The Raccoon in the Barn: How Fall Apples Sparked My Creativity (and a Cozy Soup Recipe)

Apple Orchards & Childhood Memories

As the air turns crisp and the leaves tumble down, I’m reminded of the small fall moments that spark creativity. This story begins with a mischievous raccoon in a barn, a bag of apples, and the childhood wonder that continues to fuel my art today—plus a cozy butternut squash soup recipe with apples to bring the season full circle.

This blog was inspired by a beloved childhood oil painting: a raccoon reaching for a bag of apples in a barn. Playful, nostalgic, and rooted in the farms I visited every year growing up in Massachusetts, it captures the essence of fall.

Each autumn, my family would head to local orchards to pick apples—McIntosh, our favorite—for pies, applesauce, pancakes, or even a simple apple tucked into a lunchbox. And yes, they were even my secret ingredient in butternut squash soup. Those trips weren’t just about the harvest—they were about curiosity, exploration, and the joy of simple, seasonal abundance. Johnny Appleseed stories always added a touch of whimsy to our orchard adventures.

Gratitude as Creative Fuel

Gratitude is at the heart of my art. Remembering those orchard trips, the smell of fresh apples, and the thrill of exploring barns as a child reminds me why I create: to capture wonder, tell stories, and connect with others through art.

Every painting, sketch, or design begins with that same awareness—thankfulness for inspiration, for the people around me, and for the process itself.

A Raccoon, a Barn & Childhood Wonder

My raccoon painting reflects those playful adventures. Barns were mysterious and magical—dark, intimidating, yet full of secrets and discoveries. My brother and I would play hide‑and‑seek around them on my aunt’s farm, always curious, always looking for something unexpected. That curiosity continues to inspire my art today.

Creativity Thrives in Community

This fall, I was reminded of the joy of sharing creativity at The Fall Garden Market in Ocoee. Connecting with families, fellow makers, and local supporters reinforced that creativity thrives in community. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice that nurtures connection, inspiration, and joy.

Cozy Fall Bonus: Butternut Squash Soup with Apples

As a small seasonal thank-you, here’s one of my favorite fall traditions: butternut squash soup made with a secret ingredient—apples. They add the perfect sweetness and tie everything back to the harvest inspiration woven through my art this month.

Recipe Snapshot:

• 1 medium butternut squash, roasted

• 2 McIntosh apples, peeled and chopped

• 1 onion, sautéed

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup pumpkin purée (for extra creaminess and depth)

• 1 cup coconut milk (for that silky Panera‑style texture)

• Pinch of nutmeg & cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast the butternut squash until tender.

2. In a large pot, sauté onion until golden.

3. Add apples, roasted squash, pumpkin purée, and vegetable broth. Simmer until everything is soft and fragrant.

4. Stir in coconut milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

5. Blend until smooth and velvety.

6. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of coconut milk

Keep the Inspiration Coming

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