Whether it is the drought of 2006 or due to some plant biology of which I am not familiar, autumn in this area is a little on the drab side thus far. Last autumn (2005) offered some of the most spectacular foliage I've ever witnessed in the Dallas area. And, even though there is a little time left for nature to amaze us with the brilliant hues of fall, I'm betting most of the leaves will crinkle around the edges, turn brown, and fall off without fanfare.
This lackluster season is forcing me to hone my observing skills. If you look closely at the right trees and shrubs, you can see hints of nature's brilliance even in the midst of a seemingly colorless fall. Since being blessed with our acreage in East Texas, I've begun to look more at the details of plants and the everyday beauty that we easily and often gloss over in our busy lives. A few weeks ago, I was taking a quiet stroll alone on the road at our place. The arrival of fall was a long way off. Everything was still green and the temperatures very summer-like. As I walk I'm looking for the details.
This day I noticed more than the normal amount of pine needles blanketing the road. Oh, and the smell of dry pine straw was intoxicating. The smell of fall!! But, wait, it was still summer and not a hint of autumn foliage. And, there it was. One single bright red leaf lying on the brown pine straw framed by pine cones. I stopped and gazed and was just utterly thankful for the pure beauty of a single fragile leaf that lay at my feet. Then I looked around, I looked up, I gazed into the woods and on the ground. No where could I find the source of this magnificent leaf. Not a single similar leaf lie anywhere that I could see. I couldn't find one tree among hundreds bearing any leaves with even a fraction of the scarlet color on this one amazing leaf. And, of course, I didn't have my camera with me so I can only attempt to describe the simple loveliness of a lone, brilliantly painted red leaf among acres of woodlands.
A few weeks have gone by and so far we don't have an abundance of spectacular fall foliage. But, the beauty and wonder of autumn are there in the details. I took these pictures all at our wooded paradise and hope they reflect the charm and delight of autumn and the awesome nature of our Creator.
Love,
Tammy
