Dear Reader,
I realize I am not alone when I say that fall is my favorite season! Everything about this time of year brings a smile to my face. The crisp mornings and evenings with warm days in between. The key phrase “sweater weather” sums it up! It’s a blessing to live in the Northeast and experience the change of the leaves too. This transition is really is a beautiful sight and pictures do not quite do it justice. Although, who can forget all the yummy treats! Apple crisp is a big one in our family accompanied with all the pumpkin goodies. Pumpkin deserts especially bring up so many warm memories of my Mom.
My Mom was always happiest in her kitchen. She designed her kitchen to fit her needs with a grocery closet, ample island, and plenty of space for us to play within her sight. Even now when I visit my childhood home, I can still see her at the head of island peeling vegetables and mixing a batter. She always enjoyed baking but at some point her focus turned to all things pumpkin. My Mom loved making pumpkin pie especially and would leap at any chance to bake one. She proudly made her own preserves as well. Her face would light up every time she received a compliment on her pie and it was a beautiful sight to see.
Recognizing her clear love for pumpkins, I began giving her pumpkin bowls and other kitchen ware for her Christmas presents. One year I bought her a pumpkin apron with her name, Linda, embroidered on it along with a matching oven mitt and pot holder. I wrapped these goodies in Christmas paper and sent them to her early and enclosed a note saying that Santa came early. My Mom was delighted and when I walked in the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning she was wearing this apron. It was her way of saying “I love you.”
I am happy to say that I have this apron in my home now and I wear it when I bake the pumpkin treats. This month’s entry of Bella’ s diary is inspired by my Mom’s love for pumpkins. Unfortunately, my Mom left before a lot of conversations between us could be spoken and resolved. However, when I write and share these stories I am able to focus on the love that was always there and magically shines through. As a good friend reminded me this last holiday season, when you create with love that is exactly what others will receive.
Love Always,
Kristina Lucia xoxo