Road Trip

One afternoon in October, we set out to find autumn in the Appalachians. it was a long drive though several states, but worth every mile. Over creeks and around and through mountains in West Virginia we drove.

Then on through the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, we traveled, betwixt and between the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Up through Pennsylvania to listen to beautiful music and watch the beautiful people of all stripes in downtown Philadelphia.

Antique shopping on a Sunday aterrnoon in Amish country, while the humble folk clip clop home from their gatherings in black buggies.

We returned on a blue sky Monday , heading north and west, back to the comforts of home and the familiar routine.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you the joy of discovery.

First Snow

Yesterday was Grape Harvest day on our farm, but we woke to the season's first snow.  By the end of the harvest, I was soaked from head to toe.

The scenery was beautiful yesterday, but it reminds me of all the unfinished tasks we must scurry to complete before the real winter sets in.

As for today, on to canning grape juice. We make our grape juice just like my mom did when I was a child.  So, that means good memories and good juice!

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you peace of mind.

Trees

In autumn, the trees glow. Walking with my son through our woods on Sunday afternoon, I began thinking of the many trees that glow in my memory.

There was a mulberry tree in my childhood where my brothers and I climbed, and perched and dreamed.

There was a fast growing Chinese elm at the center of my butterfly garden that my children climbed, and beneath those fine leafed branches they played while we grew together in the garden.

There was a willow tree by the river in our town. Generations of children played along its sturdy trunk over the gentle flow of sweet water.  This summer a wild wind took it down. When you visit the park where the willow once stood, memories flow like the water in the river, poignant and sweet.

There are so many trees on this farm; some fresh and new, others brittle with age.  The stately sycamore guards the house and a host of cedars greets and guides us on our woodland rambles.

How long has it been since you climbed a tree or sat beneath one lost in a book or a long slow daydream?

Where ever you are, whatever the weather I wish you the comfort and company of trees.

On the Shores of October

Walk with me to the lake shore

We'll keep our shoes on this time...No toes in the lake in October.

Nights have been cold, and the lake is already leaning into November.

At the edge of the lake, 

Mallards linger in the marsh,

then rise.

We'll linger too,

and really notice Autumn...

the look of the sky, 

the feel of the air, 

and the insistent sound of the waves on the shores of October.

Where ever you are,

whatever the weather,

I wish you serenity and awareness.

A Little Song for October

It's chilly outside

and the skies are gray.

The clouds press down

like a weight today.

I think I'll stay inside

where the fire's burning

and dream a few dreams

of the season turning.

I'll sigh a few sighs

while the kettle sings.

I wonder what

tomorrow brings?

Will it be chilly outside?

Will the skies be gray?

Will the clouds press down?

Are they here to stay?

Will I stay inside?

Will the fire be burning?

Will I dream a few dreams

while the world keeps turning?

Will I whistle a tune

while the kettle sings?

Will I run outside?

Will I stretch these wings?

 I might tomorrow...

but not today!

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, 

I wish you comfort.  And Mabel recommends a good, long nap!

October Sunrise

It is early morning, and I am lighting a fire in the wood cook stove. The year's last batch of tomato juice is in a large pot. Water in the canner hums softly as it comes to a boil.

A beautiful sunrise splashes rosy light in through the eastern window, and the beauty of the light lures me from the task at hand.

Stepping outside I am awash in dawn-light. The morning is still.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you peace.

The Temple of Falling Leaves

After I have done all I can,

when I have nothing left to give,

I need some time

in my green sanctuary.

I lay down 

in the soft grass

in a room that smells of

cedar and solitude.

In this temple of falling leaves

there are sacred artifacts

that remind me that there is

beauty in imperfection.

Light pours in

 through the canopy

with a message so elemental

It cannot be expressed in words.

So I breathe

I simply breathe

until the tension leaves my body

and the frantic drumming

 of my heart

eases to a 

steady tranquility.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather I wish you restoration and peace.