Sneaky Trees

I saw a beautiful tree today, one of the first I have noticed this season. I cannot believe how many of the trees have changed already. The tree I noticed is a large maple tree that is right outside my bedroom window. The tree towers above the conifer trees that are in the yard, it has large branches going every which way, and its leaves are a peculiar shade of yellow. Until a couple years ago I never appreciated the changing of the leaves from healthy and green to the varied intense yellow, orange, red, purple, and everything in-between that come about as the chlorophyll escapes the leaves as they prepare for death. I used to dread the fall family walks I was forced to go on even if I always had fun passing the football with my brothers. I feel blessed to grow up  in an area where I can see spectacular foliage every year without even really trying. I feel this year the leaves have begun their annual process of preparing for winter without my notice. The walks with my little brothers dog that were so common last year just do not seem to fit into my schedule. Ironically I am writing this blog instead of being outside enjoying a beautiful fall day but I never would have noticed the trees today in the first place if I hadn't been desperately searching for a nature topic to write about. Then BAM it was right in front of me and everywhere else too.

Sometimes I need to realize how spoiled I am that even on such trivial journeys such as to and from school I pass a variety of trees, bushes, flowers and other undergrowth I cannot identify. It is finding the beauty and pleasure in small things of day to day life that help me keep my passion and love for nature alive during the long stretches when I am not spending decent time submersed in the outdoors. Now the trees have a jump on my this year but I am determined to catch up and let my eyes feast upon the spectacle of their preparation for winter. I must remind myself that more exists than just my own schedule and when I feel overwhelmed a quick glance at the spectacular natural process of the world puts me in my place and makes me realize that most of the things I do are truly trivial and not he end of the world as I sometimes feel. I am going to make an effort to go outside tomorrow and enjoy fall while I still can.