Tuesday, October 27, 2015

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.


Sunday, October 18, 2015

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.




Monday, October 12, 2015

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.


Saturday, October 10, 2015

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.


Friday, October 09, 2015

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!

Thursday, October 08, 2015

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.

Friday, October 02, 2015

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.