fall leaves

A Gift from the Wind and Rain

As if peaking in my window to say, Hello there you! this sweet leaf greeted me as I walked through the door of Joyful Pause Cottage studio early this morning.

It really felt like the leaf was smiling at me. This simple thing filled my heart with joy. I thought, the gift of the wind and rain. This is how this leaf found its way to now be sitting on my window pane.

How often we bemoan the wind and rain. I’m guilty of this at times for sure. But today this adorable little leaf reminded me of the gifts the wind and rain bring.

So as I set out on my walk this morning as if to reinforce this message from the tawny yellow leaf, I noticed the sky to the west was dark with impending rain. I thought for a moment to turn around and head back home. But instead, it was as if that little leaf was encouraging me to keep going.

And so I did. And the rain began to fall lightly. But my neck wrapped warm with a scarf, mittens upon my hands, my hood up over my hat and head, I snuggled into the coziness of it all.

The trees were ablaze in color and the rain tickled my face. It was invigorating and I felt such gratitude for nature and all her endless gifts.

Autumn Leaves

I paused to watch
a single yellow leaf drop,
spiraling,
to the ground.
 
Another fell, and yet another.
A slow rain bringing nutrients
to earth to feed the leaves
that would in spring burst forth
to cover branches in a cloak
of green.
Still they dropped, one here,
one there. Twisting and turning,
laying down a golden blanket
to warm the roots
for winter.
XO
Barb