Saturday, October 1, 2016

October's Soul

Greetings
Enchanting October,
we Welcome you back.
We knew you were coming.
September told us as she bid us farewell on her way down the garden path,
aglow with traces of Summers last fading sunset.
We've been preparing for your visit,
as our knitting needles have been busy with wool
that will warm hands, heads, necks and feet
when you caress us with your cool fingertips.
We know your approach will be gentle and light of step,
bringing just a subtle softening around the edges of our world.
In the beginning you will be sweet and mild mannered,
allowing us to open a window from time to time,
so Miss Puss can experience the beauty of your breath in the air
if only for a moment ...
However, we know your fickle ways only too well and before long
we will have much need of warm garments and steaming cups of tea as you begin to shake your glorious head of russet and gold,
leaving falling tresses in your wake for us to trample through.
There are sure to be days of gray when we endure your brooding moods.
We will weather your storms and the many aspects of your personality as we gradually adapt to you by working with even heavier wool to knit warmer mittens and always keeping the kettle on and the blessed teapot filled.
There will be cozy afternoons of leafing through whole magazines devoted solely to you, as we relax and snuggle deep down into our favorite thick sweater in that chair that fits only us exactly right...
And tender moments to make new memories with precious loved ones.
Regardless of which element of your temperament you choose to reveal,
we remain bewitched by your alluring charms.
 Cherishing your return to us year after year, we celebrate your presence
 by filling our homes with the rich spicy fragrances of fresh baked goodness.
Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, swirling together and rising up ....
all fragrant and warm, inviting you in as our honored guest.
 Carrot Cake

2 Cups All Purpose Flour
2 Cups Sugar
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
3 Cups Finely Grated Carrots
1 Cup Oil
4 Large Eggs

Sift together first six ingredients.
Add carrots, oil and eggs.
Beat until well mixed. {approximately 2 minutes}.
Turn into two pans that have been layered with parchment paper
and sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 to 60 minutes.
Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes.
Turn out onto wire racks and cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 Stick Unsalted Butter - softened to room temperature
1 - 8 Ounce Block of Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese
-softened to room temperature
2 Pound Bag Confectioner's Sugar
1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla
2 - 3 Tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream

Mix all ingredients till smooth and creamy.
Use more or less cream according to your preference
on the consistency of your frosting.
{I tend to like my frosting a bit on the stiff side}
Use a dash of milk instead of cream if you prefer.
I realize there are a whole lot of recipes out there for Cream Cheese Frosting,
this is just how mine has developed over the years.
So October,
our multi-faceted and ever changing
Friend of old,
We Welcome You Home
with open arms.
We give thanks to You
for the wonders of your bounty
and the mysteries
that wait around each corner for us.
Please,
Do
Come In,
Our Souls are ready to embrace You
and all the Magic you contain,
once again.

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
L.M. Montgomery
Anne of Green Gables

12 comments:

  1. Oh I so agree with Anne... there is nothing like October :0) delicious carrot cake and lovely tea...perfect ;D mari

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    1. Yes ... I do believe Anne was right. October is the coziest of times. It brings out all the warm spices, snuggly knits and delicious hot drinks.

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  2. How lovely, I love October too. Beautiful gloves xx

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    1. Thank you Cheryl... And a most Happy October to you across the lovely ocean My Dear...

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  3. October here is much more subtle, a slight decrease in temps and a change in the slant of the light in the sky, I am so looking forward to it.
    Meredith

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    1. It sounds quite lovely still Meredith. I bet you are looking forward to it. I would so love to see the beauty of the ocean in the Autumn time.
      Much Love to You,
      Danette

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  4. I was thinking of that quote from Anne all the way through your post. What a lovely piece of writing you shared with us! October is a wonderful month. We thoroughly enjoyed this first day, spending it out amongst the colors and fresh air.
    Your fingerless gloves are lovely. xo Deborah

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    1. Yes... I have been thoroughly enjoying your Instagram feed today!
      It's all so beautiful!!!
      Thanks... these gloves sold a few minutes after I put them online :-)
      Bless You Friend,
      Danette

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  5. I agree October is my favourite month in the USA, and we were married in October. Love the Anne quote. Fingerless mitts are so nice.

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    1. Oh how lovely to celebrate your wedding day in October.
      My second daughter was married in October 5 years ago and it was beautiful. Fingerless mitts are a favorite for most, aren't they? :-)
      Thanks so very much for your visit... I hope you come again and again...
      Danette
      Dan

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  6. Love these cozy photos, and indeed I am glad to love in a world with Octobers! Such a beautiful reflection you've written.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you my Dear, Dear Friend...
      I miss you these days and have to settle into a nice long catch up with you on your blog. I sit down to do a post then go right back to my knitting... Stitch after stitch after stitch all hours to keep up...
      Much Love to you,
      Danette

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Thank you for taking time to chat with me ~
Your comments make me so Happy!
Have a lovely day.
Danette