"cottonwoods and oaks glow in orange. Trees whose names I don’t know shine in beautiful yellows. Everything turns brown and falls to the ground. My fears grow with the state of the world and the impending election. I look to the trees" I adore this - thanks for your inimitable writing, reliably inspiring me to keep creating more!
Thank you! I am really working on this myself. I am taking a wonderful class in creative non-fiction writing with Janisse Ray that has me thinking more about painting the scene in my writing. Always more to learn!
I'm glad there has been some rain. Thankfully, in the UK our drought lifted and we've had quite a lot of rain the last few weeks. At the height of the heat and the drought, I found myself apologising to the thirsty trees in my local park for the way us humans have screwed the weather. Everything is green and lush again now and the Autumn colours are fantastic. I am really enjoying my walks at the moment. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your country this week. Lots of love x
The beaver eating is so nice. We have some in a pond down the road from our house, but I almost never see them. They apparently come out at night to forage. Thank you for that.
I love the beavers. I have watched them so many early mornings doing what I imagine is the equivalent of walking the property before going to bed (they seem to swim a lap all the way around their territory). I wonder so much how this drought is affecting them.
Once again, everything in your post resonates. The Franklin's gulls -- to me, murmurations are one of the most beautiful sights in this beautiful world. The play of light and shade is exquisite. And Wendell Berry's poem -- thank you! The beaver, your other shots - your deep love for the (real) world comes across. We have lots of cottonwoods too, here in New Mexico, they grow along creeks and rivers and leave glorious golden streaks in the landscape. I wish you lots more rain!
Thank you for sharing that lovely poem. I have a tree at the front of our property that looks much like the tree in your picture. I will think of your words in the future when I contemplate that tree. Have a nice Sunday and hopefully much more peaceful new week! 💟
You words and pictures are like church to me~ and Wendell Berry poem ~ I got an infection and had to to see the Dr. And just said enough~ then my son and his girlfriend came to see me yesterday ~ the Dr. Told me Friday you can’t be around anyone not full vaccinated and boosted ~ only outside with mask~ This flu season and Covid are going to be so bad~ Cathy~ you can’t fight it ~if you get it your body is not strong enough~ I’ve felt bad and anxious since leaving her office~my third holidays not being able to hug or engage like we did as family~ your pictures calmed me and the way your words flow are just beautiful ~ thank you doesn’t seem enough~ but thank you❤️.
Sending you so much love Catherine, what you are living is so very hard. I think thank you is everything - it means so much to me. Being out there is my church, I have said it many times. I'm glad I can bring that church to someone else.
Karen, what a wonderful post. As I anticipate the next weeks to come, reading your post helped me to put everything in perspective. I, especially, appreciate your speaking of the tree that grounds the space.
I can empathize with your Autumn Anxiety, which I was just reading this morning is a real thing akin to Winter Blues. I have often attributed it to the fact my birthday comes in the autumn, and I'm feeling a little more nostalgic for lost youth and more vulnerable to the vagaries of aging. But apparently there's a cosmic-energy component to it as well. So let us both continue to seek peace of mind and heart in the beauty and serenity of our plant and animal friends in nature, who give us a sense of trust and groundedness among the stress and chaos of what is somewhat ironically called "humanity."
We have to keep seeking peace and love if that's what we want more of in the world. It can be so easy to be sucked in by (very real) fears. Lots of love to you Lauren.
I needed this...thanks Karen.
We have to help each other the best we can!
"cottonwoods and oaks glow in orange. Trees whose names I don’t know shine in beautiful yellows. Everything turns brown and falls to the ground. My fears grow with the state of the world and the impending election. I look to the trees" I adore this - thanks for your inimitable writing, reliably inspiring me to keep creating more!
Thank you! I am really working on this myself. I am taking a wonderful class in creative non-fiction writing with Janisse Ray that has me thinking more about painting the scene in my writing. Always more to learn!
I'm glad there has been some rain. Thankfully, in the UK our drought lifted and we've had quite a lot of rain the last few weeks. At the height of the heat and the drought, I found myself apologising to the thirsty trees in my local park for the way us humans have screwed the weather. Everything is green and lush again now and the Autumn colours are fantastic. I am really enjoying my walks at the moment. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your country this week. Lots of love x
Oh, I'm glad you can walk and enjoy it!! Thank you Cali.
The beaver eating is so nice. We have some in a pond down the road from our house, but I almost never see them. They apparently come out at night to forage. Thank you for that.
I love the beavers. I have watched them so many early mornings doing what I imagine is the equivalent of walking the property before going to bed (they seem to swim a lap all the way around their territory). I wonder so much how this drought is affecting them.
Once again, everything in your post resonates. The Franklin's gulls -- to me, murmurations are one of the most beautiful sights in this beautiful world. The play of light and shade is exquisite. And Wendell Berry's poem -- thank you! The beaver, your other shots - your deep love for the (real) world comes across. We have lots of cottonwoods too, here in New Mexico, they grow along creeks and rivers and leave glorious golden streaks in the landscape. I wish you lots more rain!
Thank you Jessica!
Oh! That poem is quite perfect--thank you for all here, Karen.
Thank you Alison.
Love beaver content, obviously.
:) Thank you Kelton!
Thank you for sharing that lovely poem. I have a tree at the front of our property that looks much like the tree in your picture. I will think of your words in the future when I contemplate that tree. Have a nice Sunday and hopefully much more peaceful new week! 💟
Oh, I love your tree already. Thank you Sue!
Thanks for providing an idea for my Monday morning post. I've posted a photo of the tree for you to see!
I'll have to send you a photo. I wish we could send photos on these comments. Maybe one day!
You words and pictures are like church to me~ and Wendell Berry poem ~ I got an infection and had to to see the Dr. And just said enough~ then my son and his girlfriend came to see me yesterday ~ the Dr. Told me Friday you can’t be around anyone not full vaccinated and boosted ~ only outside with mask~ This flu season and Covid are going to be so bad~ Cathy~ you can’t fight it ~if you get it your body is not strong enough~ I’ve felt bad and anxious since leaving her office~my third holidays not being able to hug or engage like we did as family~ your pictures calmed me and the way your words flow are just beautiful ~ thank you doesn’t seem enough~ but thank you❤️.
Sending you so much love Catherine, what you are living is so very hard. I think thank you is everything - it means so much to me. Being out there is my church, I have said it many times. I'm glad I can bring that church to someone else.
I just love you Karen~ thank you for helping me during such a hard time❤️
Karen, what a wonderful post. As I anticipate the next weeks to come, reading your post helped me to put everything in perspective. I, especially, appreciate your speaking of the tree that grounds the space.
Thank you Uncle Bill. Sending all of your family some extra prayers (my dad filled me in on his conversation with Aunt Kathy).
❤️😍🙏
Thank you Aunt Sharon.
I can empathize with your Autumn Anxiety, which I was just reading this morning is a real thing akin to Winter Blues. I have often attributed it to the fact my birthday comes in the autumn, and I'm feeling a little more nostalgic for lost youth and more vulnerable to the vagaries of aging. But apparently there's a cosmic-energy component to it as well. So let us both continue to seek peace of mind and heart in the beauty and serenity of our plant and animal friends in nature, who give us a sense of trust and groundedness among the stress and chaos of what is somewhat ironically called "humanity."
We have to keep seeking peace and love if that's what we want more of in the world. It can be so easy to be sucked in by (very real) fears. Lots of love to you Lauren.
I love that lone tree!
Thank you Vasant.