Rosehip November

Michaelmas daisies and a hard-working bee in November!

Every year, when November rolls round, I inevitably think of the dreamy song “Rosehip November” by Vashti Bunyan. The words are simple, and the music is melancholy and gentle, a perfect hymn to the month.

“Rosehip November, autumn I’ll remember. Gold falling at our door, catch one leaf and fortune will surround you evermore…”

Some Novembers dawn gray and purple, as though the world has put on mourning clothes. This year, in our area of New York, it has been very gentle. The leaves that are still on the trees have faded, and most of the trees are bare. The cold of winter hasn’t yet settled into the earth, and the warm days we have feel like a blessing or a gift.

The harvested corn field across from our apartment.

Soon the cold days will come, and with them frost and snow, and dark, overcast days. Thanksgiving and Christmas are on their way, and this is a moment to pause, and I hope I can do that. When we lived in Utah, it seemed very hard for me to accomplish. Living in a city, surrounded only by pavement and busy roads, I felt that reflection and being were things that I struggled to do. I don’t know that I’m much better at it, but living in a rural area helps a lot, and I am grateful for it.

“When I am constantly running there is no time for being. When there is no time for being there is no time for listening.” — Madeleine L’Engle

I’d like to slow down a little and notice the world around me a little better, and reflect on the gifts of God. As a season of harvest and feasting, the American Thanksgiving seems a little late. But as a season of gratitude, on the eve of Advent and Christmas, it seems perfect.

One year, when I was at university, a friend of mine tagged me in a gratitute challenge during the month of September. It was to write five things every day that you’re grateful for. I accepted the challenge, and when September ended, kept going, because I loved doing it. I managed to keep going for several years before I fell out of the habit. Every once in awhile I will still post my five “gratefuls” on Facebook. I wanted to end this post by doing the same. Five things I’m grateful for in this season, at this time of my life:

1. I am grateful that my husband and I have health insurance ( a recent acquisition!) and are able to see the doctor.

2. I am gratful that the sun is shining today and we have blue clouds (and a strong wind!).

3. I am grateful for the corn field next to our apartment. We watched it grow, ripen and get harvested all in the time we’ve been here.

4. I am grateful for candles and candlesticks.

5. I am grateful for my husband Nick, and that we’re able to spend so much time together.