“Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love — that makes life and nature harmonize. The birds are consulting about their migrations, the trees are putting on the hectic or the pallid hues of decay, and begin to strew the ground, that one’s very footsteps may not disturb the repose of earth and air, while they give us a scent that is a pefect anodyne to the restless spirit. Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.”
George Eliot, letter to Miss Lewis, 1st October 1841
(image taken from the big tree in the front yard / Julie Cook / 2013)
It is most likely very evident this love of mine of Fall / Autumn—of the splendorous palate of color and tone that graces the eye of those who look upon the landscape of the quickly fading year. From the cool crisp breeze that rustles the fallen leaves to the faint scent of smoke that swirls throughout the air… there is simply something regal and yet comforting about this time of year. It settles and quiets my soul as if it is a familiar wise old friend who has suddenly returned, offering me all he has.
It is the very blanket that I wrap myself in on a chilly morning; drawing it ever closer around my shoulders, as I happily drink in the remaining sips of splendor before it all seems to slowly fade into that deep slumber known as Winter.
I can’t help but think of the two seasons of transition, Spring and Fall, as the decadence and abundance of Nature’s colors. The loud announcements of growth and vivid colors bursting forth in the Spring to the solemn, yet brilliant, slow death in the Fall… It is as if Summer and Winter are just times of stalk settling, impatient waiting and sad absence.
I love Spring for it’s vibrance and energy, but it is Fall that soothes this heart of mine. My familiar comforter with whom I relish spending time— he who offers me his strong embrace—where I feel safe and at peace–basking in the subtle glory known as November…
On this new day to this new week–may you be blessed by a beautiful crystal clear blue Autumn sky and of a brilliant canopy of scarlet, golden and burnt orange leaves offered by this familiar friend who has come to tarry but for a while longer…
Peace and Grace to you all——
(images of the same tree out front in the yard)
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