When I think of late November I often think of grayish brown bare tree trunks, gray skies, and a muted dull landscape. But today when I went for my morning walk in the woods at French Regional Park I noticed that
November’s Palette
is not as dull as I often imagine it to be. To be sure, it is more muted than October’s gaudy bright colors. On cloudy days the grays predominate. But on a sunny morning with blue skies, like this morning, I noticed beauty even in November’s limited palette of colors. Some greens still linger, and russets and golds mingle with the darker bare tree trunks of dark brown and gray.
I held him and he held me, and we were still holding each other when he spotted a skein of geese flying overhead. “Look!” he said. I did not release my hold.
“November,” I said.
“Yes. Not winter, not fall. I’ve always liked November in Corot country.”
― Find Me
Have you noticed some of the beautiful sunsets and sunrises we have had during November? The sun’s lower angle at this time of year can make for more colorful skies. And because sunrise is so late and sunset comes so early I often stop and gaze out the windows at the glowing skies, saying thank you for the moments of beauty at the beginning and ending of the daylight.
I was surprised at how many green leaves remained on low bushes in the woods today, even after the freezing days and nights we’ve had in the past weeks. It’s as if the bushes are determined to harvest every bit of sunshine that they can before they go to bed for a long winter.
Simple Pleasures
November
Besides the autumn poets sing,
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the haze.
A few incisive mornings,
A few ascetic eyes, —
Gone Mr. Bryant’s golden-rod,
And Mr. Thomson’s sheaves.
Still is the bustle in the brook,
Sealed are the spicy valves;
Mesmeric fingers softly touch
The eyes of many elves.
Perhaps a squirrel may remain,
My sentiments to share.
Grant me, O Lord, a sunny mind,
Thy windy will to bear!— Emily Dickinson
As we prepare for a small Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow I give thanks for the freedom to not fill our table to groaning with food. Instead we will savor a small roasted chicken, some stuffing, green beans, and squash. Simple is better, I think. We don’t need to stuff ourselves to give thanks. I much prefer to have a more relaxed gathering where we can focus on conversation, laughter, and connection.
I shall savor these last days of November and give thanks for the days like today when the skies were blue for a time and the weather mild.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
May you walk in beauty.
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