Denise Marotta LopesDenise Marotta Lopes

Encouragement. Hope. Without exception, love.

Hints of Change

by Denise Marotta Lopes on Sep 2, 2024 category Gardens

There is change in the air. The subtle movement of change—more visceral than comprehensive. It starts with fallen needles under the evergreen. There is no better surface on which to walk than those needles under big, looming trees.

Before the red bud drops a leaf, its pods have browned. I hope the seed-containing pods will feed the Northern Cardinal who spends time in red bud’s branches.

As I walk outside, I observe the changing in the leaf colors. In one way, it seems like a death—the losing of those leaves and the skeleton of the tree remaining. But, I also sense hope and newness and wonder at what the earth will produce after it has rested.

The sedum are late-bloomers. They are beginning to produce salmon-colored flowers. The moon flowers are becoming more and more showy and fragrant near our front door. I have waited for it to have so many blooms that its fragrance would waft from my home and out to the street where dogs and their parents will stop and wonder.

Change is in the air. And, with it comes newness, possibility, but also uncertainty. I have become accustomed to green grass and large leaves and dinner-plate hibiscus. Soon, I will be wearing layers of clothes to keep warm. Kids are back in school and fall sports have started. I want baseball to last and last.

I love autumn, once I get used to it. Once I can walk out of the house and recognize what I see. I like to be surprised, but I need some assurance of the familiar to accompany it. Fall brings its own gifts, beauty special just to this season. Squash, pumpkin, corn stalks, soups, hot drinks. It beckons, subtly, and then it bursts. I’m here for it.

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About the Author Denise Marotta Lopes

I appreciate the little things and write about them. I desire to bring hope, encouragement, and—without exception—love.

    Comments

    1. jude squire

      September 4, 2024 at 1:49 pm

      Change brings new beginnings, love the Fall colors anticipate the cooler weather and maybe the chance to meet you at the park. Love this Hint of
      Change…..

      Reply
      • Denise Marotta Lopes

        September 5, 2024 at 6:01 pm

        Thank you, Jude! That would be great. I’d love for you to meet Stella. She’s the smallest and calmest of the pack.

        Reply

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        Author Bio

        Denise Marotta Lopes

        I appreciate the little things and write about them. I desire to bring encouragement, hope,and—without exception—love.

        denisemarottalopes@gmail.com