Fall, a Great Time to Rise
Not so long ago, a Beartarian Summer was something only whispered about on icy hunting trips in the upper slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Tales of the warm smoky days tempered by the cool clear nights would come and go, like a lingering glance back at the fun of summer before turning and firmly grasping the steaming chocolaty mug of winter. I am no meteorologist, nor will I claim to know what rocks allegedly striking unseen land in northern Siberia have to do with the weather, but what I do know is with the right attitude, any fall season can be made into a Beartarian Summer.
Volgadeutsch Bear’s Toast in Colorado, Ban Hammers by Nighthawk Bear, Zezzie Bear’s Sunset, New England Bears.
Just before the last of the summer heat falls away, while the squirrels check that they have enough nuts for the winter, cars stream into a small Colorado farm town. The backyard is lit with laughter and a 5,000 lumen work light and the young ones throw leaves in the air as pleased parents look on. New friendships are being forged around a fire pit and the hum of half a dozen enthusiastic conversations fills the air. This is the first Fall Harvest Party in our Rocky Mountain Unbearables group that I have attended. Judging by the prevalence of bare feet and the lack of jackets, the warmth was felt by all. Even the curious neighbors who stopped by were grinning ear to ear as we casually strolled from the garden to the back yard discussing what vegetables we would be planting in the spring. The energy was as close to perfect as it gets.
I lay all this out to say that the extra-seasonal warmth that a Beartarian Summer is known for doesn’t begin with the position of the sun or the relative changes in atmospheric pressure. It is not decided by the calendar nor the presence of a frost and the rebound into several weeks of summer heat (what the layperson calls an “Indian Summer”). In truth, a Beartarian Summer begins in the soul. It is the inner warmth radiating off the glow from the fire that is a man or a woman’s gratitude and generosity to their fellow man and, of course, their Creator. I have witnessed that warmth with each new face that enters our circle. We’ve faced some small and great challenges together already, and the spirit among us is strong and unbowed.
I long for the day when we will welcome to our gatherings at least 100 legendary men and women with bundles and bundles of children in tow, but it all begins with a dream. That dream isn’t just for my community, but for yours as well. I’m delighted to hear of more and more groups gathering more frequently all across the land. From my family, to yours we bless you with more truth, more health, and more real friends who speak encouragement and cheer one another on in even our smallest of triumphs.
As I watch a beet red sun rolling off into the distance behind a mountain, and see the moon climb the stars and poke through the clouds, I am reminded that this is our time to rise. We will not only survive the winter, we will put some cinnamon and nutmeg on top, light some candles, and use the time spent indoors to read Marcus Aurelius and plan a 10% more efficient garden with 50% more capacity. You know, just things absolute Crushers plan and do.
If you have any fall recipes, fun fall traditions, or anything else special you’d like to share, we’d love to hear about it. For events-related items, write to events@beartariatimes.com Check out our Arts and Crafts page and share some great holiday crafts for children and adults alike. If you want to share some great ideas for harvesting fruit and vegetables in the fall, let us know. I for one would also love to see what you have as far as seasonal natural remedies to clear out all this smoke from my lungs. Thanks so much for reading. See you next time.
Nighthawk Bear
