It was twenty some years ago that I first spotted the field filled with large orange orbs. A pumpkin patch on a slightly, slanted slope along Route 89 near Waitsfield, Vermont. The sight brought a smile to my face. I giggled. Since that time, pumpkins have been my "happy" vegetable and I await pumpkin season with great eagerness. It heralds the arrival of Indian Summer, the gentle change of season.
For many years I've been selecting pumpkins and squash of varied varieties from Intervale Farm in New Gloucester, Maine. My son and I would make the trek each September in search of the biggest and ugliest pumpkins.
Seeking the imperfect, we would take them home and carve according to the features created by nature. One year we had a double faced pumpkin that became the comedy/tragedy drama faces. Another one was more square than round and became a carved house. My son is off to college now so I make the journey alone seeking the harvest vegetables for my early fall recipes and decorations. Little pumpkins are left for neighbors. Squash becomes bread to be served at Thanksgiving. Pumpkin seeds are toasted and enjoyed as a snack. From seed to seed, pumpkins provide lots of pleasure.
Seeking the imperfect, we would take them home and carve according to the features created by nature. One year we had a double faced pumpkin that became the comedy/tragedy drama faces. Another one was more square than round and became a carved house. My son is off to college now so I make the journey alone seeking the harvest vegetables for my early fall recipes and decorations. Little pumpkins are left for neighbors. Squash becomes bread to be served at Thanksgiving. Pumpkin seeds are toasted and enjoyed as a snack. From seed to seed, pumpkins provide lots of pleasure.
This year I encountered a new pumpkin celebration. In Monument Square, Portland, Maine, Camp Sunshine held a fundraiser that involved purchasing and carving a pumpkin for five dollars. The fun and final product was worth much more then that meager contribution. Judging from the vast sea 
of glowing faces filling the scaffolding and lining the street, Camp Sunshine's event appealed to the young at heart of many.
of glowing faces filling the scaffolding and lining the street, Camp Sunshine's event appealed to the young at heart of many.
Happy Halloween and may a pumpkin put a smile on your face and a glow in your heart.