It seems strange that I should feel optimistic in fall, when all around things are changing and falling and landing softly on the ground.
But I do.
We went on a little field trip to a local park over the weekend — and I’ll be showing you the photographic mementos of that trip tomorrow! But for today? I was standing beneath these too-tall trees, craning my neck as far back as it would go. And it was not enough.
Just like the redwoods, it’s impossible to take in the enormity of nature until you’re standing beneath it. Quiet. Humbled. That’s been the theme of my 2012: Humbled By Nature. (Catchy — sounds like a band or something.) I’ve been waxing poetic about the great outdoors since we went to California in May, and I haven’t stopped thinking about Yosemite.
I’m finally learning, at 27, that my happiness directly correlates to the amount of sunshine on my skin. Fresh air in my lungs. New sights, smells and scenery to enjoy. Whether my camera is glued to my palm. And to my surprise, I like being outside. Even when I’m wearing inappropriate footwear.
Though I’m really getting better about that. I’m in sneakers most of the time — a fact that would horrify my once-fashionable and often barefoot self. But it’s not easy to scale hills, walk beaches and sunflower fields, skid on ice or scramble over rocky shoreline in flats or sandals.
Guess I really am growing up.
write meg! 
amazing pics……..
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Reblogged this on Happy Health Clinics.
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I was in western Maryland this weekend where it fall is at its peak. The colors of the leaves were so awesome! It was gorgeous. I could not help but to be humbled by nature!
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I love Autumn. I love the colours it brings and the idea of wiping the slate clean and starting again.
Love the photograph as well!
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Going outside in the rain is one of my favourite things to do. I take the dog and neither of us care if we come back looking a mess – as long as there’s a shower and warm clothes to change into afterwards there’s nothing like it. 🙂
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I love looking up at the trees like that. And I like your sneakers down below. 🙂
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The more time I spend outdoors (hiking, gardening, birdwatching, whatever) the more I am humbled by it. As you get older, you’ll appreciate it even more. For me, it just keeps getting better.
I agree about the shoe choices. I have moved to waterproof hiking shoes, cutest ones I could find, but still sturdy, and my feet have been very thankful.
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I love your posts. This is great. I completely agree. You know what humbles me most? Ginormous mountain tops and the ocean.
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Lovely post — the pictures are gorgeous — and I appreciate your meditation on ‘growing up’ — it made me smile and nod.
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I’m learning just how much I appreciate nature as well. Having a dog has made me get outside so much more and it makes me happy, especially in the fall.
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I love this post. I’m not much of a nature girl, but I do like to go for walks and just breathe in that fresh air. Fall is my absolute favourite season, I think!
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That just proves that practical can be fun too!
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Fall is the best.
It makes me overly-contemplative. But it’s just so beautiful.
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There’s something about fall that makes me feel optimistic, too. I think it has to do with the start of a new school year, new projects…even more than the official new year it feels like a fresh start. Ironic, given that it’s the opposite for the natural world.
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i agree! i’ve always been a nature girl and when i’m not outside for a while i really miss it!
yay for falling in love with outside!
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