Looking for something happy

   Usually by November we have at least some semblance of fall color going on around the Bayou.  Being this far south, our leaf colors pale in comparison of our northern states.  We are lucky to get a few maples and maybe the black gums changing before the leaves drop.  This year with Hurricane Zeta, most of those pretty leaves were ripped from the trees before they changed into their full glorious hues.  So we have to be happy with what we get...popcorn trees.  Those invasive tallow trees are the only thing even trying to brighten the woods line on the horizon.  Right now, I even miss the tallow tree near the pier.  Zeta took that one so there are no pretty red leaves in the yard other than the small, seedling camphor tree.

  It is funny how sometimes you notice things when they are not there instead of when they are.  Across the Bayou, I now realize that the red maples have gone missing.  Due to the distance, I cannot tell if Zeta just took the leaves or if the entire trees have fallen.  Such is the chaos after a storm.  Things seem different.  I seem different.  I am different.  I am tired.  Just tired.

Finding Peace Amid the Chaos

   In this crazy, mixed up old world, sometimes it takes a lot of patience just to get through the day.  My few encounters with people make me more appreciative of the solitude that I can find on the Bayou.   Down here, there is no drama.  I can slip away from everyone who pretends they care but only when it suits them.  I can avoid those who are only "friends" when it benefits them.  I can even steer clear of extended family members who are all for "taking" and never "giving".  The Bayou allows me peace from a discombobulated society.  

  This morning as I was meandering about the hillside, the sun was high in the sky.   I had spent the morning indoors taking care of neglected chores.  My stroll took me through the mounds of hurricane debris and neat stacks of salvaged lumber.  It wound around the hillside to the back of the Little Bayou House and to Pebble Creek.  As I crossed the tiny footbridge, I was greeted by the sign that was a gift from my dear, true friend.  She and I have known each other since we were mere tots and she pretty much knows me to the core.  The sign "Ruthie's Refuge", while sweet when she presented it, struck a cord this morning.  Even though, the place is in a state of chaos (as is the world), it is, indeed, my refuge.  It is, indeed.  

 

Perfect Order

  Every now and again, Mother Nature just loves to remind us how she has things in control.  While we tend to believe that all of the wild is just that...wild, Mother Nature often tames that energy into something quite peaceful and beautiful.  Amid the chaos comes tranquility.  There are constant reminders that there is a perfect order.

  Down behind the greenhouse, a tall water oak tree stands proudly against the winds of the bay.  This tree is a good three feet in diameter and probably stands forty feet in the air.  Each year, squirrels nest in this tree so there is a constant showering of small twigs as they trim the branches to line their nests.  This is also along the path that I take the old dog on his daily walks.  Mr. PJ loves the new smells of the wildlife that passed this way the night before.  The squirrels, however, do not even attempt to dodge the dog as they realize that he is too old and tired to give chase.  They do occasionally drop branches from the treetop and seemingly try to smack the dog with them.  Luckily, each branch has missed him and he goes about his business unaware that there are rogue rodents out to irritate him.

  One such branch came twirling to the ground almost like a mini helicopter.  The falling was chaotic.  Round and round, it went until finally plopping to the ground. When it alit, the leaves spread perfectly in a fan shape.  The coincidental landing was one of those reminders from Mother Nature.  The frenetic turmoil in which the twig twirled as it dropped caused the leaves to flare out in calm precision.  Amidst the chaos comes order...neat, sublime and in tune with nature.  All is good!