It’s gathering season

This time of year is all about harvesting and gathering. Apples are ripening on the trees in the orchards at Green Bluff. Pumpkins are in the fields and sweaters are back in the closet.

For some of us, it’s also the time of year to gather other things.

Fall brings a busy season of antique shows and sales. The last weekends before winter weather settles over the region are packed with estate sales, flea markets and garage sales. It’s prime time for anyone who loves antiques and collectibles.

But, just like I can’t buy every pretty pumpkin and I can’t eat every apple in the basket, I’ve learned to choose carefully from the bounty.

I grew up with antiques and collectibles. They were in every room of my house. They were in the garage and the basement.

Then, when I was an adult, and could buy what I wanted without having to ask permission, I had a good time. I had a tendency to bring home whatever caught my eye. Some, but very few, of those things have stayed with me over the years. Most I kept for a while, until my tastes or living space changed, and then I moved them along.

Now I buy sparingly. I’ve learned that if I bring something in, that means something has to go. There’s only so much room in the house and I don’t like a lot of clutter. I don’t like to dust.

I have my weaknesses: books, alabaster lamps, wicker-wrapped wine bottles, old stained-glass windows, vintage jewelry and linens to name a few. But every year it seems like I learn to enjoy looking more and owning less.

I’m looking forward to spending a few hours at the big antique show at the fairgrounds this weekend and the Past Blessings sale at the Bigelow Gulch Grange the following weekend. I’ll probably stop by a few garage sales and estate sales.

I’ll talk to a lot of friends, look at thousands of beautiful antiques and collectibles. And, I’ll bring one or two new things home with me.

That’s what’s so much fun about this time of year. The scenery is beautiful. And the gathering is easy.