In the upper peninsula of Michigan, where I grew up in the country, it was always a favorite time of year for me, when the many warm colors of Fall appeared on the distant hills. Our small country farm was settled amidst the rolling hills which were sprayed with maple trees that were subject for an artists canvas. A brilliant blue sky above on a sunlit day provided a perfect backdrop for God's display of a colorful transition.
Up the cowpath that lead beyond the pasture, into the hardwoods, was a trail that I loved to wander in the autumn as I savored the earthy smells of falling leaves and was immersed in a wondrous color bath of autumn gold , reds and orange hues. Now and then a bird would speak in joyful song, or a deer would make a quick dash away as it heard a stranger approaching.
Living here amidst the four seasons, we are blessed to realize the beauty and pleasure that each season offers us. There is always something to look forward to with the ever changing seasons. Each one, whether winter, spring, summer or autumn offers us new activities and panoramas to enjoy.
As a little girl, I loved to gather colored leaves and coat them with a brushing of wax and make a boquet for our country home. Mom would put them into a large butter churning jar and set them on a table to be enjoyed. That would have been when I wasn't churning the butter in our Daisy churn. I used to love to sit behind our old wood stove and churn soured milk to make the butter and I would be singing every song I knew until finally, I could tell when it was turning to butter. It was exciting for me to do. In those days, life in the country was very simple and centered around family and home. They were good times to be treasured even more as the years roll by.
Now the early signs of autumn are upon us with days growing shorter, fading of the summer flowers and touches of gold and orange or rust replacing the once brilliant greens on the trees and shrubs. The air smells fresher on cooler mornings when I greet the day and my feet feel like dancing , once again, among those colored hills of home in Michigan. However, everything changes with time and luckily we have photographs and precious memories to carry us along on our journey through time.
Take time along your path today to notice and feel the magic of autumn gold all around you. It is a free gift for all to enjoy.
