November is here. There is (sometimes) a chill in the air. People have been covering and bringing in plants in hopes of keeping them alive. Many leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground like yellow, green, brown, orange, and red confetti. We are in the midst of football and marching band weather.
Above: a maple leaf
Below: an oak leaf
As part of my physical rehabilitation from COVID-19, I have to make sure to get some walking in to strengthen muscles, rebuild lung capacity, prevent blood clots–all that stuff that you have to deal with after the virus. Even if I’m still having to use the cane or rollator for now, I’ve been going around the trees to pick up fallen pinecones and acorns. Scavenging for craft supplies has become necessary and therapeutic… (Don’t worry. I leave plenty of acorns for squirrels.)
Seeing the fallen symbols of autumn on the ground brought to mind the old saying that “the nut doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Well, in nature, that may not always be the case. I found pinecones under maple trees and acorns under pine trees. Although I didn’t see them fall, I’m very certain that they started out with a different tree. I don’t know if I found them where they initially fell, or if the wind carried them. However they got there, each was beautiful and uniquely created. Forgive me if I sound a bit like Phoebe Buffay at a Christmas tree lot, but these pinecones and acorns will now “fulfill their destinies” as part of Fall or Christmas decor.
The trees themselves reminded me of the old saying that “a leopard can’t change its spots.” Be that as it may, a leopard shouldn’t need to change his or her spots if we really focus on what’s inside the heart rather than outward appearances. As for trees, they DO go through changes with the seasons. We could probably all stand to learn a few things from them.
