foliage – SilverLining

This past year, the fall, like the prior two seasons, achieved near perfection in weather and sensory excitement. At the height of color season, I enjoyed the visit of long-time friends through a weekend and, more than once, we enjoyed walking several laps around the pond as we caught up on the status of each others’ lives and thoughts. As we walked, one friend’s eyes worked in a way different than mine. While I tend to look toward the pond and sky, she kept her eyes just ahead of her feet. I suspect she did this for just the purpose she achieved – to avoid stepping on a creature. Thanks to her watchfulness, I have these two photos to share, and neither reptile was crushed by our step. Walking with her has inspired me to cast my eyes to the ground more often.

The seasons shed new light and cause different framing to almost any view of the pond. Here, the variations of color, visual texture, and depth caught my eye, at a place along the walk that, through other seasons, I might pass without notice.

Often I have wondered, as I look at reflections on the pond, if the term ‘water color’, used as a description of an art form, was inspired by the image reflected in the lower half of the photo below – after the method of painting was established. Or, did an artist see what this picture shows, and, using water mixed with color, try to recreate water color.

As the days shortened, the colors dulled, and the leaves fell to the ground. Then, on came the winter.

We moved to this property in the fall. With boxes to unpack, painting to be done, utility details to unravel, I can’t say my focus was the pond. But each time I drove by, on my way on or off the premises, I would think how pretty it was. I realize now, that the colors we chose for the inside of our new home were inspired by the ring of foliage surrounding the pond when we arrived.

I first saw the pond up close on walks with our dog. Although this move was a default plan to accommodate my health, when I was near the pond, I could see there might be some redeeming value to our relocation. When I was close to it, it piqued my curiosity. It was teeming with flora and fauna, with bugs and mire. As I observed these things, I fell gradually, but seriously, for this little life force. It was a big, beautiful Petri dish.

As the busy fall blended into dreary winter, I remember one day in particular when, although winter was approaching, it was unseasonably warm, and I was out for a late afternoon walk. It was a good day, (i.e., a day when my legs are strong) and I circled the pond six or seven times over the course of an hour and a half. The whole time, the sky became more and more ominous, spitting rain off and on, as a harsh wind kept me wondering if those who were tuned to the airways knew of an impending tornado. The sky was churning billowy cloud masses, and it felt as if Armageddon was upon us. There was an eerie darkness, but, something about being near the pond made it all feel invigorating.

I think that’s the day I became smitten by the pond, as it sat black and silent, not competing with the natural elements surrounding it. It dared me to take another lap each time I passed the path to our house. In total confidence and full comfort, I repeatedly did, until it became too dark to see my footing. Only then did I walk away, and I did so reluctantly.

Tag: foliage

Fall Inspirations

I Am Smitten As Winter Approaches