Friday, November 19, 2010

Autumn's Farewell

This is one of the first pieces I wrote when I began blogging last November. I thought to repost it, both in celebration of the joy my first year of blogging has brought me...and as a gentle farewell to my much-loved autumn as she now steps gracefully back to make room for winter's chill...
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After days of driving rain, the sun shows itself briefly. The sudden brightness boldly illuminates the russet leaves on the steps, and fills the air with a luminous hue that is almost mystical. In my awareness that winter creeps in closer with every hour, I allow myself to be lured away from work and out into one last brilliant burst of my favourite season.
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Life in our west coast rainforest means that greenery abounds in the giant Douglas firs and in the sword fern and salal that crowd around their feet. In my suburban neighbourhood, it also means that lush lawns swiftly turn into beds of mud, and patchwork-bright leaves turn sodden and gray in puddles that last for weeks on end. Blue skies give way to fierce, dark clouds that hang heavily above our heads, and force us into rubber boots and fleece vests. The indoors beckons with its promise of warmth and security, urging us to eschew the dark, unruly outdoors.
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Still, we have only to wait a while. Winter will turn into spring again…and spring into summer in the endless, reassuring cycle of seasons. Time goes quickly enough…I need not rush it further. For now, I will stand quietly and enjoy the sunshine, warm on my face. I will soak up enough of the golden light and the smoky scent of wood fires to shield my soul against the bitter winds that lie in wait.
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For now, I am content. For now, this moment is all that I need...
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9 comments:

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Well my fellow Canuck welcome to the Land Of Blog.A whole world of possibilities awaits you... simply by the click of a mouse.
Your winters are far milder than mine here(although last year you had lots of snow) and the excitement of the pending Olympics shall make this a winter to remember.
Susan

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your one year of blogging! I follow you on FB and Networked blogs.
Margaret Diggs

Kit said...

So very wonderful! You have a beautiful way with words. And photos! Kit

Rebecca said...

So true-we can always count on the passing of the seasons and far too fast. I'm trying really hard to enjoy each beautiful part of it-winter still seems to long for me-but a time to relax and just slow down for a bit!

zandra said...

Thanks for your sweet comment! Molly, is one of the names we are considering! ;o) My daughter loves Chyna, too because she looks like a little panda beard..lol
Hugz, Z

Penelope Notes said...

Lynette, you express the transition of the seasons perfectly! I was in Kitsilano last night. There was a dusting of snow on the mountains over the cityscape and misty reflections in the water. The evening sun cast a warm pink glow over everything. I remembered to take my camera but sadly its battery was exhausted and I couldn’t take a picture. Even though every season has its magic, I must still watch my step in the slippery snow, dress warmly and remember to take extra batteries. :)

Bonnie said...

Lynette, You are so encouraging. Thank you. I am humbled you would take the time to read my blog and comment.

You write so beautifully. My eyes are misty and my heart is touched and warmed by your post.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

So beautifully written, Lynette. I can see and feel it all. How suddenly the landscape has changed this week. Brrrrrr!

Drawn to The Sea said...

This dedicated warm weather girl found comfort in your words. Our weather can't make up it's mind. Some days it's so warm I think the leaves might just jump back on the trees.

Followed the link & read your post about Finn Slough. What a fascinating little community, somewhat reminiscent of the backwater communities in deep East Texas bayou country & Louisiana swamps. I like knowing that little pockets of like these exist... so much mystery & romance surrounding the lives of those who choose that for themselves.

Thank you for carrying me away for awhile today :-) Peaceful week to you.