The Silk of Summer, The Crunch of Fall

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

It is remarkable, how one little patch of God's green earth

changes its wardrobe from a summertime riot of silky fresh color . . .

. . . to the crisp and crunchy textures and colors of Fall.

All in the blink of an eye.

I learned just a few years ago that the autumn colors of leaves --

those russet reds, those golds and browns and yellows -- are actually the real colors of the leaves.
Those colors have been there, lurking, all along.

The green is a costume.

A chlorophyll phantasy.

(Our forsythia in autumn.  The only time it's as beautiful is in bloom.)

Knowing this has changed how I look at autumn color.

Now, I look at an Autumn hued tree and think, "Ah-ha!  I'm seeing the real you!"

That maple tree in the corner of your yard?

She's been hiding her glorious Titian hair under Plain Jane green all summer.

How kind of Mother Nature to clothe her jewel-colored trees and bushes in quiet green

for the summer, leaving the glory to the flowers.

And how kind to give the trees and bushes a last chance to shine before winter.

Enjoy the color in your own backyard! -- Cass

P.S. My apologies to the science teachers out there.  Yes, I should have paid attention in class, lo those many years ago, and yes, this is a very simplified "science lesson."  But I'm afraid I'm pretty simple when it comes to science!

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Mary at Little Red House is hosting Mosaic Monday.  Click here!

Susan of Between Naps On The Porch is celebrating another Metamorphosis Monday.  Click here!

 

And at The House In The Roses, Cielo is hosting Show Off Your Cottage Monday.  Click here!