Come a little bit closer, hear what I have to say, just like children sleeping, we could dream this night away

While watching the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" (which I recommend to rent or see on a cheap Tuesday) I rediscovered what may be one of my first ever favourite songs, "Harvest Moon" by Neil Young. I'm not quite sure if this is an actual memory or one that has been planted in my head by my mom but I seem to recall hearing the song and swaying to it in the kitchen dressed in a favourite nightgown. To this day the song still has a soothing effect on my soul. Hearing the song and the topic of my first post got me thinking a little bit about my childhood. I shared a special memory with a great friend, fussyjussy and she insisted that I make it my second post. So, here goes...


At age 8 I decided that I would like to play t-ball. My brother was registered that year as well and while he continued to play the sport for over 10 years I "retired" after my one year. Previous to this I had been a Blue Jays fan and enjoyed watching baseball on t.v. and was therefore pretty excited to play. My Dad took me out to buy the necessary equipment and I think we even played catch a couple times. I was all set!


I arrived at my first practice with my new cleats and glove, ready and eager! Quite early on in the practice we began to practice catching ground balls. The coach threw one my way, I crouched down and positioned my glove to catch it, just the way he had taught us. At the last second, the ball hit a snag in the field, coming up to hit me square in the mouth, thus beginning Ish's infamous Fear of the Ball. I kept with it for the season even though I was literally terrified and ducked every time the ball came even close to my general vicinity. Fortunately, the other girls on my team were NOT afraid of the ball and my team wound up in the championship game at the end of the season. This is where my memory really begins, picture it, Mississauga 1995...


Its the bottom of the ninth inning and the bases are loaded. My team is ahead by two runs and there are two outs with the other team at bat. The batter from the opposing team steps up to the plate about, to make the hit that will make or break the game. She swings and wouldn't you know it, the ball comes straight for third base... the position I happen to be playing. According to my dad the parents on my team heave a collective sigh/wince as they fully expect the game to be over and lost here. However, to everyones surprise, including mine, I do not cower, I hold my glove out, catch the ball and run to third base to make the out to end and Win the championship. Sweet Victory indeed...


To this day I still have our trophy (somewhere) and like to remind myself that Yes I can pull it together at the last moment, usually when it happens to matter the most. and so can you... 


Once again, thanks for reading. Enjoy this song and dream your night away.

Oh and just an fyi, this years harvest moon falls on the actual first day of autumn. Delightful...


ish.