fall – Site Title

Fall’s Melody

It is that time of year again. Rain has moved in and the days are shorter and darker and the sun is taking a well-deserved rest.

AUTUMN

“Time to dim the sunlight, cue the moody fog, and watch nature’s most haunting story unfold.” Angie Weiland-Crosby

I woke up this morning to the world outside cloaked in darkness. It is the norm for this time of year and there is a certain sadness that fall brings. It is the wave goodbye to another year that is almost done and it is a softness that comes in at times like a thief in the night and at other times, it puffs and it blows till all the leaves are down on the ground as it is in my garden this morning or at least half of them are. The old Magnolia is bowing down to fall and letting it have its way. There is a carpet of gold and brown leaves covering the grass and it is going to take work to get it all swept up and taken away. Fall brings work and yet it is a season filled with beauty and glorious color.

On my last walk in nature a few days ago, I noticed that the color was coming in. There were the usual golden tints but the reds were making a showing and right over the hill, I could see the top of one lone tree, its yellow head caught in the weak sunlight, enough to catch the eyes of anyone walking by and gifting them with a splendid display of fall’s beauty. Fall sways and it dances and it lets the wind have its way and before you know it, another season has walked in and it has taken its rightful place. It seems so effortless but you and I know that there is work, unseen work that brings forth the magic.

I’m looking forward to my walks again when the rain moves out and in its place is a golden fall that will take my breath away draped in gorgeous golds, bright reds and dazzling yellows. All good things take time and so it is with fall as it finally sashays in dressed in colors meant to make you sit up and take notice AND to remind me that I am but a mere mortal compared to its power and glorious masterwork.

Point well-taken.

Have an amazing day.

Fall’s Gloomy Face

It marches in with wet boots, ruffled hair and a “I don’t care attitude!” Time to blow the leaves off the trees, turn whatever remains into a palette of breathtaking colors and to brush everything with a golden light when the rain leaves and takes a break.

Saturday was that kind of day. Wet, windy, gloomy and miserable and yet there was a certain kind of magic in the air. A heralding of things to come. One of beauty in a subdued manner.

MG Mason in his piece, “Writing the Seasons: Autumn” describes it beautifully as he captures the essence of fall through his words.

“It is getting colder and darker; leaves are falling from the trees. There is a chill in the air overnight, frost on the ground in the morning, mist and fog in the air. Dry, dead leaves crunch beneath your feet and clouds appear when you breathe out. There is still a lingering warmth but always a constant reminder of the cold to come.”

Fall has its moments as it prepares to make a showing but it is all part and parcel of the season. There has to be moments of unrest as it prepares to show its clout when it finally arrives and makes a show-stopping display. I, for one, can’t wait to see its full beauty as it steps out wearing its dress of many colors.

The rain has stopped but there is a definite chill in the air. The wind is picking up speed as the trees sway back and forth creating music of their own. In a way, there is a little sadness as summer waves goodbye and moves on to make way for another season to step in. It is only a matter of time before we welcome the beauty of fall, glorious fall, with colors that will take your breath away.

It is one of my favorite seasons.

Have an amazing Sunday.

A Gorgeous Day!

Fall is here and the mornings are covered in fog but by about 8:30 in the morning, the sun peeks out with blurry eyes as it tries to burn off some of the haze covering the mountains and the fields. It takes awhile before the fields are visible and the mountains are no longer hidden from view.

Today was no different. I was out there very early and not a single soul was in sight. A lone rabbit was sunning itself in the lukewarm sunshine, I guess tanking up energy for the rest of the day. One heron was visible as it stood alone pretending to not notice the human coming up the hill and heading towards its direction. The apple trees were still shrouded in white their spindly branches showing their fall cover. Not much to speak of as the apples are mostly gone and just a few leaves remain and these two will be gone in a week or two. The fields are bare, ready for their winter sleep. However, the cornfield is still there bare of corncobs but still standing straight and tall. Stephen King sure did spoil it for us didn’t he? I can’t look at cornfields without horrific images coming to mind. It is the same today as I pass them their leaves moving softly with the breeze. I try not to look in their direction as I pass them, my steps picking up pace!

Pulling my jacket closer around me to keep the cold at bay, I head to the open fields. It is cold today. As I reach the top of the hill, the rising sun is blazing orange as it heralds another beautiful fall day. Just the other day, I met my neighbor who was walking her dog and we chatted for a while. She said, gorgeous days are ahead and she wasn’t wrong about that. Fall is one of my favorite seasons and it never fails to mesmerize with its beauty. No, the leaves haven’t changed yet but they will soon enough and the whole place will be filled with color, blazing oranges, warm golds and rustic reds. It will be a sight to behold.

As I make my way back, my mind cleared of the cobwebs that had gathered there last night, I am ready to get going and to be grateful for another gorgeous day. It is going to be a beautiful day folks.

Have an amazing day.

Fall Marches In

The walk this morning brought some surprises. Fall was finally here and it wasn’t taking NO for an answer! There was no mistaking the signs as I trudged along mud-covered pathways with the wind picking up speed. It was a day where people would choose to stay indoors with a cup of hot coffee and or sit on their window sills and watch as nature did its thing.

I needed to be out to clear my mind so there I was alone again with only the fields for company. It suited me just fine. The wind brushed against my face, its almost icy fingers sending chills down my spine. I had a heavier coat on but it was still cold as I pulled it closer around me. The thing is I love days like this. Windy, cold and with not a soul in sight. The animals have taken cover as well and except for the crows, the fields were empty.

Walking with no purpose in mind except to just let nature do the talking for awhile was calming. However, it had plenty to say. The changing of the season was in place and it was marching in with boots on! The fields were looking drab with not a touch a color. It was getting ready for a well-earned rest. The trees were rustling and playing their own kind of music. I love it when they dance with the wind, swaying and moving like dancers caught up in a rhythm of their own. The sound is something between a rush of a waterfall or soft rain as it falls on the rooftops. A beautiful sound that helps to soothe frazzled nerves as mine was today. I listened as I walked taking it all in.

The apples had been harvested with a few remaining on the trees. I did my own apple harvesting yesterday and it was bountiful. I can’t believe that one apple tree could give so much but it did. The apples are a smaller variety but they are crispy and very sweet. Good apples I would say but too much for one person so I have little bags prepared to give away to neighbors. The figs, however, are taking their time. They always do that. It seems they are always late for the party! Nothing different this year. I looked at them this morning and got two ripe figs out of a hundred or so on the fig plant! Will they make it before cold weather moves in? Your guess is as good as mine.

Coming back to my walk, it was beautiful. Interesting how seasons move in on silent feet at first and before you know it, they are full-fledged and ready to go. The colors are not there yet but at my feet are golden-hued leaves rustling in the wind. It won’t be long now as fall puts on its spectacular display of beauty as it is known to do and I will get to take in its glory as I make another walk bundled up against the wind but reveling in a brand new season.

I love this time of year.

“Fall is proof that change is beautiful.” Unknown

Now, I just have to convince my mind of that!

Have an amazing day.

Raincoat Weather

Looks like rain moved in and it had rained last night. I had planned on a long walk this morning but had to think twice about being out there in the fields with the winds picking up speed. I looked for my raincoat that I bought last year but never had a chance to wear and it was just taking up space in my cupboard.

Today, I reached for it. It is a black and white striped number that has sweatshirt material sewn into the hoodie. Nice looking and since I was hell-bent on going for a walk, I slipped it on, paired it with a pair of maroon sweats and grey boots. Piling my long hair on my head and fastening it with a clip, face bare of anything except for a light lip conditioner and I was ready to go.

The wind was blustery as I approached the fields. The indigo-colored clouds seemed to be holding more rain. They were moving in waves across the mountains. Nothing else was moving out there except for the occasional crow flying overhead and the pigeons grazing in the fields. The farmers had done a good job of clearing away the cornfields and the rapeseed plants were down to the roots.

I walked hands shoved into my pockets. It wasn’t cold but the wind was strong and I was glad I had my hair up because the wind was doing a job picking out strands as they whipped around my face. Something about the wind when it pulls and tugs. I like the feel of it brushing against my face. All was quiet today except for the cawing of a lone crow or two. Fall was definitely moving in on silent feet. Soon the leaves will start to turn and then they will fall and gather on the ground. It will be colder and much nicer for walks!

The walk took all of 40 minutes but my mind is clearer, my thoughts are taking shape and I am thankful for a brand new day. I know not what this day will hold and if it will be good or bad. However, I know I am equipped to handle whatever comes my way just as nature is doing.

Have an amazing day.

The Changing of the Guard

Just another morning in the grand scheme of things but it was a little different. Getting up early as usual, I found Chachi’s face almost plastered next to mine! The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes were his big expressive eyes staring back at me. Nothing new there. Just the norm in our world of being hooked on each other.

The thing that was different was how dark it looked outside compared to yesterday. The sun was a no show and everything was shrouded in a veil of darkness. A change of season approaching quietly but surely? Chachi walked up to the big window in the kitchen and let out a loud meow and went, “My TV is not working Mommy!” Oh well, he needs to be patient and it will fix itself.

My daily walk in the fields a short while later was more of the same. It was a little lighter but the sun was sure taking its time this morning. I walked knowing my path well, I could have done it with my eyes closed! A lone deer emerged from the forest line and stood there for a while before taking off to where it was familiar just as I was doing. The sky was a pearl grey and streaks of pink were starting to appear at the mountain tops. It is supposed to be cooler today but it will be sunny and warm.

My eyes scanned the horizon as I walked, my feet heavy as I trudged along the rock strewn path. No one and nothing was moving BUT there was much happening beneath my feet that my naked eyes could not see. The changing of the guard was taking place and the preparation was well under way or wherever “nature” holds its meeting to get things moving.

Turning back I noticed six bales of hay stacked on top of each other and just in front of them three deer grazing. A beautiful sight to behold. Soon, there will be more signs of another season approaching and it will be done like clockwork. A miracle? Absolutely.

“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” Mary Davis

Have an amazing day.

A Lesson Learned

Photo by Catherine Leclert on Pexels.com

It was a nice walk as usual but only this time, I was bundled up against the bitter cold in a thick jacket complete with fur-lined boots on my feet. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my gloves in my rush to get out the door this morning. It was a big mistake because it was icy cold and my hands needed warmth fast! I shoved them into my jacket to keep them warm and continued on walking.

Winter was here even though it was still fall according to the weather forecast. Looking at the trees, I noticed that they had lost their golden glow. Some branches were bare to the bone and others still had a few leaves hanging on them for dear life. They were fighting a losing battle against the cold wind which was unrelenting and with every sweep, it sent the remaining leaves gliding softly to the ground. It was just a matter of time before the trees would stand unclothed and wait for Mother Nature to clothe them again. It will happen like clockwork and they knew they had nothing to worry about. All in good time.

Looking out into the distance all was quiet. It was grey and foggy and nothing seemed to be moving except for the crows gathering in the fields like they were meeting for a convention of some kind. God only knows what they were going on about but that raucous crowing was unsettling to say the least. Just then, I noticed movement past them and saw something unfamiliar. They were standing still like statues, their long beaks pointed to nothing in particular and the crows didn’t seem to bother them. I was fascinated and kept my eyes focused on them. They were migratory birds of some kind but not something I am familiar with. Movement did not seem to be their forte and silence and stillness seemed to be.

I kept on walking on the path I was on with my eyes trained on those strange birds. Suddenly, I felt a deep searing pain shoot up my right ankle and it stopped me in my tracks. I had stepped on a large rock and twisted my ankle! Fearing the worst, I moved my ankle gingerly and it seemed to be alright. I didn’t want to walk home limping all the way and neither did I want to wait for help to come get me! Luckily for me, everything seemed to be fine as I took a few steps to test my foot and moved on with no problems.

The path I was on was strewn with big and small rocks. Some places were still holding mud and others dry and some a straight shot with nothing to worry about if you looked carefully before taking your next step. You’ve heard the saying, “Curiosity killed the cat?” Well, it didn’t kill me today but my pre-occupation with something in the distance had almost caused a foot injury and it could have been a serious one.

We do that a lot don’t we? Instead of keeping our eyes focused on the here and now or in front of us, we veer off when something catches our attention and we lose sight of where we should be going. It might take a few seconds or a few minutes but that is all it takes sometimes to make one false move and to land on our backs or in this case with a sprained ankle. Luckily that didn’t happen this time. A lesson learned and one that will teach me to keep my focus in front of me and to not get distracted every time something catches my attention.

Walking back deep in thought, I was thankful that I was able to with no pain. Pulling my jacket closer around me as the wind kissed my almost frozen nose, I made it home in one piece and ready for a well-deserved cup of hot coffee. The birds are still on my mind but that is for another day.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY.