Fall is the perfect time for hiking. The air cools down, the breezes pick up, and the ground is still dry so I don't have to listen to my feet squishing in mud with every step. A few weeks ago, my family and I went on a hike in an area that was affected by a wildfire in the summer.
Walking through that area was weird, to say the least. The air still smelled like burned grass. The ground was dark, the trees were burned, and the area was just so bare.
But there was also a newness in the area. There were ladybugs on dried grasses, leaves changing color across the fire lines that the firefighters created to so prevent the spread of fire, and there were even a few trees that half burned and half green with life.
Seeing the distinct burned and un-touched areas was eye-opening and a definite reminder that changes are bound to occur. But we can accept these changes and take them with stride, or we can let them bring us down.
And the more I write on change and new seasons, the more I realize how much I need to hear these words myself. The changes that are happening in my life and at work are going to happen, whether I want them to or not. But I can choose to dig my feet deep into the soil and pout, or I can make the most of them and choose to thrive, even if it is the harder route.
And while I know it's hard, I need to see change as a time for new things. New experiences, new relationships, and new growth.
These pictures are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour images are beautiful. I love that you are capturing that feeling in moment in time. It breath taking and a wonderful reminder that we need to stop and appreciate the change that is going on around us. Even if it is hard and you don't fully want it, in the end the change just might be the best thing for you. Good luck with everything coming your way!
ReplyDeleteI love these pictures and the one with the ladybug on the dried grass. Yes, change is hard but it is good as we need to grow.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures!!!!! I love them ALL. :) The lady bug one caught my eye, because I wasn't expecting to see that this time of year.
ReplyDeleteAs far as looks go, fall is my very favorite of seasons.
Let's make the most of all of the inevitable change in our lives! It's hard, but I'm with you. We must.
It's dark and dreary and drippy here today and I'm absolutely loving it. I took pictures last night and they're going on the blog Friday.
so i was about to comment on how incredibly stunning these photographs are, and man they are! and then i read your little blurp at the end and i was slapped in the face hard (in a good way!)
ReplyDeletei struggle with change too. i can preach about it all day long, tell others how beautiful and refreshing it can be...even though it is challenging. but when it all boils down to it, i'm fearful of it. we are not meant to be in bondage of fear...at. all.
thank you for writing this, i needed to read it. <3
These pictures are beautiful and I LOVE how this new season is making you think.
ReplyDeleteI've always wondered what it would be like to walk through somewhere like that. It's so cool how new things come from the burned stuff!
ReplyDeleteThe picture of the ladybug is really cool.
ReplyDeleteOh! These are just so beautiful! I really like the ladybug that is peeking out of the...well, whatever that is. :) Don't know if you've heard about this or not, but you should enter the fall themed photo contest that Stephanie over at Captured in the Lens is running!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine! You pretty much nailed it. It's been a sort of a year-long goal for me to really take each moment in and celebrate the little things. And when it comes to change, that's one little thing I'm continually learning to do. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ladonna! The ladybug was a lucky find as we were hiking up a hill. :) And what you said about change is spot on. Change is hard but can be so good for growth!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The ladybug was a surprise for me, too. I wasn't expecting to see one during this time of the year and in the location we were at, too!
ReplyDeleteAnd we've been having dark and dreary weather, too. It's weird and another change to get used to, but I'm ready for cooler weather!
I was definitely NOT expecting to talk about change and deep stuff but it somehow just made itself into the post. So glad it spoke to you! I'm definitely with you on preaching it and then having a hard time living it. I find myself being able to encourage others, but have a hard time using that same encouragement for myself. So glad I have you as a source of encouragement!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you! I wasn't expecting to get so much from a change of season, but it's been a good thing to reflect and focus on!
ReplyDeleteMe, too! The hike was maybe a month or so after the fire so it was still very much so recent and you could definitely smell the burned grass and plants. It was definitely weird and a little eerie but very cool, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was quite a cute surprise! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly! The little ladybug was a surprise to come upon on the hike. I think it's an old Queen Anne's lace flower. :) And I've never heard of Stephanie's blog(?) and contest. I'll have to check it out! Thanks for letting me know!
ReplyDeleteChange can be so hard, but such a good thing in the end. Your photography is beautiful. This is the time of year I wish I lived in a place with a true fall. Our leaves will start to change in another month or so. Good 'ol Texas! :)
ReplyDeleteYou have such a talent for photography. I love seeing your pictures! Them in combination with your wonderful words is so lovely to hear.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leah! I love writing AND photography so it means so much to me to hear those words. :) You just made my evening!
ReplyDeleteChange is DEFINITELY hard. It's hard for me to embrace change of any kind, even if it is something small. But change is going to happen, and like you said, it will be good in the end!
ReplyDeleteAnd our leaves are just barely changing! I don't really look forward to raking them up, but I love seeing the yellows and reds in the trees! :)
Sure! Here is a link. :) http://www.capturedinthelens.com/contest.html
ReplyDeleteOoh, thanks!! :)
ReplyDelete