October, when the mountains show off their finest colors, a palette of red, yellow, and orange in various hues. All splashed against the evergreens in their deep green luster.
The fall foliage is a work of art, sometimes seemingly artificial or too good to be true. When the Autumn sun hits the leaves, it's as if they burst into flame. Each leaf dances in the breeze, playing in the light. When the breeze turns into a gust, the leaves take flight into the brilliant sky, then gently fall to the forest floor. Here they will serve the purpose of nourishing the Earth, adding an extra layer of protection from the coming cold, and providing insulation for forest creatures' nests and burrows.
This time of year is a reminder of all that is at work within the natural world. The slowing down that happens as the weather cools provides a moment to contemplate those simple things. What would it be like to experience a life that is so simple and profound? It's not as difficult as it may seem. Begin by working some time into the routine for moments of stillness and slowing down. Maybe it's a visit up the mountains every weekend to observe the changing landscapes. Perhaps it's a cup of tea each morning to begin the day with clear intentions. It could be a half-hour each evening to read some literature that is purely for pleasure.
The Maple Press has recently discovered the simple pleasure of enjoying the Ffern Podcast: As the Season Turns. Roughly twenty-minute episodes are released on the first of each month. The transcendent voice of Lia Leendertz, author of the Seasonal Almanacs, soothes the mind as she explores the changes in the season, sky, and sea. Seasonal herbs and provisions, recipes, history, origins, and legends of the month are all discussed in easy-to-digest morsels. These monthly moments of stillness and slowing down reconnect The Maple Press to the natural world all around.
(ABOVE: Baby moose, difficult to get a photo of, and the mother moose was impossible to photograph - but SO cool... and very daunting | BELOW: Much better view of the baby moose, and possibly the eye of the mother, who was up behind the baby a bit)
(ABOVE: Little Chipmunk)
Until next time,