“Turning Over a New Leaf ” This Fall
Today, I learn the etymology of the phrase, “turning over a new leaf.” It dates back to the 16th century and literally means to turn the page. I’m ready to turn the page. I’m ready to move on in my story. Aren’t you? As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall around […]
More Than Enough
A long time ago, a friend of mine remarked that you can see things more clearly in the late autumn and winter. She said that the contrast of empty, colorless landscapes makes anything vibrant stand out that much more. There’s a focus you gain when you find yourself in stark places. I like that. I […]
Does Happiness Have a Sound?
Lately, I’ve been amazed at how loud the autumn leaves are. They crunch underfoot, and those left in the trees chatter as the wind blows. And then there’s the haunting whisper of a leaf as it descends–barely audible–but still vibrating whether I perceive it or not. I stop everything and gaze at that leaf. It […]
A Glorious Death
Autumn Leaves I’m looking up into the autumn leaves, and I realize I’m watching a glorious death. These colors–this vibrant display of glory–come at the point of death (technically the disintegration of chlorophyll). This beautiful moment represents the end of life for these leaves. I don’t name it as tragic. I revel in this autumn […]