How can I keep from singing

It's that time of year again here up north when the creation starts bedecking itself with a multicoloured coat. Like so many opportunities that come by in life, you need to grab hold of it before it disappears.

We were having a typical fall day of blustery winds pushing along threatening clouds alternating  with momentary flashes of bright sunshine and blue skies. I set out for what I promised would be a quick trip to a favourite nearby spot to check how fall colours were coming along. I pulled myself away after 'only' two hours, knowing there'd be more opportunities. soon.

It's amazing how such peaceful beauty can be found so close to home. Reminded me of a song from another of my favourite artists (yes, I have many), Eva Cassidy - click the link below the photos and sing along while you enjoy the good creation given to us by our faithful Father:

you might recognize this road if you've visited my blog before

we've had an abundance of rain this summer/fall and the wetlands were, well, wet ...

 as you can see from the first photo, there's still a lot of green, however, there's also lots of fall colour

 while leaves are starting to fall, the grass is still green

 looks like Monsieur Monet also stopped by

Yes, How Indeed

This song came to mind as I went out recently to revel in how our Creator has clothed his creation. (if you'd like to hear it too, just click on the link below the photos)

Mmm...

My life goes on in endless song
above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.

Above the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

Oh though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
Oh though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

When tyrants tremble with fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
How can I keep from singing?

Lord, how can I keep from singing?
Oh, how can I keep from singing?

From the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly observed in what He made. As a result, people have no excuse. (Romans 1:20)

Somewhere ......

[some of you may be familiar with Eva Cassidy - if so, you undoubtedly are very familiar with the song below; if you aren't, you owe it to yourself to have a listen - I promise you won't regret it - click the link below the photos]

Today started off well enough, crisp but with sunshine. By early afternoon the weather had degenerated into a wind-whipped rainstorm. It had stopped by dinner time so we could take Sasha out for a walk (or maybe she takes us ?), although the sky still looked threatening. We made it back just before the low grey masses of clouds opened up again. But we could see some clearing on the western horizon.

Sure enough, as the clouds were being swept to the east, the sun peeked below the western edge of the clouds and shone through the rain, capping the day off with a magnificent rainbow. I wouldn't have traded this moment for a pot of gold.

October's Party

"October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band."
 
     [George Cooper, October's Party]

I trust you're not tired of autumn quite yet. Why not take a moment out of your day (since you're here anyway) and listen to one of my favourite singers (click on the link below the photos). Then walk along these country roads with me and marvel at the Creator's handiwork.

(Day 182) Pure gold

When we moved into our current home just over 7 years ago, there was absolutely no landscaping - no flower beds, no shrubs, and no trees near the house - 'unspoiled' in realtor terms. It sat on an open piece of land, surrounded by at least 30m/100' of grass on all sides. Over time we've put in the 2 ponds, created flower beds, planted trees - primarily birches by the pond, and maples in the yard - and added shrubs and flowers.

Some of the perennials we bought about 4-5 years ago were asiatic lilies, of various colours. Since the birches by the pond have basically claimed that area as their own, the lilies we planted there need to be moved to a new area this fall. However, the ones at the front of the house have grown from single stem potted plants to large clumps - I suspect I'll have to split them this year. The ones in today's shot are nearing their full glory and bring beautiful colour for us to enjoy as we sit on the front porch. When I made some photos earlier this evening I had Eva Cassidy's version of 'Fields of Gold' playing in my head (even though the song refers to barley fields) - if you're not familiar with it, have a listen - I think you'll like it.

(18-55mm  f5  1/80 sec  ISO200)