Autumn Leaves

I’ve been enjoying the beginnings of vibrant colors of Autumn; in my neighborhood, during my commute to work, and while walking in nearby parks.  I am mesmerized by the beauty of Autumn.
 

Yet, as I think further about this season, it is a bitter-sweet time of the year.  As the warm, hazy, sunny days of summer are behind us, the surrounding colors captivate us as we hurry through our busy days.  Then comes the falling leaves, the beginning of trees totally shedding their beauty, resulting in totally bare trees, cold days, and most likely snowy days.

The process of the leaves literally dying – yet showing off one more time – makes me yearn for those warm days once more.  Like a long lost love – leaving an empty place in one’s heart, the colors of autumn leaves bring us into a quiet, chilled time, with just a memory of the summer sun’s kiss upon our faces.

The beauty of autumn is a welcomed bridge between two very different seasons; summer's warm, sunny days and winter's bitter cold, blustery grey skies. 

Here's some of my favorite autumn shots . . .  
(Also, scroll down to enjoy Frank Sinatra's 1957 recording of Autumn Leaves)

Frank Sinatra recorded Autumn Leaves in 1957, as only Frank Sinatra could.

Enjoy!

The falling leaves
Drift by the window
The autumn leaves
Of red and gold

I see your lips
The summer kisses
The sunburned hands
I used to hold

Since you went away
The days grow long
And soon I'll hear
Old winter's song

But I miss you most of all
My darling
When autumn leaves
Start to fall