An Autumn Hang-Up

Caught

Caught ©2008 Bo Mackison

Autumn is definitely upon us. Everywhere I look there is evidence of summer’s long past retreat and autumn’s complete domination. Two of the trees in my yard are totally bare. Brown, crunchy leaves are spread under their empty branches, and while I find it rather satisfying to stomp through the noisy litter, I’m not too thrilled at the prospect of the raking job that is on the agenda for this week-end – that is, if it doesn’t snow as is predicted.

My red maple is still fully dressed, and lovely. Deep reds at the very top meld into bright reds and then orange-reds towards the bottom of the tree. I’ve been waiting for the sun to shine to take a few photos, but without any luck. It’s raining now, and I haven’t the heart to even check the weather report for tomorrow.

Lots of photographers seem to be attracted to the simple leaf this week. I’ve seen a few outstanding examples. A pair of brown leaves here, and here is another favorite, with a great twist, and then one more product of autumn’s touch, and finally one with a foreign flavor.

How soon until we are all taking photos of that white fluffy stuff?  Too soon, I’m thinking. Way too soon.

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. Ron in L.A. says

    Really nice Bo, love the color… 😉

    R(etc… )

  2. Love the softness and simplicity of your ‘single leaf’. I think we’re just a little ahead of you with the changing colors. Things are – all too quickly – turning to shades of brown!!!!

  3. Wonderful, Bo. I like the color and the softness and the simplicity of this shot.

    Can I come over and help you rake?? Please? Pretty please??? One of my all-time favorite outdoor chores is raking leaves, something we don’t do out here in the country. I’ll gladly trade chores with you. This weekend my husband and I will be out hauling and sawing wood (downed trees from Hurricane Ike), and chipping and shredding. Good arm-toning and calorie-burning work.

    Thanks for the mention. 🙂

  4. Ah, Robin – raking in bright sunny weather did once hold huge appeal for me, too, when the piles were full of laughing, jumping children, and the follow-up was a wiener roast. But soggy leaves in blustery snowy weather – the spirit isn’t quite up for that scene. 🙁

  5. When you put it that way, Bo, it doesn’t sound like much fun. 🙁 I saw the rain/snow mix in our forecast for Monday. Let me know how it turns out since it’ll get to you first.

  6. Stumbled back here via the comment of yours.
    Gees, not sure how I forgot about you.
    Always loved your shots, love the one above!
    Can’t wait for the weekend, to take more shots.
    I caught Fall in my camera a few weeks ago, but I’m not able to capture the way you do.
    If you interested: spasmicallyperfect.phanfare.com

  7. Very nice capture, Bo, with the single leaf and contrasting field grass. I’ve eyed the single leaf yet haven’t seen anything I’d want for a photograph yet. 🙂

  8. You mentioned the white fluffy stuff – license for me. I love fall, but I’m looking forward ski season. However, I as you, will need to wade through leaf season first.

  9. This is lovely. There is a sweetness in this image.

  10. The more I look at this photograph, the more I like it. The shallow depth-of-field works well in this image. Beautiful.

  11. I love how this is all one color and so perfect.

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