Autumn with a Side of Optimism

I’m typically okay with the caramel-hued onslaught of giddy Autumn-teasing motifs, such as cinnamon spices and decorative gourds. But this year feels different. This year — along with all the cider sipping and pumpkin pleasantries — fall seems to also bring a certain degree of uncertainty folded right into its transformatory essence.

And I’ll be honest, there’s a part of me that’s a little scared of any uncertainty, weary of summer’s inevitable end, and even concerned about the great world-wide what’s next. But, there’s another part of me — the one that I’ve appointed as my de facto leader this year — that feels radically optimistic. 

It’s the piece of me that gets excited about life’s simple pleasures, like spending a whole Sunday afternoon crafting a perfect seafood soup. The part of me that knows Mother Nature herself as the great matriarch of these magical and melancholic cycles, the part that feels humbled in her presence, especially here in Alaska. Really, the part of me that feels a jolt of sacred joy each time my baby shoots me a toothless smile. 

But look, I understand that radical optimism isn’t always easy, so here’s one thing that I find also helps: Getting creative in the kitchen. Few things quell the scaries for me more effectively than impromptu culinary immersion and getting inspired for what’s ahead. Like, for example, planning my (quickly approaching) Thanksgiving dinner and dreaming about:

• Making rich, flavorful stock for my stuffing using prawn shells. 
• All the various seafood pies and casseroles I’m eager to try. 
• My plan to serve weathervane scallops with chimichurri as appetizers 

I hope your Autumn (imperfect as it may or may not be) is ultimately laced with big smiles from loved ones, delicious aromas from great seafood meals and simple, happy moments at home.

Live Wild!...and stay positive!  

Pictured above: An actual reflection on the shores of Kachemak Bay as perfect accompaniment to the inner ones that Autumn inevitably ignites. Lots of clouds, but just as many silver linings.