Fire

While each season has a place and a pace, there are a few days in each season where I'm not quite sure what the day is trying to be.  This time of year is one of those times when the leaves have already fallen and we have some gloomy days.  The colors of fall have given way to brown and more brown and it could be my imagination but we don't have as many truly sunny days either.  It is supposed to be the start of the festive season with Thanksgiving gatherings and family visits but it isn't quite festive yet (no snow, no decorations, no lights).  I'm just plain cold and I don't enjoy being outside. 

Well, actually, I do like being outside but only if it's by a fire (see the picture taken by a guest at the winery firepit a week or so ago).

Maybe it's the nice glow with the warm colors, maybe it's the warmth and the great smell or maybe it's because whenever you sit by the fire, people show up.  If you're sitting at a table, it is unlikely that people you don't know are going to just take the seat next to you but sit by the fire, and the chair next to you will be occupied in no time!  Everyone stares at the fire and starts to talk.  Stories are openly shared without pretense or formalities.  Bottles of wine are passed around to fill empty glasses as if we're one big group and everyone takes turn poking the fire or adding more wood.  Folks who were leaving will stop by the fire for a quick warm up and end up staying 'a bit longer'.  Jackets and blankets get shared and before you know it, you've made new friends.  Ah - that is the warmth of the season feeling after all!