October's Kiss
“Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest. Come taste the sun sweet berries of the Earth. Come roll in all the riches all around you and for once, never wonder what they’re worth.” – Judy Kuhn, Colors of the Wind
Hello Dear Friend,
Autumn is here my friend! Excuse me while I mentally jump up and down for a moment as my favorite time of the year is finally upon us! Summer and autumn have been going about in a dizzyingly long waltz but their dance has come to an end and summer has reluctantly given a final bow while collapsing into the fall.
Off in the distance I can hear that familiar train whistle blow coming from the tracks of the Tweetsie Railroad as the shrill hovers over the famous Ghost Train it carries a new load of passengers in search of entertainment and family fun. The wind echoes and howls her response as she passes through the canopy tree maze above me their branches tremble at her touch and their leaves begin to rustle and sway. “Wake up, sweeties! It’s not quite time for your slumber just yet.” She coos as they begin to shake at her call. “C’mon my babies, it’s time for you to fly! The curtain has been called and it’s time for your final show!”
All at once the strong protective grip they once knew is gone. With the released freedom they’re off like racing chariots into October’s autumn sky. Tossed into the air like confetti they’ll all eventually make the descent to the soft damp earth below. Some will go slower than others. A few float downward to the ground without a fight, some fall with a bit more style showing off an attempted jig, while others dare to brush up against me offering a October kiss.
As they touch the ground there’s one last act of freedom to be had they hop, skip and jump showing some rebellion against Old Man Winter. They chase along beside me laughing and tumbling to keep up they beckon me to join in the fun before their gone. “Come play with us!” is the whispered chant from the trampled ground all the way up to the top of the trees.
Watching the leaves dance, spin and swirl carelessly all around me I’m surrounded by the colors of the wind. Though I won’t bore you with the details its been a long and trying week so as the crisp morning breeze sends tiny shivers to my bones as the changing season reminds me how great life is and just how wonderful it can be to let go and enjoy the ride.
“The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.” – Hans Christian Andersen
Oh to be a child again without a care to be had. Their eyes wide with wonder, awe and amusement at everything new and precious. They don’t care about the cold or the gentle misty rain. Their dreams haven’t been tainted or trampled on by the cruelties of this world. I miss the Autumn days of my youth spent on the trails running with the wind and playing a version of “pooh sticks” tossing leaves over the side of a bridge then hurrying with my brother to the other side in anticipation to see who's leaf would ride the gentle stream and emerge on the other side first. To this day I still make a beeline for those fallen leaves huddled together along the edge of a pathway and kick my way through them breathing in that autumn smell as I let them dance one last time.
Yep, you can say I had a pretty wonderful morning and afternoon. How glorious it was to fall asleep on clean flannel sheets in a cold room last night and be able to sleep in this morning. Moving from the bed to the sofa I tuned in for some very timely sermons by InTouch ministries from Dr. Charles Stanley while enjoying the taste of vanilla nut in my morning coffee. Follow that up with my Sunday adventure onto the Blue Ridge mountain roads destined for some laps around Bass Lake and a cinnamon roll treat.
Now as I sit here writing to you and reflecting on the day I’m thinking about dinner and a movie as I finish up my cup of Irish coffee and take in the sweet scents of pumpkin spice and caramel swirling together from the gentle fresh air sneaking in through my open windows. I hope your weekend has been as restful and rejuvenating as mine.
With love,
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