Aug 202010
The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many.
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
As the proud possessor of precisely three silver hairs, I’m feeling in sympathy with dear August right now.
Almost every leaf looks a little nibbled, and yes, the freshness of spring has definitely worn off — and yet I would be lying if I told you I found her ripe, sultry, mature beauty anything but riveting.
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Comments (42)
aaah the seasons are racing on.
They do seem to move at a clip lately, Catharine.
Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year. And frankly, can’t wait for it this year!
I’m planning on being one of those old ladies with scarlet hair that everyone looks at and says, ‘Poor old thing should just go gray gracefully! Who does she think she’s fooling?’ 
So maybe I won’t even notice when the grays start coming in…my mum didn’t get her first one till she was 45.
Kyna´s last blog ..What Are You Listening To Wednesday
I was just thankful not to go gray at 29, like my aunt with the raven hair did. You’ll be a wonderful, scarlet-haired old-timer, Kyna. I can only imagine how funny you’ll be by then.
Summer used such a heavy hand on this land this year that everyone is ready for her exit, I’m afraid, even people like me who are usually quite sorry to see her go.
Hi Meredith,
I’m always amazed at the pictures you take and present in your blog; there’s such beauty in the trees in this one.
Here in Colorado all four seasons are very distinctive from one another and we can see now the beginning of autumn, which is a nice time of the year to reflect in what it’s been so far in the childish and energetic months of summer and what’s coming in the passive and introspective months of winter.
But each one hold their own beauty!
Raul
Alien Ghost´s last blog ..Master of Your Own Universe
I’m glad you liked the picture, Raul. I thought it was nice, too, although not strictly appropriate for the quote, as it’s a Japanese maple that’s golden all the time. Oh, well.
I’ve heard the seasons are beautiful in Colorado, and that the region in general is lovely, especially for those who love Nature. I hope you enjoy the changing seasons as they come.
How lovely – and a lovely thought.
Glad you liked it, Lynn.
It’s beautiful. It seems early.
lisahoglden´s last blog ..The Best Laid Plans of Mice- I Mean Cats and Men
I think the seasons make a more gradual shift than we are used to thinking of, Lisa, and the small signs are already present now.
Indeed a beautiful photo Meredith. My husband and I were sitting in the gazebo having dinner last evening, enjoying the coolness in the air after a hot sunny day… several leaves of the maple tree have already turned red. I’m not sure where the summer has gone.
Diana´s last blog ..Tuesday Evening Sky – SkyWatch
It does move quickly, Diana… although I’m shocked to imagine the maples are already turning. Wow!
Hi,
Autumn… I haven’t really noticed the turn yet, but definitely the fresh, vibrant greens of spring have gone…
They say Autumn will be late here this year, already the berry harvests and such are almost a month late after the hard winter. I’m not complaining, as I’d like Summer to last a little longer
liz´s last blog ..Dancing with Butteflies
Liz, we had the opposite, I think, a hard summer instead of a hard winter, and everybody here cannot wait to feel the refreshing breezes of September.
I’m glad for you that your summertime joys linger on…
We’re starting to have leaf showers here…but I can’t say I mind. I’m ready to slip into my absolute favorite time of year.
Silver hairs are beautiful – it means we’ve lived long enough and worked hard enough to earn some.
Talon´s last blog ..Not again!
We’ve had some leaf showers here, too, Talon. Mostly the tulip poplars that didn’t fare well in the drought. I’m glad you’re heading into your favorite time of year. It’s wonderful when we feel *aligned* with the season somehow. I feel that way about spring and, increasingly as I age, with autumn, too.
I’m all conflicted about my silvery ones. Sometimes I love them, sometimes I feel sad to see them. Eventually I hope to settle into acceptance.
Somehow feeling too early for the seasons to change..but – I too – have observed the first colored leaves. Such a dreamy image!
Marcie´s last blog ..Time In Space
Glad you liked that shot, Marcie! The dreamy effect may be helped along by the soft focus.
Beautiful picture and quote. I’ve been noticing the subtle arrival of fall myself. The sumac is turning red, the goldenrod is beginning to bloom and the blackbirds are starting to flock together. I found goldfinches feeding at the remaining coneflower seeds. The geese are starting to dot the sky with their familiar V-shapes….it won’t be long and the pungent, cooler air of autumn will be here
Shelly, we’ve got the goldenrod blooming here, too, and the flocks of blackbirds. But the sumac is still resolutely holding its summer tint. I can’t wait for the cooler air, myself!
We usually do not see the geese here until September. In fact, I remember one year I was in Canada for their departure, and in Atlanta a few weeks later for their arrival.
That’s a great quote and wonderful photo to illustrate it. Autumn is my favorite season here in Florida, despite the lack of turning foliage. Autumn brings us the first relief from the horrid heat of summer–at the first breath of cool air, everything and everyone seems to sigh, and perk up just the tiniest bit. There is no relief in sight yet, except I can see by the color and angle of the light that the season change is coming…yes, it’s coming!
Kathy´s last blog ..A Marine in the Family
Kathy, I can sympathize with you there. For me this year, with this hideous heatwave and no central air, I’m longing for nights in the 50s and days where the high is a mellow 78. I’ll definitely be among those sighing with relief and perking up. (My energy level has bottomed out these last few weeks.)
Soon.
Dear Meredith, I am never anxious to hold on to August as I find September to be the most glorious month. Your photograph is outstanding and really resonates with me and the wonderful autumn tints which will grace the woodlands before too long now.
Edith Hope´s last blog ..Name Dropping- Lady Isobel Barnett
September is an amazing month, Edith. I’m more fond of April/May, of course, but September/October run a close second.
I’m so glad the photo resonated with you. I hope to take some lovely autumn shots of the forest around us this year.
Hi Meredith,
What a gorgeous photo. Your three silver strands frame your beauty and wisdom. As the colors turn in your world, let them wrap and weave your life fabric with love.
Blessings and warmth,
Lori
~xo
Lori (JaneBeNimble)´s last blog ..Closer to Fine
Lori, you’re definitely part poet — and the silver strands thank you.
Sending you a big virtual hug.
Given the hot dry summer, I’m happy our trees still have leaves, just as I’m happy I still have some hair on my head!
villager´s last blog ..Focaccia Bread
LOL, Villager. Yes, it was a rough time, with no rain especially. Glad to see your harvests are still holding up!
This photo is perfect. Autumn beckons — teases, really, but we’re still here in the foreground, seeking August shade. Fall is out there, looking beautiful. What a siren.
Laurrie´s last blog ..What happened to picnic tables
Aw, Laurrie, thanks. You are so right about Autumn’s siren facet beckoning as we swelter in August’s shade right now. Beautifully expressed!
I love autumn! There’s just something magical about it. The veil gets thinner, faeries come out to play and we get to layer our clothing like Gypsy princesses!
Beautiful photo Meredith!
{Sarah}´s last blog ..Photo Notes on an Oregon Swimhole
“The veil gets thinner.” Love that, Sarah. Whenever I’ve looked at the mushrooms lately, I feel the fairies’ presence lingering there. You’re right about the magic.
I love Autumn. Crisp morning air, blazing fall colors, a cozy blanket and a good book on a dreary day. But…I’m NOT READY! You’re going to have to drag me into fall this year, kicking and screaming. Our summer has just been too short this year!
Curbstone Valley Farm´s last blog ..Pullet Eggs
I’m so sorry you’ve had a short summer, Clare. That is so frustrating, I know.
For us in the Southeast, the fall couldn’t come fast enough this year. Isn’t it strange weather? Hoping next season is more in line with our typical regional expectations… it’s a little worrying, frankly.
There are still weeks of summer and I am not quite ready to consider that fall is just, right, there… but it is wonderfully beautiful that each summer offers something – a mix between seasons, a hint of the beauty to come or that just passed.
I love your pictures!
Our gingko tree and tulip poplar trees are starting to turn yellow as well. I love this time of year.
Susan Tiner´s last blog ..9 Bells Jingling and Ringing
I possess a heck of a lot more than three silver hairs and, one day, I will stop using the bottled colour and let them shine proud. I love the image for this post, Meredith…..beautiful! DownUnder….spring is just around the corner ~
Serena´s last blog ..Head Pain SUCKS!!!
indeed! it is a beautiful time! gorgeous light- love the photo!
elsa´s last blog ..the princess & the prana boy
Oh I’m not ready for autumn yet!
I wish I had just the 3 grey hairs!
Great bleating heavens, is that ever a stunning image! I’m gobsmacked. I love how the trees further in the background seem to get lost in light somehow. If this is autumn, then please let it be so all year ’round!
A few hairs
I would gladly have
upon this
shine brow
“and yet I would be lying if I told you I found her ripe, sultry, mature beauty anything but riveting.”
This picture is riveting…Thank you for sharing this great image and idea
Patricia´s last blog ..SMILING ON A BEAUTIFUL MORNING