STUDY IN FALL: LINGERING ROSES

During early Autumn, a walk through my garden usually finds rose
hips and bare branches preparing for winter's assault.
But this year things are different.


Two September hurricanes brought inches of warm rain and days
of stifling humidity, leaving the grass greener than it had been in
weeks,

and my summer roses in both bud and bloom.
Instead of finding faded leaves and dried thorns, I filled a vase
and enjoyed the gift of color and grace,

along with the reminder that this warm-weather splendor is
just a reprieve.

So as the days shorten and the temperature drops, I cut as many
blooms as the children can carry, savoring the vintage scents
and velvet touch.
Because when winter arrives and the west wind blows, all we'll
have of summer is a lingering rose.

What is a "Study in . . ."? 

A visual record defined by a single element, such as color, texture, or type. Previous journal entries include Indian Summer, All is White, Family Reunion, and Walney Pond. 

STUDY IN FALL: INDIAN SUMMER

I don't know why I think that when school starts, time will slow down, the children will be happy with structured days after the laziness of summer,

and I'll get more accomplished when school starts.

We'll all wake earlier, be more organized, more focused. 

Every year when the fall flowers bloom, the mornings cool, and the days shorten, I believe this false truth.

And every year I'm disappointed.


The truth is that Autumn speeds up time to match the flutter of a wing,

droop of a petal,

fade of a leaf,

even a wink.
And every year I have to remind myself of why Fall is my favorite season.

And it's not all about the pumpkins. Or the color orange.


The shorter days make me more aware of Winter's approach,

that we should linger in the garden before snow's first fall. 

So we'll take more picnics,

even if we have to bring homework along.

We'll enjoy the garden's last stand,
watch the leaves turn,

and smile at fall's vibrant colors, as if this season is saying to Winter, "Come and get me."

May you enjoy these last days of warmth and beauty before the west winds blow, bringing cold air, long nights, and many mugs of hot chocolate.

What is a "Study in . . ."? 

A visual record defined by a single element, such as color, texture, or type. Previous journal entries include All is White, Family Reunion, and Walney Pond.