Happy Fall, All 🧡

Yes, Happy Fall to you all.  May it be filled with health, beauty and joy. 

After my summer reflection time about what next for my “Bring Joy to the Table” blog, here’s my new approach.  Rather than having a regular posting schedule, I’m going to go for spontaneous “pop up” posts when inspiration strikes.  And who knows—maybe the theme will also take some new forms—like a book (she says) or a calendar; certainly there will be many more wonderful meals shared around the table with people I love.  

We will see what evolves; and as always, I am open to any ideas you may have.  You have been such a dear community to me—thank you.  I love connecting with you all.  And thank you to my dear husband and editor, John, for your nudges and insights. 

Allora…Some Autumn ideas…

♥If you have not seen the documentary called Mission: Joy, Finding Happiness in Troubled Times, with Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, I highly recommend it.

♥On My Bookshelf:

  →A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home by Frances Mayes, a collection of essays, explores the elements that make a place a home, a theme I’m always interested in.  I like hearing about her home in Italy (you think?) and her experiences with homes, hers and others’, in the United States and around the world, as well as reading about all the memorable food along the way. 

  →A poetry anthology called The Path to Kindness: Poems of Connection and Joy, editor James Crews features many poems by various poets including a wonderful poem about Mr. Rogers by a friend of ours.  It also includes “Reflective Pause” sections for reflection and writing opportunities, and “Reading Group Questions and Topics for Discussion.” 

  → A cookbook called I ♥Pumpkin: Comforting Recipes for Cooking with Squash.  My first recipe to try will be Roast Pumpkin and Garlic Polenta; a next may be Roasted Butternut Squash Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  We shall see!

♥Tidbits:

  →Love these coasters:

  →And finally, I leave you with a quote from Jack Kerouac that is on a refrigerator magnet a friend gave me for my most recent BIG birthday:

            “Why not live for fun and joy and love?”  

                                    YES❤️