Finding calm in the colors of autumn

I find myself peering into the future, panicking with the thought that the holiday season is vastly approaching and I have done little with my goals for 2014.  When I catch myself doing this I change my thoughts towards enjoying what is NOW, this season of change, slowing down, taking in the present.

Late afternoon storms have been coming through tuning the sky an ominous shade of steel blue.  Then suddenly the light changes.  The tops of trees are brushed with beautiful shades of yellow and pink light and a rainbow appears.  I can’t help myself.  I grab my phone and run to capture it before it disappears.  One evening it seemed to last forever.  As I took in this awe-inspiring sight I could feel a calm wash over me.   Being overwhelmed was replaced with joy and a sudden feeling of lightness and calm.   I can still feel its lingering affects now as I write.

Cleo had fun romping through the leaves and looking for potential squirrels to chase.

Fall colors peaked last week, unfortunately the storms blew many of the leaves off the trees just as it was the perfect time to capture mother nature dressed in her vibrant shades of reds, oranges, and yellows.  As promised, Sunday dawned with clear skies, sun shining and an autumn chill that made it necessary to drag out the winter hats and gloves.  I grew up near the city’s oldest cemetery where all the great pioneers of the carriage and automobile industries are buried.  Filled with dogwoods, sweet gums, elms, and various types of maples, its rugged roads, rolling hills and beautiful monuments and markers dated as far back as 1857 make this the ideal place to capture autumn.

I found this roadside stand offering a variety of pumpkins and guards, even a special place to load them.

 This ghost pumpkin found it's way into my car and now stands guard at the back door, greeting us when we come home after a long day.

Sharing the joys and finds of our week with Kim Klassen at Friday Finds.