Rain, rain –
big fat drops
on the roof in
pings and plops,
gathered on the spider’s web
and pooling in the garden pots.
Monday comes.
Time never stops.
Rainy Days and Mondays (A Poem)
fall
A Time for Ghosts (A Poem)
Autumn is a time for ghosts.
When the days turn,
when the world comes to rest,
there’s space and time
for those who’ve
stayed behind.
In the changing of the leaves
and the chilling in the air,
the smoky breeze
and the golden sky,
they join us,
just there.
As close as a breath,
and far as they’ve always been,
as fall to winter and winter to spring,
they wait for us in that place
between.
Autumn Is Coming
I feel it in the cool morning air. I see it in the subtle turning of the leaves. I am ready.
*Also a quick note: If you commented on my last post, I wanted to say a very heartfelt thank you. I have been overwhelmed and so appreciative of the outpouring of love, support, and kindness, and once again at the number of women who have shared their own stories with me. Thank you, thank you. Your sweet words and caring thoughts have made this dark and painful time a little brighter. I am grateful for you.*
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Album Cover Edition
Graham randomly snapped this photo sitting by the fire pit at a friend’s house a couple of weekends ago, and was surprised at how nice it turned out. He says that if I were ever to make a country music album, which is so unlikely as to be ridiculous but still fun to ponder, this should be the album cover.
I agree. Nothing like a good pair of boots, is there?
A Drive in the Sky
We had a really nice mini-vacation. We mostly stayed home – we hung out and watched movies, spent time with friends, and generally just relaxed – but we also decided to head down to Charlottesville for a couple of days. Graham had picked out some cideries for us to try, and he booked a really cute inn for a night. And then, on Monday, we took Skyline Drive home.
What is Skyline Drive? Glad you (maybe) asked! It’s part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and of Shenandoah National Park. It snakes through some of Virginia’s beautiful mountain terrain, and it boasts some of the very best views in the state. Like this one:
And this one:
And this one, too:
We took it slow and just enjoyed driving and chatting. We don’t often get the privilege of uninterrupted, distraction-free time together.
And then, at the highest point on the route, we ran into some fog.
Some very dense fog.
But you know, it was fine. The fog actually made the fall colors pop, and it’s kind of magical, feeling like you’re up in the clouds.
All in all, Skyline Drive was a really lovely experience, and I think we’re planning to do it again in the spring. It’ll be fun to see how the vistas change with the seasons.
Let’s get back to it, then!
Okay, so, today…got away from me. I feel like the first day back after time off (even, it seems, a short staycation) is often chaotic. And, well, I should have been prepared, but I wasn’t. So, just a quick post today. But come back on Friday for a post all about one of our staycation adventures! And enjoy this photo of some beautiful Virginia scenery as a preview. 😉
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Rainy Autumn Day Edition
It’s been cloudy, drizzly, and cool all day today. It almost feels like the sun never came up. I dig it. Tea and reading weather.
Or, you know, picture-taking weather.
I’m a winter person, but I admit, fall’s pretty nice, too.
October Fire (A Poem)
Strike a match
against the October sky
and watch it burn –
blood orange and
blue hot with the fire
of elders,
of ages.
It rages and then smolders.
And in its embers lay the sands
that turn the year
from day to night,
and soothe the world to sleep.
A Friday in the Fall
September is the month of gold –
the leaves,
the light,
the hours.
And there’s nothing quite like
a September night,
when the magic of
the harvest moon makes
lovers and poets of both
the young and the old.
I always feel a little melancholy seeing September come to an end. And yes, I know we’re not quite there yet. I’m thoroughly enjoying the slant of the light, the slightly cooler temperatures, the way the leaves have just started to turn… I love it all. And I just had to share this moment.
This is the sunset today, on the (small) mountain behind my house. I can’t get enough of it. And I know that soon enough, it will be dark at this time of day. But with the winter comes the stars, so I’m not complaining. I always have loved winter best. But for now, I’m soaking up this special September magic.
Where Does the Time Go? (A Poem)
Where does the time go?
Hither and fro.
Over and yonder
and far and away,
time is a child,
and the child loves to play.
September closes
while October waits,
and don’t we all have
plans to make?
So what comes next?
No one can say.
It belongs to us to
only bide the hours
and count the days.
A Virginia Writer's Diary 