home soon….
Cherre
Dear Donna, what a beautiful post. I enjoy reading about your memories. I will be praying for your mom, Joan.
Thresia Newbury
I always enjoy reading your posts. When I see a lovely inconsequence in my in box I smile and wait to read when I’ve skied down a bit. Because they just seem so special. Praying for your mom and your family.
Donna Nance
November doesn’t get the respect that some other months gather. Folks are too impatient to surge headlong into the Christmas season and the endless shopping, decorating and eating. I so enjoyed your musings and memories.
Your mother has been added to my prayer book. I always included family members, especially caregivers.
Denise
Thank you for this lovely piece on November. My birthday month. So sorry to hear that your mum, Joan, is in hospital and hope she will be well and home with you all soon.
Karen
First of all, what a lovely blog post about the mysteriously shadowy month of November. Thank you for taking the time to bring that before us and give us some interesting contemplations about it. And secondly, we will be praying fervently for Joan. We know God is taking care of her because He loves her and will ensure she gets the care she needs. And we know for sure Joan’s daughters will be helping out in every way. Prayers and blessings on you and your family!