Autumnal Thoughts

I don't know what my thoughts will be next week, so I want to get down the feelings of content that the shift to autumn has brought me.  This is by far the most beautiful fall color display we've had since I moved to Oregon.  And that alone has had a profound affect on my mood.  Every time I leave the house, I have a renewed awe at the ever-changing fall colors--they just get better and better.  

I often think that I need to widen my circle of friends here in Portland.  But I realize my few good friends and many acquaintances here, combined with good friends from other times of my life, and in other parts of the country and world, give me a very wide circle of friendship to draw from.  And that makes me feel full, with warmth and appreciation for all of the people who populate my days and fill my life.  They all contribute something unique and significant and I realize I have all that I need.   

And I love my life here.  I have my home of course, but that's not necessarily what fulfills my creative needs these days.  I love having a property with a varied landscape.  I can walk with Sadie through meadow or trees, I can visit my bees, I can almost watch my vegetables produce, and I can look out over the maturing grapevines.  It's a very rewarding experience to see the small plants I put in the ground grow and mingle and create a flowing garden--no longer individual plants but a melange of pleasing colors and textures that change and increase with each season.   

Life is good.  Corny maybe, but a true statement of my content.  And my life is good in a much broader sense also.  I am fortunate enough to live in a country of peace and liberties--that I usually take for granted.  We have choices and opportunities and the freedom to make the most of them.  I have faith that most Americans are good people who know right from wrong and want the best for each other.  Next week will be difficult for all of us.  But we will get through it.  We always do.