Where does time go when it flies? What seems like just a few minutes ago we were celebrating June birthdays, the 4th of July, and playing in the summer sun. Suddenly, autumn is standing on my doorstep looking in the window.
Driving through the woods of “North Country” in Minnesota I look around and see an incredible world of trees. There are so many it seems hard to believe there are places on our planet where these beautiful botanical creatures have been abused and destroyed. I call them creatures because, like us, they are alive. They stand quietly watching, listening. Trees know things.
Sometimes I ponder what they think of us and our ways. Then I come to my senses when I see a weeping willow.
I do love summer. I love and am so grateful for the opportunity to live on a lake and watch Mother Nature ‘up close and personal’ as she helps all her babies grow, give birth, thrive. I love the warmth, fishing, and sharing with family and friends. Yet, it’s fun and humbling to imagine all these trees contemplating dressing for cooler weather. The golden-orange tips of leaves are the first clues for us to think about, gasp, sweaters!
It’s time to sit down at the fire pit, roast marshmallows and tune in to the conversations between the trees, the wildlife, and the lake. It is a reminder that winter will soon be tucking them all into bed for renewal.
In spite of loving summer, my favorite time of year is fall. The symphony of color is breathtaking. Even the lakes feel different. They look the same yet I can hear the rippling water telling us to prepare for the greatest show on earth. With humble elegance they share their reflections. They tell us it is a good time for us all to sit quietly and reflect as well. I think I will.
“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” – Albert Camus”
“Autumn is the season of change” – Taoist Proverb