Of sharing seeds and fall

I am literally the worst blogger on the planet.  Except when it comes to the Grow Appalachia blog.  I pound out those posts in a day and I end up super proud of them!  But here, in this personal space of mind, I go several days in between posts.  I don't mean to.  To be honest, this blog is simply for me, to keep record of what I do here, so that when I one day put this journey behind me, I have something to look back on.  That's it.  I'll try to post on a more regular basis, but please charge it to my head and not my heart.  I love what I'm doing, and I want to share that love of what I'm doing with everyone- it just may take a while sometimes.  :)  

Anyway, I have recently surpassed my one-month mark of VISTAing.  Wow-wee.  I wrote in my work-related daily journal the other day that I feel like it should be Christmas by now!  I hate to be horrendously cliche, but I have learned so much already, and I know I have so much more to learn.  Earlier this week I visited the GA garden for the first time, and to say I fell in love is an understatement.  I really can't explain it, but there's just something about being outside in the sun, no noises or distractions except those coming from conversation and laughter, working God's creation with those who are in it for the same reasons you are.  Here's my hoard I took home with me.  And if this isn't good eatin', I'm not sure what is!  

This morning, we took part in a seed-sharing event.  For those of you who don't know what seed-sharing is, it simply involves farmers or growers keeping some of their seeds in order to package them and give them away or sell them for a very low price- they do this for folks who may not be able to afford seeds or who may otherwise not have access to them.  Today, each seed was an heirloom variety, which is top-of-the-line quality goods.  Each seed has a story.  I spoke to several farmers- they come from all over: New York, Virginia, Ohio, and even in the next county over.  The atmosphere was so warm and friendly; everyone was enjoying the company, the camaraderie, and the seeds that will grow food to benefit themselves, their communities, and their families.  

One last thing- does ANYONE else around here love fall as much as I do?!  Something about the crispness in the air, the "smell", the colors- it all just does something to me.  I've got a big pot of chili cooking right now, a fall-scented candle burning, my fuzzy socks on, and it's as if the leaves are changing right before my eyes.  When I finish up here, I may go and pull out my sweaters soon, or make myself a cup of tea!  There is just so much beauty to be seen during this time, and I'm so thankful that I can take more time to appreciate that beauty.  

Comfy cozy are we, fall is in full swing, and GA HQ is bustling about as ever.  Stay tuned :)