Notes on November

November creeps in slowly. Any leaves left on the trees make their gentle, silent descent. (How can something that falls so quietly make such a racket when piled en masse?) Next, an early morning sheen of frost greets you as brittle-brisk air stings your eyes. Overcast days give way to rain. By month’s end, November’s drizzle will be replaced by something lighter. Whiter. Inch by inch, November creeps in slowly.

Early November is lovely. “The Holidays” loom but not oppressively so. Thanksgiving, although celebrated in different countries under different guises, has not been hijacked by Christmas or Hanukkah (or Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, et al) so its original intent – to gather, to give thanks – still feels uniquely American and blessedly in tact. The flavors of fall parade in full force: cranberries so plump and tart they mock their summer cousins; primal, earthy chestnuts; an array of winter squashes whose names drip like honey – Buttercup, Sweet Dumpling, Delicata.

The bounty of November is undeniable. Our larders are full, our hearts grateful. So, Give thanks…then give back – shop locally this holiday season. From organic cranberry-walnut relish to organic pomegranate salt scrubs, Fountain of Youth Organics has a highly-edited inventory of carefully chosen products. More importantly, we take the guesswork out of shopping for organic products. Frankly, we have no tolerance for “organic-in-name-only” items if they don’t also prescribe to gender equity, fair-trade, or women-empowerment. In other words, if it’s on our shelves then it’s the good stuff. And I, for one, am thankful that our customers have embraced this philosophy as well. So, thank you…we’ll see you soon!

Thanksgiving comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.
~Edward Sandford Martin

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