The Nature of Things

Today was one of the most perfect Fall days.

That big orangey-yellow circle was back in the sky, and the earth was a little bit toasty.

A handful of gorgeous red leaves lay under every tree along the sidewalk, and there was that scent in the air... the sweet aroma of color. The fragrance of frost. It was fresh, it was comforting, and there was a trace of Indian Summer in the air.

It's always sad to see the first few leaves that have been shunned from their perch, sentenced to rot on the cold, wet, ground. Last year was even more sad for me.

I had missed the changing of the colors! I don't know where I was when it happened... but I saw green leaves... then I saw no leaves. The in-between stage disappeared on me. It's one of my favorite parts of fall! 

This year I caught it just in time. I recognized the signs... and I was still. I waited. And this time I didn't miss it.