My Sweet Friend, Autumn

I've been smitten by fall this year.

This is new to me. Typically by August, I'm dreading the coming months and their "na-na, na-na, boo, boos" taunting me because spring is too far away.

But this year fall is whispering secrets to me about life, love and God, and I can't help but smile at every tangerine, apple and banana colored tree I pass.

Saturday when I was taking photographs of fall, I had to stop and capture shots of a tiny red flame tree on Barton Avenue. Before long, I was lying in the tree owner's yard snapping shots and enjoying its beauty. Then I heard a voice say, "Hello?!?!" It was Tree Owner in her pajamas. "Oh, shit!" I thought as I jumped to standing. "I'm going to get arrested!" But she smiled when I waved to her and said, "We love that tree! Thanks for taking pictures of it!" So sweet. I met a neighbor through fall.

Today I watched a little girl play with her mommy in their front yard. As Mommy dropped leaves onto Toddler, Toddler giggle-squealed, throwing hands into the air and kicking feet as if the thrill was akin to riding a roller coaster. I witnessed play today through fall.

And I created my own play today. Driving on Halcyon Street where the brightness of Autumn lines the road, I noticed the incredible beauty of leaves flying in the air whenever cars passed. So every opportunity I have in my car to create a colorful leaf whirlwind, I swiftly drive close to the leaves and watch them fly in my rear view mirror. Gorgeous!

I pledge my allegiance to the spring. Autumn, however, you're becoming a sweet friend!