Autumn Approaches Once More

Mt. Monadnock, New Hampshire (c) Tina M. Harris

As another summer comes to an end here in Central Oregon and we move into my favorite season -- fall -- I can't help but feel a little sad. I know I have probably said it a million times (so get ready for one million and one!) but I really miss New England at this time of year.

There are no words to describe the incredible beauty of the northeastern part of this country when the days begin to cool and the leaves change color on thousands of trees, seemingly all at once. To say it is breathtaking is really inadequate to describe the feeling you get when you see the riot of color throughout each valley and on every hillside. It is truly a shock to the system. If you have seen it, then I think you will agree that it is a most amazing work of art. Of course, there is heartbreak in autumn, too, even as we celebrate the beauty of that brief season. All too soon the moment is over; the trees are bare, and the earth is blanketed in somber cloaks of brown and gray and white -- and we wait again for the day when the seasons change and the beauty of autumn returns to steal our hearts away once more.