A world where there are Octobers...

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it?" ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

The other day I was puttering in the kitchen and looking out the window at the maples (who are just now getting a tinge of gold at their upper tips).

It brought to mind the more traditional signs of autumn as September slid into October, such as changing leaves and sweater weather. And then I thought of the REAL signs of autumn where we live.

Want to know the real deal?

I personally know fall has begun here in south Georgia/north Florida when...

...Trader Joes releases the pumpkin bread mix along with all the other pumpkin-yummies (of course I've already baked my first loaf; that's what I was doing whilst puttering), and...

... Publix displays fragrantly spicy cinnamon brooms at the entrance of the produce department.

Chris always brings one home to stand proudly amone the brollies in our kitchen umbrella stand. It's one of our little annual rituals.

Because honestly ~ when it's still 89 degrees outside, you have to take your signs of seasonal change where you can get them!

We had a brief period this week that I dub "false fall", in which Mother Nature gives us a glimpse of cooler times to come.

So there's hope (and speaking of hope, see my P.S.)!

For me, the third sign that autumn actually has arrived here in Thomasville is our annual Meet the Artisans event at The Hare & The Hart.

Meet the Artisans is truly one of my favorite Saturdays annually, and this is at least our 5th year. So hard to keep track!

It's a day full of joy and laughter, of creative minds crashing into each other (you should hear some of the conversations!), and a chance to meet the people behind many of the lovely wares we offer in the shop year round. Oh, and an opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping!

Who could ask for more?

xo,

PS:

Did you catch the first episode of the new season of Great British Bake Off? I confess I don't know much about Nigella Lawson (I'm an Ina Garten girl myself), but I love the way she made each baker feel welcome and comfortable... AND the way she takes a great big bite of each bake. Bless! As Nigella stated, "I am full of cake and hope." (But in my case, I'm full of pumpkin bread and hope! 😉)