I am undeniably well-into the fall of my life. I like to reflect on the beauty of this season, metaphorically, by fully noticing and appreciating the beauty of the fall which surrounds me - both in my garden, in the vistas from Genius Loci Country Inn and in the area while, at the same time, always acutely aware that there will be a frost, sooner or later, which will strip the beauty. The plants will be laid bare and returned to their pure essence.
a decorative rose hip against the burnt oranges and yellows of the forsythia (view from my study)
the wood shed/dependence with the colorful Chinese bamboo plants and the acero palmare in their burst of fall magnificence (view from my kitchen)
stately silhouette of a lone mid-November Crimson Glory rose against an ominously dark sky (view from my study)
man-made, hand-woven beauty from Giuditta Brozzetti textiles and natural beauty from the garden: a winning combination
Let us then celebrate the last hurrah of fall beauty, with a daily and full awareness of its beauty, vulnerability and transitional nature.
To embrace the fall is to acknowledge the successful journeys of our spring and summer and to accept the winter as the inevitable closure of the natural cycle.
Comments (1)
A very thoughtful post, Mary, with an interesting perspective on the seasons of life.
I'm not sure I can accept your characterization of yourself as being "well-into" your personal autumn. Early-into, perhaps!
This reminds me of a favourite autumn quote, from John Donne (I'm a fan of the metaphysical poets):
"No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace/
As I have seen in one Autumnal face."
Posted by sandrac | November 11, 2009 4:03 AM
Posted on November 11, 2009 04:03