All Things Pumpkin and Fall…And Romance .......... by Delsora Lowe

Romance novels and films have been maligned or mocked as being frilly and frivolous and feeding a false narrative on life.

Hello! Why do you think romance novels are the highest selling category of book than any other genre—fiction or non-fiction? We all want to dream about a wonderful and loving life. And, no, romance novels are not based on a false narrative. But yes, the entire genre is meant to boost hope for a feel-good future; however that is defined by the reader.

Watching “seasonal” – as in any season – Hallmark movies, or Lifetime Christmas movies, or reading a seasonal book by one of many best-selling, or newly discovered, romance authors, is a guaranteed FEEL-GOOD.

In fact, a book will not be classified as a romance without a Happily-Ever-After ending, or a Happily-For-Now ending—which infers a Happily-Ever-After beyond the end of the book.

So, what does this have to do with pumpkins, you ask? In my mind… romance. Fall-themed romance books and movies. Turn on Hallmark and you will be accosted by pumpkins, colorful leaves, actors in sweaters, and participating in fall activities, despite the fact they film these movies in the heat of summer.

I love the fall season. The air is crisp — allowing for the comfort of a sweater to snuggle into. The leaves change from vibrant green to a medley of colors, depending on the type of tree. The flowers are sturdier and have deeper, richer colors, than the dainty pastels of spring. The pale sky blue of summer turns into a deeper blue before darkening to a vibrant azure in late fall and winter. The shadows lengthen as the sun drops below the horizon earlier each day. Even the nights seem darker and brighter with brilliant stars and distinct constellations. And pumpkins abound, with their beautiful and happy orange color.

But I digress. Back to books.

I scour new book listings that will embrace the fall season—their covers resplendent with colorful leaves, crisp, blue skies, and the promise of cooler temps. That means we can bring out our favorite cozy sweaters, and brew fun hot liquids. Do you know how many ways you can doctor a simple cup of hot cocoa, especially when you add spices associated with fall? Ever try the combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne in a cup of coco? Heavenly—with a subtle hint of heat to add to the warmth of the liquid.

As a romance novel enthusiast, I am also a romance movie fanatic. My dear friend and I critique every movie, as we watch and compare notes. Then we Google “Stream It or Skip It” to see if our take on the movie matches the “expert” reviewer. You would be amazed how many times, we “nail” the gist of what the reviewer says.

Extreme fandom? You bet! But I prefer to call the activity of watching romance movies “a must-research” for writers of romance. And…I’ll let you in on a little secret…ever since I saw my first Hallmark movie, back when I was in Junior High—a LONG time ago—when the movies only came out three or four times a year, I dreamed of having a Hallmark movie made from one of my books. Not that I ever thought of actually writing one at that age. 

Full disclosure—I still dream that dream. Only now, I’m actually writing romance novels. And if I’m honest, in the back of my head sits that little—okay—gigantic dream egging me on.

Another way of researching romances is through reading. I religiously buy Woman’s World every week. Although, I used to be a caterer and restaurant cook, so I do love their recipes, I still flip toward the back of the magazine first. You know why? The 5-minute romance! I’ve even sold 4 stories to the magazine since my first in 2010. And right now, I am madly editing for the umpteenth time two stories, one for Christmas and one for New Year’s Eve. I just sent in a Thanksgiving story. It’s a tough market, but with all the almost sixty shorts I have written over the years, I am now assembling an anthology. So, eventually those stories will get a home.

November 2018 - "Bright New Beginnings" - My Story
About Organizing the Local Thanksgiving Parade

But I digress. What does my love of romance movies have to do with fall and pumpkins, besides a plethora of pumpkins in the movies at this time of year? Not much, except my writing is in full, fall-themed mode. And my tastebuds are clamoring to tell the “artistic” part of my brain that it’s time to cook my favorite pumpkin or squash enhanced recipes.

So, let’s talk food! Pumpkins, in particular. I am immersed in reading fall-themed romance books and watching movies that seem to have plenty of pumpkins. And…I am buying ingredients to make my favorite fall soups that include winter-type squashes or pumpkins. And who doesn’t love to sip a fall-flavored and pumpkin-spiced hot tea on a crisp fall day. Or, in my case, as I write this and stare out my window, a typical fall day filled with skittering white clouds in a bright blue and sunny sky, followed by graying clouds and intermediate spits of rain. A great day for fall-flavored soup and tea.

Yes, folks…Fall is here, and the pumpkins are piled up in front of the local grocery store. Enjoy the season!

 

What do you like about pumpkins?

Do you enjoy pumpkin-flavored

 food and drinks? Or are there other foods, drinks,

 and scenery that remind you of fall?

Do you like reading romances set in the fall?

 

 

The Rancher Needs a Wife

Amazon (also in print)

Books2Read

~ cottages to cabins ~ keep the home fires burning ~

Delsora Lowe writes small town sweet and spicy romances and contemporary westerns, from the mountains of Colorado to the shores of Maine.

Author of the Starlight Grille series, Serenity Harbor Maine novellas, and the Cowboys of Mineral Springs series, Lowe has also authored short romances for Woman’s World magazine. The Love Left Behind is a Hartford Estates, R.I. wedding novella. A Christmas novel (The Inn at Gooseneck Lane) and novella (Holiday Hitchhiker) were released in late fall 2022. Look for book 3 of the cowboy’s series, as well as book 2 of the Hartford Estates series, in 2025.

Social Media Links:
Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/delsoraloweauthor/community/
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Delsora-Lowe/e/B01M61OM39/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Books2Read Author page: https://www.books2read.com/ap/8GWm98/Delsora-Lowe
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/delsora-lowe-93c6987f-129d-483d-9f5a-abe603876518
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16045986.Delsora_Lowe
Instagram: #delsoralowe / https://www.instagram.com/delsoralowe/

Image Link Credit: 
Photos: taken by blog author  
TV: https://clipart-library.com/1950s-tv-cliparts.html  
Dancing Couple: 
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The Joy of Autumn

Autumn. A time of soups, pumpkins, Halloween and leaves changing. A beautiful and welcomed time of year.

Enjoy these pictures and I'm wishing you all a joyful autumn.

I make soups all winter long out of our pumpkins.

Fun and games at Halloween time!

Get out and enjoy the fall weather and the gorgeous changing leaves! It's good for the soul.

My front porch. I love decorating for Halloween, even though we don't get trick or treaters.

The contrast of yellow leaves and blue sky is so pretty.

My mums.

The other side of my porch with my witches broom hung up.

Always fun to go to the farm for pumkins too. Love the animals there.

Our deck off the bedroom. Enjoying a mocktail with the vampire pig.

Have a wonderful autumn and Happy Halloween everyone!

Black cats, Friday the 13 th and Spilt Salt

 by Diana McCollum

Well, here it is, one of the most superstitious days on the calendar. I have never taken it seriously. Have you?

I'd like for you all to comment in the comment section as to your feelings on Friday the 13th. Is it good, bad or do terrible things really happen on Friday the 13th?

Do black cats crossing your path signify bad luck? What about walking under a ladder? Spilt salt? Spilt milk?

In some cultures black cats are a symbol of good luck! Some people even believe black cats bring wealth and good fortune.

The saying goes if you spill salt you are supposed to pinch it with your right hand and throw it over your left shoulder to prevent evil from manifesting. Evidently, evil lurks over the left shoulder.

2023 harvest of pumpkins husband grew

Do you knock on wood for good luck? Did you know that horse shoes should always be hung on the wall with the open side towards the ceiling. This is done so all the good luck won't fall

.

Paradise, CA sunset (Just threw this in because, well Pretty!!

Scary lights?

Old haunted cabin in northern CA

Do you believe in ghosts? Have you an experience with a ghost you'd care to share?

And what pray tell are your thoughts on Friday the 13th???

Friday the 13 th?

 by Diana McCollum

Well, here it is, one of the most superstitious days on the calendar. I have never taken it seriously. Have you?

I'd like for you all to comment in the comment section as to your feelings on Friday the 13th. Is it good, bad or do terrible things really happen on Friday the 13th?

Do black cats crossing your path signify bad luck? What about walking under a ladder? Spilt salt? Spilt milk?

A portion of harvested pumpkins.

Husband grew 15 pumpkins, all shapes and sizes to celebrate October, even Friday the 13th.

Paradise, CA sunset (Just threw this in because, well Pretty!!

Scary lights?

Old haunted cabin in northern CA

Do you believe in ghosts? Have you an experience with a ghost you'd care to share?

And what pray tell are your thoughts on Friday the 13th???

Have a wonderful fall!!!

Transitioning Time

     Fall is a time for transition.  With the fall equinox comes shorter days.  I welcome this time of year and I’ll tell you why.

One of the pumpkins we grew this year.

     The garden starts turning brown and the last of the harvest is canned or frozen.  No more watering, weeding or picking.  Yea!  Pumpkins are turning orange and getting ready for their Halloween debut, on one of my very favorite holidays.  Yea!  With hoe and shovel the garden is turned over and left to rest till spring.  No more garden maintenance. Yea!
   
     I see fewer birds in the garden since most are heading south for the winter.  A few stick around because my hubby feeds them.  We do get to enjoy some wild life, and actually we see more varieties in the winter, quail, doves and other birds.  The deer come up to the fence looking to nab some sunflower seeds too.  We often find their tracks in the mud or snow.

     As a writer, I enjoy the fall and winter months. This is my time for getting back to the business of writing.  I can see out my office window and enjoy the change of color in the trees, the rain and eventually the snow.  Cold, short days keep me at the computer and in my chair.  What’s better than a cup of hot tea, a bulky, warm sweater and a juicy work in progress?

I also find I read a lot more in the winter.  When it is cold outside and the rain is pouring, I flip on the gas fireplace; grab an afghan, hot chocolate or tea, and a good book.  And just relax for an afternoon or evening.

Fall and winter are refreshing times for me both as a writer and a reader.  Added bonus, the holidays are right around the corner.  Yea!

    Do you read more in the summer or winter, or does it make a difference?

My Favorite Halloween Symbol

My Favorite Halloween Symbol

My husband and I love to grow pumpkins. Even if there is nothing else in the garden, I have to have my pumpkins.

The seed is like the beginning of a story. It is a glimmer of what it will become. With planning and nurturing the story grows as does the pumpkin. Upon harvesting or completion the pumpkin is used in various ways, pie, bread, decoration or jack-o-lanterns. The story when harvested is sent out to be represented or published.

After doing a little research, I’ve found some interesting facts about pumpkins:

“Did you know………

· Pumpkins are made from 90% water?

· Pumpkins are really squash, which is actually a fruit, but is most commonly used as a vegetable when cooking?

· Pumpkins were once recommended to cure snake bites and freckles?

· Pumpkins are grown all over the world, except Antarctica where the climate is too cold?

· Pumpkin seeds that were found in caves in Mexico were dated back to about 7000 BC?

· The Native Americans were among the first to grow pumpkins?

· The Irish began the tradition of carving pumpkins and brought the tradition to America? They originally carved turnips, but once here found that pumpkins were much easier to carve.”

(Published in the Londonderry, NH paper)

The reason the Irish carved turnips and squash and eventually pumpkins into lanterns is an interesting tale. The original Jack was a drunkard, mean and stingy towards the town folks. The legend goes that one day he caught the devil up an apple tree and surrounded the tree with crosses. Jack did not let the devil down until the devil promised to not take his soul when he died. The devil promised, and Jack let him down. Soon Jack died and he couldn’t get into heaven and the devil wouldn’t let him in. Jack said he needed a light to find his way and the devil tossed him an ember from hell. Jack carved a turnip and put the ember into it. The Irish would carve potatoes, turnips and gourds to keep evil spirits away on Hallows eve and keep stingy Jack away. After the Irish immigrated to America during the 1800's they began the tradition of carving pumpkins.

Legends are a great source for that unusual little seed for a story. H-m-m, I’ve found several in this legend.

What is your favorite Halloween symbol and/or what “seeds for a story” have you found in a legend?