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| I snapped this photo with my phone as I walked through Fore River Sanctuary here in Portland, Maine. |
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
~L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
If I could be anywhere at any time, it would be right here and now, in October, near the ocean, on a path through salt marshes just before sunset. A great blue heron stands sentry beside the footbridge, still in the shallows. My legs brush against wild asters and the skeletons of Queen Anne's lace as I make my way. A rush of wind brings the scent of salt and rotting leaves, which I think should make me feel sad or old or melancholy, but it doesn't. Instead, every autumn of my life is with me all at once, making the trail suddenly both familiar and new, as if I've never walked it before, but could find my way just by the sound of goldfinches flying from tree to tree along its edge. Up ahead is the old stump where I will turn back, follow this same way back to the trailhead. The same grasses, the same reeds, the same stones and leaves, yet nothing will look the same. I will be older by seconds, by minutes, by strides; I will see everything from another side.
This is just so beautiful, Gigi.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurie!
DeleteI might have taken that picture, or written those words too, if I weren't landlocked in the midwest. There's something about the trail ahead that I love to snap pictures of, maybe the mystery of it. I do miss the marshes and the salt air of the Altantic.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, so glad I stopped by.
Oh, I hear you, Mel. I lived in Indiana for 6 years, and though I loved it there, I missed the ocean nearly every day. I agree about that sense of mystery when photographing the trail ahead. Even when I know the trail well, there are always surprises!
DeleteWonderful thoughts and photo. I love autumn, too. Have a nice weekend, Inge
ReplyDeleteThank you, Inge! Autumn is simply my favorite time of year. Happy weekend to you!
DeleteEverything about this is beautiful. Octobers do tend to make me feel just a tiny bit melancholy - but in a good way.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Loree! Now November is a different story. That makes me melancholy in a sad way. :) Thanks so much for your comment!
DeleteEvery walk in October should be felt and seen this way:)
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, my friend! xo
DeleteYou capture autumn with such beauty in your photo and also in your words.
ReplyDeletestunning words and photo!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely captured autumn.
I love this! October is my favorite month, too, and the month in which I married, so it's extra-special.
ReplyDeleteKeri
This is so beautiful Gigi, so evocative... Thank you... xv
ReplyDeleteThis is so crazy! Gigi, you were my professor at UML a few years ago, and one of my favorites at that. This is where my fiancee proposed to me this weekend ... and he just sent this link to me. Hope all is well!! :)
ReplyDelete-Holly
This is cool huh? Love you so much <3
DeleteOh, Holly, what a wonderful coincidence! Congratulations on your engagement! He picked a beautiful place to propose. :) Wishing you all the best.
Deletexo Gigi
Beautiful picture...and words, thanks Gigi.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Tom! I think you couldn't have picked a more perfect spot for your proposal. Warm wishes to you both.
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