SUMMERWEEN

Friday, July 27 -- Cottonwood Butte obscured by smoke

I had never heard of “Summerween” until I saw the term on a quilting website, but I like it! It fits my mood and the eerie look of this smoky world.

It was still June when I said to myself, “I need a little magic, right this very minute,” so I decided to bypass my summer home dec display and set out some Halloween magic in advance of the season. I thought I was so clever and imaginative. I was thinking outside the box and doing something just for myself. No one else would even think of having Halloween in summer.

So – imagine my surprise when I walked into my local JoAnn store and discovered three aisles of Halloween home dec. Again, this was June! So, I could see that instead of being unique, I’m really abreast of current trends, which is almost as good. (And if they’re setting out Halloween, can Christmas be far behind? No!)

Well, you won’t find me complaining. If you’re a crafter, you need the lead time. In past years, this stuff didn’t appear until it was too late. I was always a year behind. I’m still behind, but never mind. I love the extended holiday season more than I love the season itself.

Anyway, as we drove back to town Saturday morning, we observed harvest activities. The fields are at readiness. The shadows grow longer, and the sun is dimmed by smoke. It’s Summerween.

Mike and I agreed that when we return to the farm, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that our place has been harvested.

[Note the flying witch and moon in my display. I recently bought this retired Department 56 piece from an Etsy seller. These so-called collector items have become so expensive to buy new that I now seek used pieces. I enjoy the hunt.] KW