Confession: I am experiencing pumpkin envy.  The neighbor’s garden is growing three enormous, beautiful pumpkins right along the alley between our houses. It’s taking everything in my power not to go over and harvest one.  The neighborhood has been watching them grow for over a month. They started as green blobs that we all debated about – what were they?  Squash?  Watermelon?  But no – they were pumpkins! 

Pumpkins are such a joyful vegetable to me. From the bright playful orange to the nostalgic smell of pumpkin pie, pumpkins are one of my seasonal permission slips to welcome the new season and savor Fall. I love the twisty tendrils of the pumpkin plant. I love the gigantic size of the leaves. I love the glowing yellow of the flowers. I love being a member of the pumpkin fan club.  

A few days ago a friend went to Starbucks and got her first pumpkin spice latte of the season. I love pumpkin spice latte lovers. They’re a little fanatic. The hype is almost overwhelming, but I resonate with wanting to savor the coming of fall that pumpkins represent and the indulgence of their simple pleasure in the fragrance and flavor. 

I promise I’m not going to steal my neighbor’s pumpkin, but I am giving myself permission to get one early this year.  I look forward to carving it – feeling the squish of the seeds, smelling the fresh pulp, and reminiscing in the memories of the many jack-o-lanterns I’ve carved over the years. I look forward to carving one this year with my family and sharing the joy of this new season just around the corner. 

Join me September 22nd at  – the first day of Fall for our next Joy Work Lab on Harvest!  Click here for ticket information.  Hope to see you there!