Thanksgiving at the Cabin

Engaging with nature offers a full sensory experience that changes dramatically with the seasons, and autumn brings its own unique atmosphere to the woods.

The vivid and layered scents of the autumn woods evoke a sense of place and community

The woods have a distinct seasonal aroma that rises from the ground and drifts down, signaling the hidden activity beneath the leaves and bark

Kathryn Nicolai draws attention to the special scent of the deep woods in autumn—a layered aroma that rises from the wet earth and descends gently upon the senses. This scent is composed of dead leaves, moss, pine needles, and a myriad of other elements. The once lush green woods, dim and shadowy under the dense summer canopy, are transformed by the wind and the rain of autumn as nearly all leaves have fallen, clearing the way for sunlight to periodically brighten and warm the woods.

Despite the quietness of the woods, the rich scents can feel like a comforting presence on a solitary walk

Despite the apparent stillness and solitude of the woods, the rich olfactory tapestry betrays the hidden activity beneath drifts of leaves and layers of bark. These scents, Nicolai suggests, provide silent companionship as one meanders along the leafy, soon-to-be December paths.

The changing light and shadows in the woods as the leaves fall create a shifting, ...

As Thanksgiving arrives, the comfort and familiarity of returning to her A-frame cabin fills Kathryn Nicolai with a sense of bittersweet anticipation, culminating in a feast for the senses and the heart.

The familiar comforts and bittersweet anticipation of returning to the narrator's cabin for Thanksgiving

Kathryn Nicolai reflects on the cozy scene as she and her dog gear up for the holiday festivities. The A-frame cabin, their retreat, is a sanctum of familiar comforts. It’s a day of thankful reflection and culinary indulgence, where she is eager to immerse herself in the mouthwatering scents of holiday baking that evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and the essence of 'home'.

The cabin is filled with the mouthwatering scents of holiday baking, evoking nostalgic associations and a feeling of home

As soon as the dog slips through the doggy door, they are greeted by the rich scents of apple and pumpkin pies, complete with crisp pastry and a hint of vanilla floating through the cabin. These scents recall the whimsical charm of old-timey cartoons where characters are lured by the irresistible trail of a pie's aroma. These evocative smells are more than a signal that baked goods are ready; they are the aroma therapy of home, signaling that the holiday has begun.

The narrator has established small traditions and rituals around the cabin, like leaving offerings for the occasional visiting possum

Among the quaint routines that give the cabin its charm, Nicolai mentions a unique tradition tied to their local wildlife. Throughout the year, offerings of apples or crackers are left for ...

In a world that often celebrates grand gestures and public declarations, the narrator provides a window into the quiet and profound experiences that build a true sense of intimacy and belonging.

The narrator's close, affectionate relationship with their partner is conveyed through subtle, tender gestures

In the warmth of their intimate home, the narrator prepares for a festive occasion and finds small but significant ways to express their deep connection with their partner.

The narrator's secret message and sense of contentment

After sneaking into the steam-filled bathroom, which was scented with eucalyptus, the narrator draws a heart in the condensation on the mirror, writing their intertwined initials within it—a privately shared symbol of their bond, echoing previous gestures made in notes or in the sand at the beach.

Amidst the coziness of their shared space, the narrator snuggles with the dog on the bed. This moment captures a profound sense of contentment and belonging—feeling complete with the simple but fulfilling presence of their loved ones.

The narrator's community of friends and neighbors, though physically distant, is felt through the shared experience of holiday preparations

The narrator’s connection extends beyond the physical walls of their cabin, reaching out to touch the lives of those in the surrounding area.

Shared holiday spirit across the valley

On the way to a neighbor's house to celebrate Thanksgiving, the narrator joyfully carries pies, accompanied by their dog. The cabin in which they live is cozy, described as "just large enough for the three of us," which conveys a snug and warm environment perfect for nurturing relationships.

The narrator smiles at the sight of smoke rising from chimneys across the valley, a visible sign of neighbors engaging in a similar ri ...

The narrator's day is imbued with profound gratitude, joy, and wonder, and the cabin embodies a deep sense of home and belonging.

The narrator is filled with a profound sense of gratitude throughout the day, finding joy and wonder in even the smallest details

As the narrator walks through the forest, they take deep breaths of the air, marveling at the "small miracles" that make them feel truly present and content. They describe the world around them as filled with wonders, allowing them to feel an effortless overflow of pure gratitude.

The narrator breathes deeply of the forest air and marvels at the "small miracles" all around, feeling truly present and content

They experience an intense connection with the world around them, feeling at peace and at one with the forest as they observe the details of nature that fill them with sheer joy and contentment.

The narrator's small act of whimsical creativity in arranging the snacks for the visiting possum reflects an underlying kindness and hospitality, even if the gesture goes unnoticed

The narrator displays a gentle act of hospitality and creativity as they prepare a playful snack for a possum. They arrange cranberries, dates, a brazil nut, and mandarin segments into a smiley face, an offering left with whimsy and kindness beneath their porch. Nicolai acknowledges that the possum may not understand the gesture, but it is the act of kindness itself that brings satisfaction.

The cabin, with its familiar comforts and cherished traditions, represents a deep sense of home and belonging for the narrator

"The A-frame cabin" where the narrator resides is an intimate and cozy space, capable of fitting just the three of them. It is Thanksgiving at the cabin, and the small s ...