| A special sort of happiness visits my neighborhood every
October. Just before the beginning of the month, a couple of trucks pull up to a
vacant space about an eighth of an acre square, and start to unload smiles. The
first step is to erect a harvest-colored tent top over the area. The borders of
this are decorated with colorful pictures. Loose straw is spread an inch thick
all over the ground, and several bales are placed so as to create paths and
serve as display counters for all sorts of toys and decorations. In one corner,
there are two playhouses, one looks and is furnished like a fairy tale fantasy,
and the other a jack-o-lantern which can be entered by walking through an
enormous grin.
When the space is prepared, it is time to unload the reason for all this
festivity. Pumpkins, squashes, and gourds of every size and hue are placed in
piles everywhere. There are gourds covered with pretty patterns, and all the art
supplies you would need to make a family project of painting your own. Pumpkins
range from tiny to gigantic in sorts for carving or cooking, with many decorated
as dolls to buy or provide inspiration for your own whimsy. Squashes are
fascinating, with their patterns and shapes that make you a bit reluctant to
cook them, since that means losing such beauty. Many folks buy one for dinner,
and another to display. There are hundreds of ears of dried Indian corn to pile
in a basket cornucopia on the Thanksgiving table.
At the entrance are wagons to be pulled up and down by children who often beg to
own one, although they are not for sale. Recorded folk music makes a visit seem
like a hoedown for all who enter. All the folks who visit walk around with
friendly smiles for other shoppers, and many visits are arranged for neighbors
who haven't gotten together in a while. The hosts for this party are small
farmers who live only about a hundred miles away from our city. Once a year they
make the trek to bring us a taste of harvest joy. If you want help with cooking
or carving directions, they are glad to oblige, and you can see how much they
enjoy our appreciation of their labors.
The spirit of Pumpkinland spreads over our whole area. People slow their evening
walks to chat, and remark on the leaf changes. Many stop to admire the moon and
enjoy the stars of Orion's belt gleaming nearby. Dog owners make play dates for
their pups. Even the squirrels seem to be particularly chatty, as they plunder
the fruit trees and pine cones.
There is a friendly energy in the Autumn air. Local markets all seem to have a
sale on sunflowers, and everyone has bought a couple to brighten their living
rooms. Folks coming home from these shopping excursions rest a moment and talk
with neighbors, before carrying in their bundles. Here and there, someone is
bringing a freshly baked goodie to folks down the block. The people of
Pumpkinland have brought G-d's bounty to share with all of us, and that blessed
generosity makes this a month of gratitude and smiles for all.
Copyright 2007 Eddy Robey
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