11 Comments

I love this post so much. All these things have been on my mind so much lately, with the anniversary of my dad’s death approaching. I want to remember it in a more heartfelt and holy way. Also, I love the stuff about apples! I ran across a description of Lamb’s wool in a book called ‘England of Song and Story’ and made a version of apple juice, apple sauce and spices (and a hint of brown sugar). I love this season!

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Oct 27, 2023Liked by Kristin Haakenson

Mmm! The lambswool sounds delicious. I love the fact about the candles and the connection to Candlemas.

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I enjoyed this essay so much, Kristin...I keep meaning to add Hutton's The Stations of the Sun to my To-Read list (so thank you for that footnote reminder).

I also love the pomegranate-theme with your owl (and the image affiliated w/ the Signs + Seasons guild)...my family of three choose a pomegranate every year and consume three seeds on Halloween night -- it's been a tradition since B was little. It began as a recognition of the myth of Persephone & the Seasons but I've learned SO much about the pomegranate and its symbolism (alongside the unicorn) within my own PA German ancestry -- our tradition is ever-so much more meaningful now than when it first began so many years ago. ♡

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I love the pomegranate symbols too. In my latest novel, the main character Waldo helps his uncle deliver a calf and is asked to name it. He names it Pomegranate--Pom for short. Uncle Charles laughs and says he won’t attempt to spell it. Pom ends up being a symbol for the fertility and promise of youth. Waldo leaves her behind to go to war.

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Your Substack is one of my favorites. Beautifully written and heartfelt, and I learn so much from every post.

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