The Colors of November

On a short walk today I went looking for

in the neighborhood.

I found what I expected—that brownish gray landscape I associate with November. But I also found little pops of color and some subtle shapes that made my heart sing. Who knew so much color and beauty was hiding in plain sight? I feel blessed to be alive on this cool late November day, able to walk and take in the beauty all around me.

When I consider the blessings of my life I am filled with gratitude. How did I get to be so lucky? To live here now with the family and friends that I cherish? And to have all I need to live comfortably and with grace? To have the freedom to pursue my passion for photography and to share that passion with others?

This is what I have to say to you . . .
Live as if the earth exhales blessings in your direction,
As if trees speak their deepest secrets
In your ear,
As if bird songs can lift you outside your
Ordinary state of mind and bring you into truth.
Be the creative juice flowing through the universe.
Be compassion in action and wholeness in motion.
Be silence and stillness, the ocean of love so
Palpable that not one cell of you disputes the truth
That you are love.
Be so open to your destiny that it
Unfurls like a banner in the sky, a sign saying,
“Live with gratitude, generosity, and grace.”

— Danna Faulds