Shades of Autumn
“The woods is shining this morning.
Red, gold and green, the leaves
lie on the ground, or fall,
or hang full of light in the air still.
Perfect in its rise and in its fall, it takes
the place it has been coming to forever.
It has not hastened here, or lagged.
See how surely it has sought itself,
its roots passing lordly through the earth.
See how without confusion it is
all that it is, and how flawless
its grace is. Running or walking, the way
is the same. Be still. Be still.”- Wendell Berry
It’s truly the most wonderful time of year. I know that saying is reserved for the winter holidays, but that first break from the heat of summer, the drought, and the long days of light (especially here in the PNW), it’s a true breath of fresh air and I imagine twirling as leaves fall around me. There’s a renewed sense of life, energy, and inspiration every autumn. While I am never eager to bid farewell to summer, my arms are open and welcoming to the coming season. When the late summer flowers show up in my garden, I know that things are changing. Black eyed susan, japanese anemone, and rudbeckia have burst into lush bloom. Pumpkins have begun to blush, harvests are at their peak, and mornings require a light sweater.
There is so much to notice, so much seasonal abundance, that it’s not a one and done experience. As summer begins to truly wane, what autumn has to offer is something to experience in big and small doses, and you keep at it for as long as you can. Morning walks with the most beautiful golden light and cool air, hot coffee on repeat, cutting flowers for as long as they last, and tomatoes with everything are what I enjoy most right now.
Of course, I have my camera in hand and find something exciting at every turn. Today, as we harvest the grapes for the photos above, we discovered a bird’s nestled amongst the vines. A new flush of roses have bloomed, the last tomatoes are ripening on the vine, frogs are croaking, flower seeds are ready for saving, leaves are coloring, and every single thing is calling for us to stop and notice. Even if gardens and observing nature aren’t your thing, you’ll notice the same changes in the city, in vast landscapes, in decor, coming holidays, and the weather change.
It’s time to get out and enjoy something new. A first of the season, perhaps? Bring the outside in, set it near a window and snap away. There is so much richness, texture, and coziness to embrace, don’t let it go.
If you’ve read about the PNW Photo Collective photography group, the writing and photo prompts have kept me motivated as the back to school and sports hustle has proven distracting. If you are interested in joining, you can sign up here and I hope you do, it’s been amazing to connect with others who enjoy creating for the fun of it. The photos are for the prompt fall flora and the writing is inspired by the prompt What does autumn make you feel? You can jump in anytime and simply enjoy the process of being mindfully in the present through words and images, a rounded experience of storytelling.