The brilliant colors of orange, red, and yellow grace the landscape of our daily travels, either from running chores, driving to work and even on that weekend drive. The fall landscapes take my breath away as nature provides an artistic blend of colors and textures.
I see it as proof that God is still the master of beauty, transforming the greens of spring and summer into a tapestry of varying colors in nature. As one who enjoys taking pictures of nature at its peak, while appreciating all the more the cost effective means of digital photography, I find myself desiring to walk my travels so that I can capture every change along the way.
As we traveled the northern parts of New Hampshire early last week, before the cooler temps and drizzle of rains appeared, I sat as a passenger yearning to stop every few feet to capture on camera all that was passing before my eyes. My husband lovingly laughs at this yearning, reminding me that if he stopped every time I offered an exclamation of delight in what I saw, we would never reach our destination.
Not until I met my husband and later traveled to Acadia, Maine, for our honeymoon did I become enthralled with taking pictures of nature, animals and people. Of course, in 1980 we used film which posed issues such as the price of developing with no guarantee of outcome. As time marched through, so did the advancement of technology along with my increased desire to have a camera available to capture what I saw to be visually inspiring.
Although I am a fan of all seasons, I have come to the conclusion that fall is by far my favorite. I enjoy the varying temperatures of the season as well as the emotional affects the transitioning warm colors have on me. In studying colors, it makes perfect sense as to why.
Inpidually, the fall spectrum of colors can have some negative effects on one’s emotions, yet I find that these fall colors evoke strength, warmth, comfort, a positive attitude and a love for life with an invigorating energy. Throughout the season there are days that the sun might not be as bright and mood enhancing as our passing summer months, yet I am able to embrace the positive energy I receive in the musty scent of fall as it arrives with its inviting scenic views.
The last few days have taken on a cooler temp as the rains arrive and the season prepares us for the upcoming season of winter white snow. The wetness brings out the bold colors in the leafs, creating a richer view of what we are blessed to see.
Albert Camus noted, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” That could be the reason why I find this to be the season of rejuvenation. Spring is full of new life with the new birth for floral petals followed by a summer of varying floral sights. As fall arrives, the mountain foliage takes on a view that captivates our attention. One observation I shared with my husband is how the varying colors of the many different tree heights makes it look as if God set in place the floral look of mums all across the mountain range.
The leaves have begun to fall, reminding the young at heart the timing in which fall scarecrows are filled for the harvest holidays. We are also mindful of our younger years when the chore of raking leaves into huge piles only caused us to run and jump into them as they scattered all over the yard, requiring the repetitive task of raking them again until the chore was complete.
Many good memories return, while spending the time outdoors enjoying the sounds, sights and smell of the fall season. As I begin the baking of pies, breads, and cookies, preserving of jams and jellies, applesauce and more, the indoor experience of spending time in the kitchen reminds me of moments I spent with my granny when visiting her in Missouri. The chores of the season are not that of heavy laden activities but rather an investment of love and affection for those I deeply care for.
For more of Laura Field’s writing, visit reflectivetapestryoflife.com.
