Gathering fall leaves

[Bucky]

I just love the many colors of fall.  It's sad that they are only these pretty fall colors for such a short, short time.

We have two maple trees in our front yard.  One of them is already half bare of it's leaves.  The other has most of the leaves still hanging on - but, within a week, they too will be gone.

This afternoon, I went out and gathered leaves from the trees.  I just love the orange, yellows and red leaves.  I collected a wide variety of colors - it's amazing all the different colors that come from the same tree.  Some of them look spattered with paint . . . yellow and red.  Some are in the transition stage of going from green to red or yellow. 

Some leaves are BIG and some are small.  Some are a deep burgundy, others a vibrant red.    Some are half red and half yellow.

I've brought them inside and will spread them out on the table to dry completely before I press them in a book.

Several years ago during one of my group challenges, did anyone collect any leaves for our Sjogrens leaves?  I did - and I still have those leaves!     When I open the book they are pressed in, it "smells" like fall.   

For those who don't know . . . Sjogrens leaves are much like the leaves I've just collected. (Sjogrens leaves represent each of us.) They come in many different sizes and colors.  They go through transitions every year - from a bud, to a leaf, they withstand all kinds of weather from excessive rain, heat, drought, frost.  Yet . . . they survive.  They persevere and weather the challenges that face them (much like we all do).

We can learn a lot from nature.  If you look at places that have had forest fires.  Yes, it scorches and blackens vegetation, trees, etc.  Everything looks destroyed.  Yet, given time - it will renew and grow again.  Amazing how nature works.

So, if anyone still has fall leaves in their area - step outside and gather some.  Dry them well and then press them in a book.  Then, when the weather turns really bad or your feeling a little blue and alone, get out your leaves and remember the journey this leaf has taken.  Think about your fellow Sjogren friends who are on this same journey with you.  Never give up hope!

Bucky

P.S.  I also had my camera with me today and was taking pictures of these beautiful fall colors so I can remember the peaceful, joyful beauty that nature displays.  I love fall!   

[Still in the hunt]

I burn em,, just kidding,,

[season]

Wonderful. I love it.

[Katybarstool]

Bucky

I don't save leaves, because some of them trigger my asthma, but I absolutely adore looking at all the autumn colours, especially when I am driving home from work (and my sofa is nigh).

Kathyx

[Cheryl]

I love the leaves in the fall, too, Bucky!  The colors are brilliant this year.