I have a theory, nay more than a theory – a way of looking at life. I think of it as the natural cycle.

It began with candy. I like my candy at seasonally appropriate times. I love pure sugar (not mixed with that chocolate crud) and my annual candy love begins at Halloween with the candy corn, moves to candy canes, then to conversation hearts, jelly beans, and my absolute favorite – Peeps. I’ve also come to realize that I don’t like to mess with this seasonal appropriateness (meaning, don’t give me Halloween Peeps (but I’ll eat them) ).

It was firmed up when I became Orthodox this focus on the cycles of feasting and fasting – of the liturgical year and how there is a seasonal appropriateness. You don’t shout “Christ is Risen” in November, and you don’t sing the Dormition tropar in the Spring

I have also noted that it bleeds into my flower favorites – I like to see the first flowers blooming in the spring – the daffodils (or Lent Lilies as they are called), the crocuses, and the tulips. And, then go through the summer with each new flower heralding their due season.

And, lastly, it serves me well when I think about food. Eating organic and local food is very important to me – you don’t get strawberries in the winter and butternut squash in the summer. It’s the same conclusion arrived at in a recent TIME article, and I thought it was well written. I’ve sent in my deposit for the new CSA season, and look forward to my first few greens and the rhubarb for a pie.

To everything there is a season and a purpose unto heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)