Leftover Leaves

I stood under the giant black walnut tree on one warm October afternoon.  The breeze moved the leaves into the air, and as they came gently falling, I tried to catch them.  I felt like a little child, and laughed.  I’ve done this before, I thought, in the rain.  I’ve done this in the snow.  Leaves, raindrops and snow falling from the heavens is such a delight.

📷 my pic

Just a few days prior I had my annual battle with raking and bagging the nasty black walnuts rotting all over my lawn.  Did it all in one day this time, and it wasn’t really too bad a chore.  The leaves have all turned yellow, and I can see the beautiful blue sky beyond it.  So today I enjoyed what is left of this black walnut tree.  Instead of focusing on the labor I have to go through every year, I focus on the beauty of leftover leaves.

The beauty of life is all around. The trees, the sky, the rain and the snow.  Sunsets and twinkling stars.  Birds and squirrels chattering, preparing themselves for the winter.

📷 birds feeding - my pic

November here is kind of a solemn month.  After the festivities of autumn in October, the nights get a bit longer.  The clouds get a little drearier.  Naked trees have no choice but to wait patiently for time to pass before they can once again clothe themselves in lustrous greens.

As time moves slowly, it moves just as quickly too.  With holidays approaching, people make their plans, run around to get this and that and push their way into the future in such a hurry in order to get it all over with.  Silly people, wishing their lives away.

We could all learn from the trees.  Be patient.  Time moves on by anyway.        Theresa M

my watercolor A Fall Evening, 1993

Do You Know the Way?

There is a mantra I often use to help me focus, keep the faith, and move forward.  I’ve used it in times of deep depression, in times of uncertainty.  Even in good times, it is important for me to know I’m okay where I’m at.

📷 enriquelopezgarre on pixabay

“I trust in the Lord and the direction he leads me in life.”

📷 kienvirak on pixabay

I feel calm saying this to myself, either in my mind or aloud.  A sense of safety surrounds me, I feel as if I’m cared for.  I don’t feel so alone.  I get the understanding that I will have the strength to do whatever I need to do to get through obstacles and difficulties, to  move on despite emotional pain or anger.  I do not have to fight with anyone.  I might make mistakes but I myself am not a mistake.  In the here and now of things I do matter, even when I think I don’t.  In due time, all will be well.  Trust is key.      Theresa M

📷 susan-lu4esm on pixabay

October Festive

It’s my favorite time of year again - October!

Time for festivities to take in all the colors and

smells and brisk cool weather.

October brings both good and sad memories.

However, I’ve come to appreciate the changes

in life and in the seasons. I feel autumn is just as 

refreshing as spring.  It’s kind of like growing up and

looking back on one’s life, finding acceptance.  Some

things were rough to go through, other things were 

better. I just need to be in this day.  Each day has its 

own challenges, but also its own rewards.

📷 Bessi on pixabay

Thank you October.  You’re beautiful.   Theresa M

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