Friday, September 21, 2007

It's not easy being green


Fleeting color
London, Ontario, August 2007 [Click to enlarge]


The lush green canopy that paints our world will soon be gone, temporarily replaced by brilliant yellows, oranges and reds before the whole thing gives way to the unending gray of a cold winter. I took this picture because I wanted to freeze the moment before it disappears for good.

I know that next spring, it'll all be back just as it was, and I'll be able to walk outside my front door and take an almost identical shot. But that's no reason to not mark the transition beforehand. We don't know what the future will bring, after all, so we should enjoy it now and not wait for its return to appreciate it. You simply never know...

Your turn: What's going through your mind as green turns to red, brown, and then nothing? Why do transitions matter so much to us?

16 comments:

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Why did this pop into my reader if its date is last Sunday?

Michele sent me to check on that. Myself, I'd like to offer you an easy fast (assuming you're fasting!).

And a final note: my issue with the leaves changing: nature's show never lasts long enough. Although maybe that helps to make it all the more special each year.

Mike Davis said...

Hi Carmi and thanks for the visit today. I must admit I miss the brilliant, vivid colours that Autumn used to bring when I was home (in England).

The variation is far less definite here, and we're the worse for it.

Anonymous said...

I love the changing of the seasons. The vibrant color, the crispness of the air. A masterpiece all around you. But it makes me sad in a way. Because it's time to let go of the summer.

The girls and I love to go and collect leaves as they fall when we are on our walks. Then, we glue them on to a paper plate (yes, even my nearly 12 year old still partakes in this) and we hang them for a while, up above the piano. Like Christmas trees, they don't last, but for whatever reason, it makes our farewell to summer easier to withstand.

Moon said...

Loved the photo...I think transitions mean so much because its like everything in life...they make us appreciate the good from the bad, or the different paths of transition as in growth, death, learning, lessons etc...Life is transitory ..its how we deal with each transition that determines us as humans I think.
Here via Micheles this evening...Have a great weekend Carmi and family.

Jessica said...

Beautiful photo. I love the light and the color.
Transitions matter because it's about life and death. One thing/experience/etc dies. And we have to adjust to something brand new. It marks time. It's a yard stick.

BreadBox said...

I imagine that it is especially difficult for a young man to be green at the moment... hug him as much as he'll let you....
Just visited, even though it's an M&G, to say that I bid you all peace on this high holy day.

N.

awareness said...

Hi Carmi........I just wrote about a personal period of transition which I'm experiencing right now. Perhaps September is my month for new beginnings.

Transitions are good and healthy and normal, but change can be rattling emotionally.

I love the fall colours....have posted a pic which shows the beginning of the show. next week, it will peak to display splendour.

ps. I ALWAYS listen to CBC Mainstreet while I'm cooking dinner and for whatever reason I completely missed it yesterday. I hope you become a regular. The host of the show is good...very interactive, irreverent and witty. He does his homework which makes for good interviews.
Sounds like a fun trip :)

I'm on a local CBC parent panel monthly which is a riot....it blows my mind how many people hear it and come up to me to make a commment on whatever topic we take on.

Anonymous said...

They reflect the cycle of life...

Me said...

I think the changes of seasons prompts us to look back at the previous season....moments and people and such like leaves falling off a tree....and we might mourn a little or rejoice...ha..depending on what's went on.

I am not a huge fan of the transition phase.

b13 said...

The autumn colors in the north east always thrill me. This photo, and all it's detail, is wonderful.

David Edward said...

shalom, dear friend, as you reflect on the past year, and renew yourselves.

Gyrobo said...

Transitions are meant to keep the user pacified while a major change in content occurs.

In this case, autumn is a distraction so that we don't notice Mother Nature sleeping on the job.

Sara said...

Never thought much about the season changes when I lived in Florida for all those years. We only had two seasons hot and hotter than hell...so what was to transition to.

Here in New England the seasons change so beautifully and each and everyone is a favorite for a different reason.

In our personal lives there are many transitions - having children, watching them grow up and move on, relationships ending, new ones beginning (if you are lucky or so inclined)), each transition brings it's own set of adjustments and what we do with those adjustments are what make us who we are.

Have a wonderful week-end...

Shephard said...

Believe it or not, Los Angeles has it's turning foliage. :) What goes through my mind is a break from the heat (we're lucky that way). I look forward to scarf-n-coat weather. Though I'll miss the leaves on our huge Pecan tree that shades us.
Michele says hello this time!
~S

Anna said...

This is so pretty. Nice shot. Simple and stunning. Sorry I havent been around....all is crazy here with trying to get settled. But it is so nice to all be together again!

Hope you have a great week Carmi!

SJ said...

I love this photo. Beautiful.