A perfect autumn afternoon set the stage for a Halloween/Samhain celebration! Even though Kirsten couldn’t join us due to illness, the rest of us—George, Theo, and myself—gathered in the heart of Tarling Road Community Garden, ready for a afternoon of festivities.

Just a couple of days earlier, we had worked on the garden paths, so it felt rewarding to see the space being enjoyed by others in the community. We were welcomed by Leo and some of the garden’s trustees, who had brought out their creative flair with spooky webs, coloring activities, and decorations, which added a festive touch to the garden’s late autumn atmosphere.

As we gathered around the open fire, a generous pot of spicy pumpkin soup was ladled out, warming us from the inside out as the cool November air set in. The fire crackled and flickered, adding to the magic of the evening.

The highlight of the gathering was a ceremony to welcome in the New Year. Each of us took a leaf and wrote down a single word symbolizing a feeling we wanted to release or leave behind. With a touch of lavender, we threw our leaves into the flames, watching them burn away while we sang together, voices blending into the night.

The atmosphere was fun and relaxed, and the little ceremony gave us a chance to reflect and reset in good company. It was an afternoon well spent—just us, the garden, and the warm glow of community.