Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Fall's beauty

Yesterday was a lovely day here in Maine. The temperature hit a whopping 65 degrees in parts of Maine. BuddyTheElf and I sat on the porch steps enjoying the warmth. Buddy lay contently sunning himself and I had a cup of coffee, sitting on the steps in my pj's. Later in the day as I was walking the dog around the yard I thought how dreary fall can be with the bare, stark-looking trees, flower blossoms dead and drooping and the dead leaves scattered all over the lawn. I have been trying very hard lately to find a positive for every negative thought I might have. So I found this little blossom in the garden, struggling to bloom one last time!
Spotted a little yellow flower pushing its way through a bunch of dead leaves on the lawn.
This plant was looking pretty sad except upon closer inspection I spotted a pretty little blossom at the top pushing its purplish flower and green leaves up and out!
Then in the dead leaves on the bank of the little pond I glimpsed some more cheerfulness....these tiny asters still blooming with all their might.
Until now I just dismissed this plant as a weed. But when I took the time to check it out I realized even though its bloom time was all over for the season it had left behind white fluffy flowers. By taking the time to find a positive amongst the negatives I was pleasantly surprised by all that was left behind to make my day.

















21 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Cheryl, I think I'm a little nutty since I love this time of year so much... I love the end of Fall---and walking through the leaves, or even rolling around in the leaves. I love the smell this time of year. I don't have to 'find' the beauty.. It's EVERYWHERE---all around me!!!! Crazy, aren't I? ha ha

Hugs,
Betsy

Reanaclaire said...

The wonders of God's creation never fails to amaze us, Cheryl.. you are one of those who admires the small tiny living wonder on earth.. the photographs tell it all..

Great Grandma Lin said...

great photos of the last blooms of fall. we too go through seasons and have our last blooms probably more appreciated than earlier ones because we are looking for them. thanks for a thought provoking post.

Jean said...

There really is a lot of beauty in the autumn, but sometimes it's hard to see it with all the brownness everywhere. Thanks for reminding us the beauty is there, Cheryl. Molly-the-dog does love strolling through the leaves and listening to the sound she's making.

Cheryl said...

Betsy: You are not crazy-you truly appreciate all nature offers! I think fall is here to make us slow down and just enjoy whats around us.

reanaclaire: Thanks for your nice comments. I've learned as I've grown "more mature" that the small things in life can be just as great as the bigger things, if I just slow down and look!

Lin Floyd: Your comment was absolutely wonderful! I wish I could write as well as you!

Cheryl said...

Aunt Jean: There! Molly-the-dog knows a good thing when she sees it! I finally have realized that my life is "seasonal" and I need to appreciate all it has to offer.

rainfield61 said...

You have opened your eyes and heart to appreciate things in our neighborhood. They are like pots of gold.

Patty said...

Good morning, nice you were able to find so many positive things while out walking. Thanks for your visits.

Heather said...

What a nice post, Cheryl. My favorite photo is the first one. I don't enjoy the gray, cold days of autumn, but am trying to counter that with appreciating the beauty to be found. Just yesterday, Camden and I took a walk, hand in hand, in the rain. It was cold and dark out, but it was the best part of my day! Thanks for the reminder to look a little harder. Have a great day!

Annie Bear said...

This is so sweet. It's amazing what you find when you look, and I'm so glad you shared because I'm not great at slowing down and noticing the little things. These flowers are so pretty.

Vicki

RoseBelle said...

Sometimes it is hard to reflect on the negativity with positivity because we naturally remember the bad times or things more so than the good things in life. Just like the late blooms of the flowers you took pictures of, there's always rebirth and freshness out of the the decaying surrounding. Beautiful post to remind us all that there's always a new beginning for everything bad or ugly out there.

Cheryl said...

rainfield61: Your comment was lovely...and so true!

Patty: Well thanks for you visits and comments as well. Glad you enjoyed the "walk" with me!

Heather: Oh how wonderful your walk with Camden must have been! Even with the cold and rain you carried your very own sunshine with you! Certainly a lovely memory to tuck away. Hugs to you!

Lucy the Cat: Thank you. I am still a beginner at this "stop and smell the roses" thing but I am thoroughly enjoying my "lessons"! Take care.

Anonymous said...

There are so many things in life like your flower. The apple blossom and then the apple. I guess life is one delight after the other.

George said...

You did a wonderful job of finding some neat positives amidst the negative of dull colors. You not only shared some beautiful pictures but you gave us a wonderful lesson as well.

Cheryl said...

Rose Belle: I appreciate your wonderful comments, very nice. I wish I could write as well as you! I think I "talk" through my photos instead of words. I truly believe I am "growing" through my blog and the support of fellow bloggers such as you.

Abraham Lincoln: How very true your comment is, especially your last sentence. As always thanks for stopping by and leaving your nice comments.

George: Thank you for leaving your kind comment. I am learning so much from my blogger "family" and each day I find I am becoming more confident in posting and sharing my thoughts.

Pete said...

Wow, nice weather and beautiful sight. I always love the scenery from temperate countries! Have a nice weekend with your family Cheryl!

Cheryl said...

Pete: Hi there. Glad you enjoyed seeing some of my side of the world! Its fun isn't it to see the different types of climates and scenery all over. You also have a wonderful weekend with your family.

James said...

That's a great attitude and your pictures are so nice. I think I'll do the same.
Thanks and have a wonderful weekend.

Kay said...

I really love that last photo with the light shining through the fluffy flowers. Beautiful.

Anonymous said...

simple delights of nature...really admire your observation and the way you have captured these shots...just lovely!

Cheryl said...

James: Glad you stopped by. Thanks for the nice comments. I get so much from your blog as inspiration!

Kay: I am glad you enjoyed the photo. I would love to "swap" many of your flowers for some of mine!

Flyingstars: How nice of you to visit and comment. Thank you very much.