the garden

"Everything that slows us down and forces patience,
everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.
Gardening is an instrument of grace."

-May Sarton

I spend a few hours in the yard today. I cut back perennials and rake leaves. The earth smells like apples, and a freshness I can’t quite put my finger on, a sort of memory I suppose.. The soil is dark and wet, and some of the flowers release themselves with just a tug, their leaves brown and shriveled. Others demand to be snipped with my clippers. There is more to be done, but I don’t push myself as I am not quite ready to let the garden go.

***

election night

“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country,
and this world.” 

– Sharon Salzberg

I am doing my very best to not turn on the TV to watch the returns.
I bought myself sunflowers today, to celebrate . . . or at least bring me some joy! .

***

taking note

"The quality of presence determines the quality of life." 

~ Jack Kornfield

hello november,
you with your wet, gray sky,
barren trees, and cold winds
we open our hearts to longer evenings
crisper days, candle light, rain
and hot cocoa
i welcome you with an open heart 
so what do you say that we work together this year. . .
you do what you do best
and I promise to take excellent notes

***

color in the garden

“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”
- John Burroughs

Today’s secret to happiness was finding color in the garden!

today’s secret to happiness

“ The secret to happiness today is …”
- my little grandson

My little grandson has a saying that he uses often. He might say it while riding in his carseat in the back seat of the car, or maybe in the afternoon when he is having a snack. I am not sure where he heard it, but it always delights me and makes me take pause. I found myself pausing often in October to take note of all the moments that brought joy, delight, and a soothing balm to my soul.

***

Sunday fog

 "We love fog because it shifts old anomalies into the elements surrounding them. It gives relief from a way of seeing,"

- Eavan Boland

The fog moved slowly, playing hide and seek with the trees on the hill across the lake.

***

the countdown begins

 

“The perfect weather of Indian Summer lengthened and lingered, warm sunny days were followed by brisk nights with Halloween a presentiment in the air.”

― Wallace Stegner, Remembering Laughter

***

 

Percy comes to play yesterday and brings with him the magic of Halloween. He is not interested in candy, but talks non-stop about the outdoor decorations in their neighborhood and around town. The lego knights and dragons decorate their castle and Heather-Hazel (the witch), follows us everywhere. The skeletons in the tree glow with the colors of fall, and the countdown to Halloween begins.

***