Worth a Second Look...

Does this tree look familiar...it's been a few weeks, but originally I snagged a picture of this tree in early November when just one corner's leaves had turned red. Four weeks later every leaf had been set ablaze with the most striking color of Fall. Every day that I passed this tree I stopped for a second to admire its beauty. As the season draws to a close, and the red of leaves are replaced by the red of Christmas decorations, I wanted to share one last "seasonal sight" - and smell!

Have you ever noticed that there is a certain smell to Fall? Whenever I walk by a tree like this one, or a pile of leaves on the ground, there is a certain earthy fragrance in the air. As leaves start to change and fall away for the winter they must emit a certain scent. It's that crisp smell that reminds me of a cool October afternoon; or huddling up on the bleachers to watch a football game; or walking through a pumpkin patch searching for the ideal pallet for a seasonal creation! Whenever I drove by this tree I enjoyed a wisp of that once-a-year fragrance.

Amazingly, in just a few days since I took this picture all of the leaves have fallen to the ground. Most of the Fall colors now brighten up the street corners instead of tree branches, as the leaves have been piled up for garbage pick-up. The neighborhoods have started to take on the appearance of winter: empty flower beds where the mums used sit and bare tree branches waiting for the new buds to blossom come Springtime! At first the sight is bittersweet but then I realize it is a necessary part of nature. Each Maple or Elm that lines the city streets has shared its beauty for the year and is simply making room for another part of nature. Without the bare branches how could anyone ever enjoy the serene beauty of a tree catching snow during an early December storm; or appreciate the return of color in April after months of snow and rain? The sights, sounds, and smells of Fall might be over, but now we have the opportunity to start over again with winter - for those of you who enjoy cold weather and snow!

If you are not a fan of the cold weather keep the image of this fiery red tree with you all winter...maybe its red leaves will help warm you up on the frigid days!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?