Nature
Autumnal Paradise
19 October 2008
Although I am living in a tropical paradise, I consider so many different types of areas paradise. It truly is what you make of where you are at a given time and I do not just mean where you are located physically. I also mean mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Many would consider our stay in Atlantic Beach, FL paradise as we lived right on the beach and were able to view spectacular sunrises and often times we were fortunate enough to be able to watch the bottle nose dolphins jump, flip and ride the waves all while we stood a few yards away. We had fantastic neighbors (John and Georgia – fun, caring and marvelous cooks) But for my personal experience and where I was at that time, it seems like a different world. All of the wonderful things were overshadowed by a dark, negative black hole that literally consumed any positive experience I might have had during that time. I do believe the negative feelings are beginning to fade as I am able to look back through my images and feel a smile begin to form. Some I am not ready to look at again, but I do know, in time, I will get there.
In order to continue to appreciate my current paradise, I must stop and reflect on little pieces of paradises other than my own. There would be none more fitting to celebrate in this post than an autumnal display in NW Indiana.. Here’s to thinking of you Mom and Dad and wishing we were catching the brilliantly warm display of color in good ole Valparaiso, IN. Here’s to that first crisp chilly day that begs to see your favorite soft and well worn sweater from autumns and winters past. Hot apple cider, pumpkin doughnuts and self picked apples from the County Line Apple Orchard are surely missed this year.
It is interesting how autumn is the first real show of the end of a life cycle, the death of so many beautiful things. But for me, autumn has always been my favorite season. With no other season does change seem so imminent, so in your face. I have never viewed autumn as the end of a life cycle or impending death. Autumn always signified the continuation of life or the beginning of a new cycle. Each Autumn a sense of rejuvenation embraces my entire being. My soul rejoices as the wintry winds begin to sing their icy songs and as the trees change into their new warm hues because I know that change is a coming and change is what keeps us young.
