I’m terribly behind in my posting, and terribly busy, which is odd for this time of year – a time to rest and rejuvenate.
Autumn is one of my favorite times of year. I love all the colorful leaves. Leaves have given me great inspiration in the past few years, resulting in some paintings that I’m quite proud of.
One thing I noticed this year, and it seemed to be in many places around town, was that just like no two children are exactly the same, no two trees shed their leaves exactly the same way. On any given street where a whole line of trees of the same variety would have been planted at the same time, there is a stark difference in how they retire for the year.
Some shed their leaves quickly, anxious to go to sleep and dream of the return of sunshine and warmth. Others take a normal progression, allowing the leaves to turn colors at whatever speed they desire. They know the time is coming when they can rest and recharge in preparation for spring blossoms. Then there’s the stubborn ones, the majority of their leaves are still full of green life while others around them blaze with ochre, russet, and burgundy. They must be dragged kicking and screaming to bed, like a child afraid they might miss some monumental event if they retreat too soon.
Like the trees, we humans mourn the loss of light this time of year; however it gives us the necessary time to recharge our inner batteries and prepare for the growth to come. It’s a time to slow down, appreciate our accomplishments in the year past and begin planning for the year coming towards us.
Codladh sámh (sleep peacefully) beautiful trees. We look forward to those first buds that speak of hope and things to come.