Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The changes are beginning to show now but still sporadically.

There is a tree farm in a small rural area near where I live. I have visited it several times but the newly arrived colors caught my eye last week. As I looked down the long row of trees...I was taken to Southern France and it brought back memories from years ago. I once starred down a long grassy path flanked by trees such as these in Bordeaux. Me and my traveling companion were hitching from Paris to Barcelona. As we walked we we drawn to a grassy path much like this one. One of the freedoms of hitchhiking at least during those times was the freedom to step off the beaten path to explore what lies beyond.

Walking down the path our imaginations were teased with what might lay beyond the ridge...the path in Bordeaux was much steeper than this. As we topped the ridge we found ourselves looking out onto a beautiful patchwork of vineyards surrounding an old estate in the distance. Directly in front of the estate was a circular driveway with long reflecting pool lined with old tall manicured trees. We were worlds apart, cultures apart...us and the owner as we stood there gazing from the ridge, we unloaded our packs, pulled out a bottle of wine and some Gruyere cheese and lived for a while through the owner's eyes, taking in all that was around us.

Leaving the ridge and getting back on the road...little did we know that we would have so many other moments like this one during our journey...moments that will stay with me a lifetime. Moments that I can draw on in those times when I need to relieve the stress of daily life. At that time, in the moment, they were just another spot on the map...today as I thought back to that time, I realize what a great invention God came up with when he gave us the capacity to recall our past.

Dan

12 comments:

Suburban Girl said...

Very pretty scene

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Rebecca and thanks for stopping by.

Dan

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous scenery. This photo is calling me to take off my shoes and walk barefoot down that pathway. Enjoyed it!

Dan Felstead said...

Pura...this WOULD be a barefoot path. I wish I would have thought of that when I was there!

Dan

septembermom said...

The colors grab me right away.

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...thanks ...this is the most beautiful of seasons here in the Midwest.

Dan

Sunny said...

I never grow tired of looking at beautiful foliage. This is such a wonderful scene, such an interesting sky.
Sunny :)

shabby girl said...

Is this farm near you??? I think I'd be there every day if I could. Just gorgeous.
I loved what you said about being able to recall the past. It can be a comfort.

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny...it's that approaching Autumn sky!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Shabbygirl...yes I live near the farm. Also...bringing back the past can be selective...only bring back the good memories and leave the others to in some dark corner.

Dan

DawnTreader said...

A road to Anywhere... Exciting! :)

Dan Felstead said...

Dawn Treader...I agree...a raod to the unknown can be very exciting with the right attitude.

Dan