Pondering the Seasons
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| Autumn Sunrise 1995 9 x 6 inch watercolor |
There was a place on my (deceased) parents old property, down into a gully where there are or was a grove of poplar trees. In the fall, the area lights up with a golden glow when the sun shines through.
Standing under a large maple tree in autumn provides the same experience. Whenever I have a chance of being out in the woods in the autumn, I try to find a place or tree to stand under for that shower of light.
In the winter, I try not to stand under trees because possible snow always seems to make it down the back of my neck. However, walking through a grove of evergreen trees is as magical as foliage in the fall or an orchard in full spring bloom. Summer, though, is about being in the shade looking out at trees.
On this last Saturday of January 2024, I'm pondering what the four seasons mean to me, memories, feelings, events. What I remember up front are clothes. Shorts are always tailored, strong French seams, pockets, cuffs, good woven fabric. Jackets crusty with snow and ice. A raincoat hung on the back of a closet door to dry. A pair of fringe hem jeans and a plaid flannel shirt. Every season has a uniform.
What I notice is that my cold weather coats are warmer, and my summer shorts are lighter. My age is a factor given I have thinner skin and move around less. Climate change also plays into it with damper cold weather and hotter summers.
This year I'm embracing winter as a time of fun exploring closets and cleaning out old stuff. I also like to think of myself as walking outdoors regularly. Maybe all this seasons' pondering will encourage me to do that.
P.S.
Spring is only 52 days away in this Northern Hemisphere.
Your watercolor is beautiful and a wonderful illustration to this meditation on the seasons. Interesting that clothes come to mind but when I think about it, I, too, remember certain things for certain times of year. The writing is beautiful. I loved this.
ReplyDeleteWe have snow regularly this season, without major storms yet. The wind is the issue for us. That will cross all seasons I fear!
ReplyDeleteThe colours in your watercolour glow - beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate living in a country that has the four seasons, despite the fact that one of them certainly isn't my favourite. I've always felt the cold and didn't want to be out in it any more than I had to and now that I've developed 'arthur' in my hands I like it even less. Exploring closets sounds like an ideal winter activity to me.
52 days? Bring it on!
Maywyn this is such a gorgeous autumn painting. Your words of how you enjoy standing in the shade and looking out is exactly what moves me as well. We must share the same memories of what the seasons remind us as when we were children. My grandfather (paternal-never knew him) planted a grove of pines on our family farm. They still stand and I still adore walking through them - they seem to whisper to me and I always want to listen. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteLovely post and the watercolor is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy weekend.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of your parents' old property, the trees, and clothes for each season. We're still deep in Winter right now, and it's been raining. It's so nice that you've been cleaning out closets. And it's great that you take a walk when you get a chance. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
that is a really pretty piece of art, i adore those autumn colors. funny story about the snow falling down your jacket...i have had the same experience and that is why it is always best to have your hood up, if you have one!! i like winter clothes, they are full and bulky and hide all of those imperfections we do not wish to share with the world!! have a happy weekend!!
ReplyDeleteJeanie,
ReplyDeleteTo the grove of poplar trees, you walk down into it, and then up the other side out of it. I imagine the top is 15 feet above me, but it is probably only ten feet high. So when the sun shines, it is like being in a bowl of gold.
Marie,
ReplyDeleteThe ocean breeze has its beauty. There on PEI, I imagine the wind is even more beautiful.
Stay warm!
Maryanne,
ReplyDeleteThe one time in my life I lived in a 3 season climate, I kept telling myself that Jesus was not born in a snow storm. It helped get me through the winter. :)
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteA grove of pine trees! That is beautiful to imagine. The wind sings best through pine trees.
A fine weekend to you, Eileen
ReplyDeleteHave happy moments as we get closer to spring.
Sheri,
ReplyDeleteRain! Here as well.
That's why it feel so much like spring instead of winter. Stay dry and cozy!
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteAbout the hood. This year I thought to keep it on. The furry trim blocks my view so much I removed the hood. I'm in the process of giving the fur a buzz cut.
I will take your advice in the future to keep my hood on. lol
Your artwork is amazing. I am not a winter fan, but giving myself some chores like visiting the closets each year does help me get through it. I am getting those spring thoughts a bit too early this year. I need to simmer down.
ReplyDeleteI so love the colors of the maple trees. The birch trees here are also a nice yellow color. Love your watercolor. As I age, I tend to stay in more during the colder months. Too cold for me, so I will relish seeing the beauty you provide us. Janice
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteSpring will be here sooner than we expect. The days are getting longer. Even by a minute, closer to spring. :)
Janice,
ReplyDeleteStaying indoors during the cold months at any age is a good normal thing to do.
I do not miss the days of being bundled up, put out the door, and told to play in winter time. :)
Such a lovely watercolour!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I enjoy standing among trees, both evergreen and deciduous. We have mostly evergreens here.
Enjoying going through old stuff is a good way to spend winter days.
Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteGoing through old stuff is like plowing a field in spring. What turns up can be inspiring as well as fun.
Lovely watercolor ~ hugs,
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you, Carol
ReplyDeleteHave a fun week!
What a beautiful painting! I love the post as well.
ReplyDeleteDebra,
ReplyDeleteHaving your own special golden glowing tree is a real soul soother. In the winter, it is easier to chose a tree because we can see their branches better.