It is without a question of a doubt Autumn. I have been holding it at bay for weeks now but even I, well practised at avoidance cannot ignore what is right in front of my face and swamping my garden. The children and I spent several hours yesterday clearing the leaves and debris from the garden. I love how they are happy to potter outside, she collected snails, picking them off the wall one by one and dropping them into a bucket, he added to this with lots of worms. Neither of them squeamish and both very gentle with their little friends.
We live with woods outside our back gate, so leaves fall and fall and fall in Autumn. Less so than a few years ago as a lot of the leaf canopy disappeared when three trees rotten through their core were felled. We missed them like friends but if we are honest we love the light their absence lets in.
We ended the afternoon with our usual walk through the woods. It keeps me grounded to the seasons and re sets me if I am preoccupied, worried or sad. I am often one or all of these things in this season of my life. Seeing the children peering into fairy pools or spotting fallow deer step across our path cannot be ignored as powerful everyday magic which blows away or at least proportions my stream of worries.
What a beautiful post! You've really captured the Autumny feel in the air. Really lovely x
ReplyDeleteAww thank you- we had fun me and the kiddos, Jxx
DeleteI loved this post -really beautiful. I love your photos too, they really capture the sense of autumn.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen, more leaves falling as I type, Jxx
DeleteYes a truly beautiful post Jo. And lovely images to echo your words. x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen, I really appreciate you commenting, Jxx
DeleteWhat a gorgeous post Jo ... so lovely and the pictures are a great illustration ... Bee xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Bee- much appreciated- loved those wee bird brooches over your way too, Jxx
DeleteWow, such a gorgeous place you live! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Col- We are lucky. When we first viewed the house it was a wreck (and empty) and I remember D and I coming along the path in the woods to look over the garden wall at the house- well 'our' house! I already decided it would be ours! It is a beautiful setting, Jxx
DeleteWhat a beautiful piece of writing. I love the idea of powerful everyday magic, the ability to see it is a gift. How lovely x
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate, you saying that means a lot. There are fairies in those pools you know! Jxx
DeleteLovely post, and gorgeous woodland photos. You are lucky to live near some woods. I am always amazed at how confident my two are with insects - they pick up and examine worms, snails, beetles without the least squeamishness (unlike me!) x
ReplyDeleteThanks Gillian- yes its a great resource and I never take it for granted. They have always made me feel so much better just stepping out into them, Jo xx
DeleteThis is so lovely Jo. What a pretty garden you have and how lovely to live so close to the woods. That's so sweet to be collecting the snails and worms so carefully. Elizabeth has just had a complete meltdown because there was a slug on the doorstep as we were coming in. Think she has just about got over it! Wish she was a little less squeamish! xx
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