Embrace the moment

(A moment in the life of an oak leaf.)

We had our first temperature dip into the 30’s and our first frost of the season last night.  Most of the frost was gone by the time I rolled out of bed.  Having acquired a cold somewhere along the way in our travels, I decided to sleep in this morning.

(A moment in the life of a maple leaf.)

One of the tangible gifts we were given at the life celebration honoring Mom was a wrist band inscribed with the words Embrace the Moment.  I’ve been wearing it when I go out on my walks as a reminder to stay in the moment rather than get lost in my head.

(At the back of the pond.)

Today’s walk took me back to the woods again.  I wanted another try at photographing the mushrooms I found yesterday.  My attempts to go manual with the settings didn’t turn out well.  No amount of Photoshopping was going to save them so I decided to try again.

(Mushrooms in the woods.)

I think I did a better job today.

During my walk around the pond I saw a couple of turtles sunning themselves.  They slid into the water before I could turn the camera on.

Turtles remind us that the way to heaven is through the earth.  In Mother Earth is all that we need.  She will care for us, protect us, and nurture us, as long as we do the same for her.  For that to happen, we must slow down and heighten our sensibilities.  We must see the connection to all things.  Just as the turtle cannot separate itself from its shell, neither can we separate ourselves from what we do to the Earth.   ~ Ted Andrews, Animal Speak

(This morning’s view of the pond.)

It’s another gorgeous fall day here in the Bogs, perfect for hiking and spending lots of time outdoors.  As soon as I finish up a few chores I’m going to head back out and enjoy it.

(Reminder:  Click on the images for a larger view.)