We Came Away with Color

I  imagine the trees know each other.

I imagine this because, you see, if you ever take a walk in the woods...

there is evidence all around...

of them catching each other, leaning on each other, growing with each other.

That's what I love about trees. 

They are full of wonder and strength and color.

I love their out stretched arms, inspiring me, too, to reach up...

way way up

towards the sun and smile

just like them.

Today we were blessed with crisp fall air, 

a lovely mountain drive,

and a picnic lunch.

We were blessed with climbing,

and hugging, 

and hauling branches.

The chainsaw was buzzing,

 the leaves whispered,

oak and pine and aspen scents surrounded me...

we were blessed.

Hard work and trips up and down a mountain with arms full of winter warmth...

We were blessed.

"The human spirit needs places that have not been 

rearranged by the hand of man."

“I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least - and it is commonly more than that - sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely 

free from all worldly engagements."

- Henry Thoreau

My little squirrel girl wanted to build a house then and there

in the great woods.

I did too.

Instead, I collected bark and rocks, and pictures -

to take in my pocket and remember

 that there are still quiet spaces,

even in my mind.

 (no aspens were harmed in the making of this life. I promise he's cutting the fallen dead one.)

Hawk feathers were found...

and spider friends discovered high in a tree. 

"look what we found mom!"

The littles really love insects.

That's what i love most about children -

their happiness in discovering,

 their eagerness to learn, 

their friendly little hearts when nurtured.

~Golden leaves rained on us~

"I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out until sundown,

for going out,

I found,

was really going in."

John Muir

.

We came away with quite a bit of fire wood for the soon to come winter,

peaceful souls,

fall kissed cheeks...

...and color.

We came away with color.