Monday, October 19, 2009

Ode to Fall

I am in love with fall.

I drive by trees bursting with color, marveling at the vibrant golds, reds, yellows, and browns, and remember what my nephew said long ago: "God is a pretty good illustrator."

That He is.

Yesterday, despite not feeling 100% in the health department, my daughter and I ventured outside to take a walk. It was, in a word, gorgeous. Leaves were piled on the grass and my daughter and I both walked through them, listening to them scuffle and crunch beneath our feet. She ran down near the stream and gathered tons of beautiful leaves and we stuffed them in our pockets, knowing they'd look perfect with our acorns and pumpkins at home.

Squirrels gathered nuts and bunnies looked at us curiously from behind tree trunks before scampering away, and the ducks glided by on the pond. We raced a leaf boat down the stream, marveling as it avoided the rocks in its path every single time.

As I walked, I thought, Every single person should do this. Go outside, take a walk, look at how beautiful a single leaf is with its fading reds and golds, listen to the sound of leaves scuttling across the sidewalk, smell the crisp scent of autumn.

And that's what I ask each of you to do. Take the time to explore nature, to marvel in the changing season, and soak in the colors and sounds and smells of this beautiful world.

15 comments:

  1. Lovely pics, Melissa. I agree; everyone should get out there every day and take the time to enjoy it all. With two energetic dogs, I don't have much choice in the matter. ;o)

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  2. I love the vast array of colours out at the moment. It's a shame everything will soon change once more.

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  3. Mmmmm... yummy post. I'm in love with fall too ;)

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  4. Lovin' seeing fall in lovely places unknown to me, thanks. :-)

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  5. Anonymous12:03 PM

    I'll do that. Glad you're having a great fall.

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  6. I'd be glad to do that, as soon as Texas realizes its Fall!

    Happy writing!

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  7. I'm on my way in a minute to the Cider Mill with my dog - there is a walking trail along a gurgling river - I love being there. Our leaves are just starting to get some color and drop here in Michigan. It is a beautiful time of year as your post reminds us! Thanks!

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  8. Oh wow, they're all beautiful photos, but that last one holds me. Wow!

    Thanks for sharing another incredible nature walk with us, Melissa.

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  9. Beautiful post, Melissa. We'll be taking the dogs out for a walk this evening...I'm looking forward to it!

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  10. How right you and your nephew are! That comment is going to stay with me! Wonderful.

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  11. Love your nephew's thought on God's illustrations! A perfect sentiment for autumn ...

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  12. I've spent the past two weekends doing this and taking my camera with me. This is my absolute favorite time of year.

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  13. I always feel so much better when I do that! Your pictures are so pretty! ANd hope you heal fast:)

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  14. Yeah, I'll walk in the cool 87 degree temps and hope my bulbs don't think its spring. Believe it or not, despite the heat, our leaves change color. And I'm picking apples from my tree. Already picked pomegranites. However, they are predicting a cold, went winter here so I'm soaking up the sun for now.

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  15. I love the fall - it's my favorite time of the year. Even here in L.A. it's nice - and you can tell that the leaves are getting ready to fall because there's a 'crisp' sound when the wind blows through the leaves on the trees. Your post reminded me how much we should not take any of this for granted.

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