by Wendy Andersen

Created on: November 02, 2009

Each season has its special charm. I take great delight in observing the changes each day brings. Here by the lakeside, gazing from my window, enjoying the morning's first cup of freshly brewed coffee, I have had the pleasure of experiencing many magical moments. The wonders of nature are sometimes fleeting; each moment should be savoured to fill the heart with warmth and love. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than drinking in the colors and sounds of my surroundings and realising what a wonderful world we live in.

This cool autumn morning reveals a wondrous sight. The sky is blue and cloudless, and as I stare birdsong comes to my ears as they initiate their morning chorus. Nearby the Rowan tree offers a multitude of blood red berries and before they drop to the ground and are lost for another year, the eager birds dart back and forth and feast on this welcome gift. My friend the robin flits back and forth seeking insects before he also must take farewell.

Across the lake on this still, breathtaking day the trees stretch their branches upwards, proudly holding onto their jewels of red, yellow, and green. The many colored leaves mirrored upon the water give the impression of a multi-colored quilt enveloping the reflection of the sky. Here and there a fallen leaf, now brown and shriveled, glides across the water on its way to who knows where.

Below the trees the green, wet grass covers the ground, dew still clinging to each blade and twinkling in the sunlight. A few cranberries can be glimpsed here and there, round and red, hiding amongst the grass. As I look on, heather sprawls across the hillside, their small lavender flowers shooting upwards, tendrils flattened against the earth seeking new ground.

Glancing up the hillside, great fir trees stand proud, almost black against the sky. In amongst the firs a birch strives to reach the sun, its golden leaves brightening the otherwise somber mood. A proud oak stands alone, long arms of brown and gold. A squirrel, in and out it scurries along the branches, its red tail bobbing, eager paws gathering nuts to bury for the winter not far away.

Too soon this palette of color will be forgotten as leaves fade and depart their place of honor, to reveal the naked brown bark branches. Nature must rest and make ready, and I will wait through winter in eager anticipation for the fabulous show called spring.

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