(turn turn turn)
I’m a simple soul and I’m a fortunate one. Not because I have riches that I can greedily count in gold pieces stashed in a safe box in a bank vault in Zurich, not because I have jewels to gloat over nor lands to survey from my ivory tower. I’m fortunate because most of what I need I can get simply by surveying the beauty of a landscape and preferably by being in it. I need little, I lust after less. Mostly. I’m imperfect so I am allowed lapses of grace from time to time. It makes me more interesting. That is my excuse and I will doggedly stick to it as long as I draw breath after which time people can say what they like and I won’t give a damn.
I have been here now in every month that assembles a year (today is November 1st) and I have been here through all four seasons. Fall (Autumn it would be if I was in England) is my favourite out of four favourite seasons. Here in New England it is truly glorious. Nature’s blaze of glory before she breathes her glacial best and ices the landscape and the flesh for the grey and gloomy months of winter. Those months when a blue sky is like a venous opiate lifting the spirits from varying degrees of malaise and doldrum to a frenzy of good cheer and often as not casting one back to the weary treadmill of a life lived in darkness as the days shorten such that you are never home in daylight. I paint a despondent picture – actually I love winter as much as I love her three sisters – there is delight in the darkness, as one gathers oneself into a snuggly woolly pully and drinks cocoa or vin chaud in front of an open fire. And for me Christmas, for others Hannukah, Eid, Diwali, las Posadas, Kwanzaa. And making no apology for hefty comfort food. And snow. Mostly I love snow and ice and frost. So winter I malign you unfairly but Fall you are the Fairy Godmother that transmogrifies landscapes such as this one into a trinket box of ruby and amber and coral sparklers and the once lime verdant slime on the water hushes its tones to paler green lying effortlessly chic on the glistening water like an elegant cashmere shawl thrown casually over the liquid satin evening gown of a ’30s siren.
Yes, I’m a fortunate girl. Fortunate to be able to witness all of this and fortunate not to need more.
I give you this tosh in response to the Weekly Photo Challenge entitled Transmogrify and I give you the rest of the far more admirable entries here
I define transmogrify as a magical transformation and not necessarily specifically into something grotesque or comical as Websters insists. For example, Cinderella’s pumpkin transmogrified into a sparkling glass carriage – surprising and enchanting certainly, absurd if you are splitting hairs but not at all freakish or repulsive. Correct me by all means, but I am confident that I have it right. Pedant is my middle name when not using Osyth and it happens that my definition concurs with the Oxford Dictionary and after all I AM an Oxford girl ….
PS: The title is from Pete Seeger’s wonderful song made legend by The Byrds. The lyrics, with a few deft strokes of his own were borrowed from The Book of Ecclisiastes. I think it rather apt to read and absorb his version as we face the last week of the bloody slanging match that is the election here and the equally bloody wrangling in England over whether or not Article 50 should be triggered. I will remain decorously silent in opinion but believe me it is hard for me to tape my tongue on either issue.
Pete Seeger
To everything, (turn, turn, turn).
There is a season, (turn, turn, turn).
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, a time to die.
A time to plant, a time to reap.
A time to kill, a time to heal.
A time to laugh, a time to weep.
To everything, (turn, turn, turn).
There is a season, (turn, turn, turn).
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to build up, a time to break down.
A time to dance, a time to mourn.
A time to cast away stones.
A time to gather stones together.
To everything, (turn, turn, turn).
There is a season, (turn, turn, turn).
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time of love, a time of hate.
A time of war, a time of peace.
A time you may embrace.
A time to refrain from embracing.
To everything, (turn, turn, turn).
There is a season, (turn, turn, turn).
And a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to gain, a time to lose.
A time to rend, a time to sew.
A time for love, a time for hate.
A time for peace, I swear it’s not too late.
love your writing darling – you always paint a picture and I can see what you are thinking!! hope all is well
Jane, you are too kind …. I hope that seeing what I am thinking is a good thing 😉 All is well here …. I hope that all is ripe and rosy in yours 🙂
Such magical words – yours and the Byrds. I will forever more think of Fall as a transmogrifying fair godmother. Delightful!
Thank you Susanne – you are much too kind! She is though, isn’t she?!!
So good to be reminded of that song…and to be enlightened as to why people thrill to autumn in northerly parts of the U.S.A.
Helen I never thought I would say it …. I mean I’m doggedly anti the antics of people that peep BUT – honestly it is quite incredible though the good people here certainly redressed my balance with halloween which is quite beyond me! I love that song – and it clearly wanted to be used as it jumped into my head and posed as a very passable peaceful protest until I used it!
Love The Byrds, love this song, thank you for the reminder, it was great to hear it again – and yes, please let it be over soon! 😕
That is a crie de coeur Juice Nut! Let it be over and let’s get on with mending what we can …. I’m glad you enjoyed The Byrds – I love them too 🙂
I love, love the opening of this piece. It brought to mind Jan Struther’s self-penned epitaph:
“One day my life will end and lest
Some whim should prompt you to review it,
Let her who knows the subject best
Tell you the shortest way to do it:
Then say, ‘Here lies one doubly blest.’
Say, ‘She was happy.’ Say, ‘She knew it.’”
Kate, the highest praise you can bestow is to compare me to the incomparable and Jan Struther is one such. I should write a little about her and her marvellous daughter and grandies one of these days, I think 😉 That is the greatest of epitaphs, I think and one I aspire to!
beautifully narrated…..
Thank you. Thank you so much – this means a lot to me 🙂
You deserve it……😃😃
Definitely not tosh. You weave your words into a beautiful descriptive montage that I can see in my head. Lovely. Here in the Aude we are also having the best autumn (fall) that I have experienced in the time that I’ve been here. As for winter, bring it on; for once I am prepared.
My grandmother always said look at the berries to predict Winter from Autumn ….I will leave you to tell me how they are because this winter is in France for me and I want a good bighty one! Thank you for your lovely words – you are, of course, far too kind 🙂
Bah Humbug on both counts. you predict berries and winter from the amount of blossom in spring and I’m not at all kind – you are a beautiful wordsmith period! Berries and mushrooms in my part of France gave a very poor haul indeed. The locals in my village are also predicting a hard winter so you could be in luck. Take care. 🙂
Your words and music are as magical as the season.
Bernadette, thank you – I will pop it in the Senior Salon this week …. I have written a large rather garish pink post-it to remind self as I have a seive brain and a tendency to forget the very things I want to do in favour of nonsense that can wait!
So beautifully narrated and simply marvelous.
My dear and boundless Blessings Blog, thank you so much …. that means so much to me 🙂
You’re always welcome dear.👍👍👍👍👍
So eloquently written as always, you are in a class of your own. We are indeed fortunate, I think one has to reach a certain age to realise that good fortune does not have to be monetary or contain riches.
I entirely agree with that sentiment, Susan. My third daughter is 24 on Saturday (a firework baby) and although she certainly considers herself entirely grown up, yesterday I got an SOS with her new address to ensure that my parcels and cards would reach her safely – not quite there yet, I feel and I’m glad for it because youth is to be treasured too. You, of course write beautifully of exactly this state of being on your …. it is so clear that you and your husband have set about creating something that is beyond mere monetary value. This is why I love what YOU write but I am a little pink and puffed at your compliment which, if I may, I will bottle and inhale at appropriate (or inappropriate for that matter) moments 😀
It was the truth, as my children know only too well I only give compliments when they are deserved, I refuse to be one of those mothers who says “well done you did brilliantly” when in fact they didn’t try at all and did terribly!! But when I praise them, they know how incredibly well they have done. Alas my writing may be from the heart but it will never be in your league and I am happy to accept that and I am too old to go back to school and I would just be wasting energy wishing I had studied harder for English A levels instead of ignoring school work in favour of riding horses!!!
Another box on the twin seperated at birth box checked! I am not and refuse to be that mother …. our children appreciate us for it in the end, I am sure because they are rewarded for real effort, determination and achievement. As you know, here the general attitude is a little wide of that mark 😉 So I thank you … I was also horse mad but probably saved by not having my own so my parents kept some control over where I was!! xx
Thank you for the imagery, words and photos. I feel blessed with natures treasures everyday – the glint of sunshine on the gum leaves as I scooter off to work each morning fill me with deep pleasure. A puddle full of reflections. Those lovely , streaky clouds at sundown. And autumn leaves , dancing in the wind, clinging to the bare branches, piled up ready for my feet to send them swirling upwards.
Lindy that is beautiful … I am fortunate indeed to have you (and your sister) in my little world!
To be thankful and happy in Autumn, what is not to smile about when reading this. I love your style! 😉
Thank you Franck – that means a lot to me … I try not to cause too much depression (at least not in this place) 😉
Beautifully written. Love your style in writing with those magical words!!
Thank you – I like to make pretty platefuls of words …. if I achieve that, I am happy 🙂
An excellent treatment of the theme
Thank you so much, Derrick
Love your blog. Great style.
Why thank you Eugenia … this makes me happy 🙂
I so love that song as it also speaks to my sense of what is important in this world. It is perhaps fitting that i go see my dad with this song in mind as it will give me solace after such a sad visit.
I’m glad that kismet stepped in and the song became an insistent earworm that would only be quieted by using it in a post just at the right time for you. I wish you bon courage in visiting your papa … it can only be heartbreaking and I have you in my thoughts.
He called me yesterday morning crying saying he hadn’t seen me in a year…such is his short term memory.
Like eroded sandstone …. that must have been horrible for you. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to deal with. Have you seen ‘Still Alice’ – Julianne Moore film from a couple of years ago and should have won the best actress oscar but she wasn’t even nominated. It’s REALLY good and I think you would find it helpful if very very painful.
I remember something about that. I will look it up.
You are indeed a special, lovely and fortunate soul! Love you Fiona xoxo
Et toi aussi, Lynne … it takes one to know one! xx
xoxoxo
interesting and lovely story, as usually… <3 guess what: coming back from my parents-in-law's residence one hour ago, I was hummin' this famous song and I find it here… well, once again: les grands et beaux esprits se rencontrent… some day! 🙂
A perfect song for this time of the year Osyth. And your words so elegant in describing the transitions of the season. Have a beautiful day, enjoy the colors of the season and continue to build on the riches nature is providing. 🙂
Thank you Terry – you are always so kind to me …. and of course, music maestro, I’m very pleased you thought the choice of song was apt! 🙂
Thanks for visiting my blog. I thought I’d return the compliment! Lovely writing, and a great trip down memory lane with the Byrds. What’s not to like?! You have a new follower 😊
Oh Clive! I AM pleased – I thoroughly enjoy your blog and will be a-following and enjoying. I think the real thanks goes to Bernadette without whom I might not have found your place 🙂
That’s great, thank you! I’ve found many lovely blogs since Bernadette started the salon, been my best year for engagement on my blog since I started. More likes and comments, which are the best way for me to judge how I’m doing. So pleased to have found yours 😊
Let the fun commence 😀
Fall is the season I miss most since we moved from New England…it is so beautiful then.
It really is spectacular here. Moving to it from France (and previously my homeland, England) I thought I knew what Fall was and that New England was clearly just hyping it up. Now I KNOW what the fuss is about and it has quite turned my head. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting …. it is very much appreciated 😊
It was my pleasure. 🙂
“a blue sky is like a venous opiate lifting the spirits”…oh I do love reading your posts Osyth. Cant wait for your book to be published so I can sit by the fire and enjoy every word of it. We are the fortunate ones as we look forward to what you have to say next. Pete Seeger’s words and YouTube are wonderful bonuses today. Warmest wishes 🙂
The fire has been burning with discarded reworks and write-agains this past few months. It will come and you shall be the recipient of the hottest off the press! Thank you so much for your kind words – it makes me inordinately happy to please you with my words – such a lovely trade–off for the joy your pictures give to me, Andrew 😊
You paint with writing and I try to write with painting; what could be better 😊
New England in the autumn must be magnificent. Photos I see of it are lovely, but in the flesh it must be so much better.
Elaine, it is every bit as lovely as the pictures – I wish I could do it justice. I feel very privileged to be witnessing it at first hand though Massachusetts is only a bridesmaid to the more northern states like Vermont and I’m sure Canada is something to behold too. It’s the maples that make the difference apparently. I’m becoming quite the expert (I don’t think!). Thanks so much for taking time to stop and comment … I’m always happy to hear from you 😊
We have some maples here and they are one of the most beautiful – especially the dark red ones. One day I will get to see your part of the world in autumn. 🙂
Hold that thought …. it will be worth the wait!
What a lovely homage to your new home! Beautiful words and that yellow tree – wow!
Thank you Kerry! That means a lot …. the trees are captivating me and keeping me out of mischievous – them and the critters which I am fully obsessed with! I’m so glad you enjoyed my little freeform ramble xx
Autumn or fall is my favorite time in the US, wherever you may be. 🍂🌽🍗
I’m not at all surprised … it really is beautiful – not just nature but all the wonderfully decorated houses for Halloween now melting into Thanksgiving … the lights beginning to go up on peoples houses and all against this pretty pretty backdrop. Delightful
Isn’t it strange how it seems less over the top when you live here than when you read about it in Martha Stewart? I wouldn’t dream of not decorating the porch now.
So true. I’m embracing it with alacrity – it IS lovely and no, it doesn’t seem overblown or over the top (except maybe the 40′ marshmallow man I spotted yesterday) – its HAPPY and happy should never be knocked. Xx
😀
No… you lapse gracefully! Great piece, as always! Yes, soon we’ll be firmly in Lady Winter’s grasp again… I shiver! 😉
Thank you so much – your kind words about my drivel mean an awful lot – I get so much pleasure from your blog … its nice when I can give a little of the same! Get the mits and scarves warmed … the winds will blow mightily where you are now!
Yep… there’s a definite narrowness to the northern breeze… I wonder why?? 😉
Haha – that made me smile! For wonderful personifications of the winds you can’t beat The Selfish Giant (Oscar Wilde at his whimsy best) … he has the North wind to a tee which given his Irish heritage is hardly surprising!!!
Great entry to the weekly photo challenge! Every season has its own magic. Gratitude is a valuable gift, being able to enjoy the moment is priceless. Thank you!
So far as I know I have only one of these events we call life so why waste it when there is so much to make it worthwhile and most of it free courtesy of Mistress Nature. Happy weekend to you and your little girl and of course the horses …. 😊
Exactly! Happy Weekend!
Loved this piece of writing and the best definition of transmogrify!
Thank goodness this poison pen Presidential election is almost at an end. Though I am more than a little apprehensive of what atrocities may occur on November 9th by people looking for any reason to riot.
Looking forward to escaping by reading your blog!
Thank you so much – I’m so glad you enjoyed it. My husband said the other day ‘whatever happens on Tuesday there will be an awful lot of very angry people on Wednesday’. Sadly they are true words. I have no answers … but we can immerse in one another’s blogs and let the world go doolally ding-dong out of earshot and sight.
Beautifully expressed. Nothing makes me happier than spending some time amidst Mother Nature… 🙂 I just loved your words….
Thank you so much for that lovely compliment – I am glad you enjoyed the piece. Nature is the greatest of tonics and I hope you find much time to enjoy her bouteous gifts 🙂
You are welcome… 🙂
Just lovely, Osyth. You have such wonderful perspective, creativity, and imagination. It’s always a joy to read your posts. 🙂 xo
Thank you so much, Tonya …. that means a lot to me coming from you who I take such joy in reading 🙂
You are kind, Osyth. Thank you. 🙂 xo
Oh my…I am behind on your blog…how in the hell did that happen!!!! lol I love your writing…I could read on, and on , and on….I love your views on life….fall is a beautiful time of year when the change of colors pronounce the arrival of Jack Frost…who, only to be fair, has some beauty of his own….after the beauty of winter, we move into the birthing of Spring, the restart of another season….which springs us into summer…..to enjoy the warmth, the sun, breaks from school, vacations, my favorite, to sit back and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets…..I don’t have a favorite season anymore….I have started to enjoy the beauty of each season….I am glad you have been able to enjoy our four seasons and in a beautiful part of the US……xxxxkat
You are such a girl after my own heart – every season is special and just as we begin to tire of one so the next takes the stage and leaves us faintly breathless with her beauty for a while before its time for her to step aside and so on …. what an amazing lady Nature is! And don’t get me started on the moon tonight …. and the best is yet to come!
Fall – the ‘fairy godmother’ – I love that image.. And you’re right – you are truly wealthy and living an abundant life when you can love and appreciate the joy of nature… x
This is one of my favorite songs and you are such a wonderful writer to wind it into life’s journey. I think we need to sometimes give up, sometimes gain but always be thankful for what we are given. Lovely photography, Fiona.
My grandmother who was from Germany and a Catholic loved Ecclesiastes. xo
Your words are wise, dear Robin …. always be thankful but be prepared to give up. I am with your German Grandmama …. Ecclisiastes has some wonderful passages. And it was as a result of the song that I ever bothered to pay attention to it in school and church!
So beautifully written and the pic is just lovely! I´m more the summer kind of person but your words do make me wonder if I could befriend winter someday 😉
And this is one of my favourite songs ever! Thank you for bringing it back to my mind, Osyth! 🙂
Thank YOU! Your comments are so kind and thoughtful …. I’m glad you enjoyed the piece and that it made you think a little more kindly about winter and mostly I’m glad to havew reminded you of that wonderful song! x
You´re very welcome, dear Osyth and I´m very glad we connected! 🙂 Looking very much forward to read more from you!! Have a happy day! xxxxx
I am grateful for the companionship around wanting less and how being in nature meets so many of my needs.
“I’m imperfect so I am allowed lapses of grace from time to time.” 🙏
More often than not … perhaps in those moments grace comes in the form of gentleness and loving kindness towards myself.
I love that observation … perhaps the lapses of grace allow gentleness and kindness towards self which is so important in the pursuit of balance which in turn is surely the only way to really be able to reach out and help others … after all if one is tipping and toppling precariously it is just as likely that we will cause damage to rather than aiding others
A marvelous picture with the sunlight slanting golden on the trees and the texture of the algae (?) on the water. Hmmm…texture, now there’s a thought. I’m sure that Pete Seeger would have approved of your post. And let’s not say pedantic, but rather precise–it’s not so pejorative.
“Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower.” —Albert Camus
Thank you …. I love that picture – as ever it was a happy accident since I am from the myopic point and shoot school of photography. It certainly would have served well to illustrate texture … the algae alone begs to be caressed though I doubt one would go back for a second dose once tried. And thank you …. precise is much kinder. I like kind. And I love that quite quote from Albert Camus which I shall bear away and stow close to my heart as all lovely gifts should be.
Attracted to this older post by the photo (“WOW that looks a lot like New England”) and surprised by the reality as I began to read, I was charmed by your words, Osyth. Such a lovely reflection to accompany one of my favorite tunes, penned in your inimitable and humor-filled style.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts along with the glorious photo of the beauty of Autumn.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!
Oh thank you! Yes, I loved lived in Massachusetts from December to December …. I loved it and hope to return. As it happens that is on of my favourite pictures ever …. I can’t believe another year has passed already. And the sentiments both regarding Autumn and the seasons and global politicians remain intact (just magnified 😉) xx
Years seem to fly by anymore, don’t they? Gone forever are the days when the countdown from Thanksgiving to Santa’s arrival seemed interminable. ::sigh:: Maybe I need to say Merry Christmas NOW??
xx,
mgh
They do …. the wishing days away disappears without notice to be replaced by an ever faster spinning merry-go-round. I guess the trick is to stay on the horse… xx
and hang on for dear life!
xx,
mgh