ALREADY THE EARTHY HUES of autumn brush the Minnesota landscape. Touches of red and orange and yellow tip trees now spiraling leaves onto grass and asphalt and sidewalks.
I delight in autumn, a season I welcome for the crisp nights that birth mornings of warm sunshine. Each day seems a gift to hold heart close.
Summer memories fly on the wings of butterflies dipping among fading plants—milkweed and goldenrod and petunias drying in pots.
The air carries the scent of corn ripening, the anticipation of harvest approaching, the promise of the yield.
And in the evening, when the sun slips too soon into darkness, when I close the windows against the overnight cold, I smell still the spicy aroma of chili ladled into handcrafted bowls shaped of the earth. And I am grateful for this season of autumn in Minnesota.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
I am sure you are happy with the approach of fall. I was just bemoaning to Chris yesterday that I was not ready for fall because I felt like I had no summer. Perhaps because we were gone so much and I didn’t have as much time to just sit on our back deck and enjoy the summer like I love to do. Ah well—it will come again, right?
I love the colors and weather of autumn. But I also enjoy summer, and it was a beautiful one here in Minnesota. But, like you, I feel as if this was the summer that wasn’t given my shoulder injury, subsequent recovery and many medical appointments. Not being able to use my camera for three months was tough. There’s so much to photograph during the summer. I missed out on a lot of events and activities. I would love to have this summer back, minus the health issues.
Mmm fall is in the air. Love your photos especially the little dish. Now I want to make chili! I’m waiting for the first chilly rainy day.
I got three bowls like this at a garage sale for a super low price. I think 50 cents a bowl. They are handcrafted pottery. I love the color, the leaf design, so perfect for autumn.
Three lovely images and poetic words – a nice way to start the week. Thank you. We are eager for fall in Sacramento; we’ve had super hot temps the last few weeks and it was supposed to be cooling off.
I’ve heard all about the California heat from friends who live in Bakersfield. I couldn’t stand that type of long-term heat.
I never enjoyed autumn much until we moved on this place. Now I think of walks to the river – especially as the fall rains arrive and knock down some of those tall weeds! The deer are getting their winter coats already. And this year… there will be a pecan harvest!! Something new.
I love your maple leaf bowl. Beautiful and functional!
Here’s to a first pecan harvest. I look forward to reading all abut it.
I got two more of those maple leaf bowls at a garage sale for a bargain.
We have dozens of the same kind of butterflies pictured above gorging themselves on the pollen on the bushes in front of our church, along with lots of bees. I have not been able to determine if they are moths or butterflies.
Now that you mention it. this could be a moth. Let me know if your research uncovers their identity.
Such a poetic post today! Lovely.
Thank you. I love it when my words flow in a poetic way. I experienced a poet’s high when I wrote this. I expect you understand exactly how that feels.
Beautiful photo’s today. Thank you.
You are most welcome, Judy.
Our leaves are mostly in full color now and the nights have turned dark, in fact the street lights have been coming on for over a week now something we have not observed for the summer months. I relish the autumn weather! Humm your mention of Chili sure sounds good, great autumn food on a cold evening. Fall harvesting must be getting ready if not already started in your part of the world and I sure miss that…………………….
I’m already lamenting that darkness begins descending now before 8 p.m. I love the longer days of summer.
I can understand your missing the Minnesota harvest. There’s just something about the smells, the sounds, the sights of harvest. Yes, preps are beginning for the harvest as the corn and beans ripen.
I’m beginning to see autumn all around me, such a beautiful time of year!
And the best part for you…it leads into your favorite season.
Autumn is my favorite season. I’m so glad I live in a place where it is distinctive.
It’s my favorite season, too. And, yes, I agree that living in a place with distinct seasons is a good thing (although I’d be OK if we skipped winter).
Your post is nothing short of a poem with all your poetic lines. Lovely well chosen words
Thank you, Sue.