Tag: seasons

Autumn Light

Autumn light is the loveliest light there is. Soft, forgiving, it makes all the world an illuminated dream. Dust motes catch fire, and bright specks drift down from the trees and lift up from the stirred soil, floating over lawns and woodland paths and ordinary roofs and parking lots. It’s an unchoreographed aerial dance, a celebration of what happens when light marries earth and sky. Autumn light always makes me think of fiery motes of chalk dust drifting in the expectant hush of an elementary school classroom during story time, just before the bell rings and sets the children free.

Quote: Margaret Renkl, from “Our Days Have Always Been Running Out.” I greet autumn with a stillness I never felt when I was younger and in such a hurry. (NY Times, Sept 20, 2020)

Photo: DK. 10/4/20. 6:17 am. Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT.

Thank you, David Kanigan

October moon


Full and ever-present, tonight’s moon shines across the sky. A gift that comes with the beauty of autumn. 

Transition seasons hold a certain truth about life. The spring brings the promise of renewal and new birth. Its bright color and gentle warmth draws creation out, emboldened and ready to explore. All timidness is thrown aside, when this energy of new life arrives. 

The fall brings with it a quiet wisdom. It comes resolved to share its knowledge through images filled with color and the arrival of cooler air. There is no hesitation. Fall calls for proud attention as it prepares for winter’s rest.

The moon is shining bright – announcing this time of change. It will not hide or shrink as evening moves into night. This golden moon comes closer catching our attention as it fills the sky.

Fall’s beauty, be it day or night, invites us all to slow down and offer thanks. As creation begins to shed its summer skin, we are given the chance to be grateful. For all that has been and all that will be – may we take this time to give thanks in the glow of October’s moon.

Morning flight

IMG_0195You too can fly. But that cocoon must go! Anonymous

Good morning all! 

The air is crisp. It is certain that Fall has arrived.  

In formation birds fly toward their winter homes. Their direction only understood by an internal compass. No worry, no fear – only the feel of air under their wings and the pleasure of sharing the journey with others. 

This is also true for butterflies. As the season brings cooler days they begin their own journey toward more temperate climates. Beginning their lives with only the ability to crawl, these beautiful creatures weave their own protective covering to experience a transformation filled with mystery and miracle. 

With wings strong enough to carry them hundreds of miles, never could there be flight if butterflies held onto their cocoons. 

Let today be a day to fly. Inspired by the butterfly’s transformation – may we find courage to leave the cocoon behind. May we stretch our wings finding them strong enough to carry us over the miles of our hopes and dreams. 

to say goodbye and thank you…

Go, sit upon the lofty hill,
And turn your eyes around,
Where waving woods and waters wild
Do hymn an autumn sound.
The summer sun is faint on them —
The summer flowers depart —
Sit still — as all transform’d to stone,
Except your musing heart.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1833)The Autumn

And this is where I sit. Awed with the beauty and stirred by the season’s transition. The air is crisp. The colors teasing as they prepare us for the stark winter. It is a gift -creation gives- so our memories of warmth and color can carry us through until the budding spring. Transitions offer moments of insight – the ‘time in between’ can be when we have new or re-newed understanding of our lives and our purpose.

May you find a “lofty hill” and consider this transition with a grateful heart.

For the love of the moon…

Much has been lost and much has been gained. This is the thought that remains near as I move through each day. In the midst of times when I cannot imagine adapting to one more change – I am reminded of the beauty that surrounds me.

Each evening this week, I have enjoyed long walks with Lilly. There are hints of spring all around us. As always, the change of seasons draws a whole new personality out of the mountains. The sun is shifting–my apartment is filling with unexpected light. Where there was no sign of sun through the windows before Christmas, now the sun peaks around my living room windows earlier and earlier each afternoon.

Today I started working on my balcony. It is a perfect size for a table and chairs, a place for a dog to lie down and room for me to relax and enjoy the scenery (if I can stay awake!). At night, the stars are bright and the moon – the moon is near and strong.

Often I wonder what else I could ever need. And then I remember–I came to this place having had so much. The choices made were not easy. I said goodbye to many objects that had been a part of my life for a long time.

Throughout this transition, I have been reminded of a Zen koan:

barn’s burnt down… now I can see the moon.


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