“New thoughts and hopes were whirling through my mind, and all the colors of my life were changing.” ~ Charles Dickens, David Copperfield

It is deep November and the season has drawn me inward. The shortened days and long nights have slowed down the natural activity of my body and my mind has awaken to latent ideas and intentions. As the year dies away, I am thinking of all the possibilities of the next. The years pass quickly and without thoughtfulness they can be lived as if half asleep.

I’m inspired by the changing of the leaves. They glow bright, then fade, then fall away. The tree sleeps, gathers, waits and at the appointed time branches out, reaches out to the the spring sun, flowers and begins anew.

Have a blessed fall and winter. And may it become a time to

“prepare for the hungry world
(the fallen world, the loony world)
something shapely, useful, new, delicious.” ~ Gail Mazur (Young Apple Tree, December)

Chocolate Loaf Cake

*Recipe from The Culinary Arts Institute Cookbook