Today feels like November. It’s not raining but it’s dull and grey and the trees are quickly loosing their brilliance. We left daylight savings time behind last weekend and the dark is drawing in early now. I feel a slight inner anxiety with this but I know it’s not based in the present, it comes from old memories of past winters which were spent commuting to and from work in the dark while during the day, working in a windowless office.
Thankfully, I no longer work so I can now take advantage of the light that we do have during the shorter days. I replanted the flower pots by my front door with winter kale, grasses and pansies. Later, I bundled up against the sea breeze and walked with Molly along the water and came home refreshed, to a cup of hot tea. Even though today’s light was diffused through the grey November clouds, I was happy and grateful that I was able see it and be out in it.
Will I ever love November…probably not, but I’m learning to change my relationship with it from one of resistance to one of acceptance and even appreciation. I'll be out walking (with my camera) as much as I can, actively seeking the beauty that's always present, athough much less flamboyently than in June. There’s a lot to be said for understated elegance!
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
Edith Wharton
Kate I love the way you captured the water droplets in the photo. And I love this statement; change my relationship with it from one of resistance to one of acceptance and even appreciation. That sentence could be my goal for several areas in my life. Actually my Novembers are better now as I'm living in a warmer part of the US, but your words fit other things that still need working on! I'm wishing you warmth, more tea, and even some sunshine!
Posted by: betty jo | 11/09/2011 at 04:29 AM
I took that challenge a couple of years ago... to love November (or here, January and February). And, I actually ALMOST enjoyed it. LOL! Best wishes on your new relationship with the gray. blessings ~ tanna
Posted by: tanna | 11/09/2011 at 06:22 PM
I too struggle to cope with the changes at this time of year, kate. And I also try to cultivate acceptance and appreciation...the beautiful photo reminds me of the importance of this...and that the beauty is still there if we have eyes to see! xoO
Posted by: olivia | 11/12/2011 at 02:58 PM