Sep 28, 2010

crab apple






I've always wondered why they're called crab apples, don't you?

They don't look crabby...

Autumn is here and I am loving it, every day the landscape looks different, colors change, leaves fall, nature is slowly getting ready to bed herself down for the winter.

This has always been my favorite season, and don't get me wrong, there are things I love about each one of the seasons, but for some reason, autumn wins the contest.

In upstate New York, which is where I live, the seasons are very distinct, they mark the passage of time in a big way, and there is always something to look forward to: the coming of the next one.

In winter, it's cozy fires and pretty snowflakes, the holidays, and those weeks in January and February when it's okay to hibernate, a little. Lots of books to read, cookies to bake, homemade soup every week. Boots.

In spring, it's the color green that seems to pop out overnight, and little flowers pushing their heads up out of the ground. Sunshine after you've forgotten what it feels like, days when you can finally shed that heavy winter coat.

In summer it's, well, summer, that sense of freedom we all seem to have leftover from the days when we were still in school and summers were special, carefree. Skirts and tank tops and iced tea. Sandals.

And in autumn it's the settling in, the ever-changing colors and the still-warm days followed by perfect-sleeping-weather nights, and apples and hot cider and pumpkins, frosty mornings that come too soon, and blue jeans.

Of course, there are things I dislike about each of the seasons as well, the sweating in summer, the freezing in winter, the mud in spring, and the... hmmm, can't think of anything I dislike about autumn just now. I guess that is why it's my favorite.

Through each of these changing backdrops, I can always go out into my garden and find something beautiful, or new, or at the very least, interesting. Different. Time passes every day, we change. The earth moves through another night, and we change. We don't notice sometimes, until months have passed.

Next spring, these crab apples will give way to lovely pink blossoms. Over the winter they may feed a bird or two.

But just now I'm going to look at them for a while, watch the leaves around them float gently to the ground, one or two or three at a time, until there is nothing left but bare branches.

Like a blank canvas or an empty journal page,

just waiting for nature's brush.

16 comments:

Sally G. said...

This is so beautiful. I really love seeing the world around me through your eyes.

'The settling in', yes - I love that about Autumn too. And I prefer the word Autumn to Fall, for whatever that's worth.

Thank you Kelly ...

Kim Klassen said...

kelly, this image is so beautiful. and i love the picture you have painted with your words. i heart autumn... and i'm daily enjoying the amazing color changes.... breath taking!!

xxo, my friend.....

Kathryn Dyche said...

I've always wondered why they were called crab apples too. Autumn is my favorite season of the year too.

windrock studio said...

Hey Kelly, loved reading your beautiful words this morning, each one calling up a different reaction in my mind and body, as great writing should ... and as always, a lovely image.
Susan

Marcie said...

Each season brings its own unique palette from which we can draw from. And - I've often wondered the same. Why DO they call them crab apples?!?!?

d smith kaich jones said...

Beautifully written, and thank you. I move into Autumn kicking and screaming, being dragged by my feet. By late October I have no voice left and have accepted the fact that there is no going back, and luckily, by then the leaves begin to change and pumpkins appear and Autumn isn't so bad after all. I never go gently into this season, and find myself fighting it already. This year I resolve to be kinder. Softer. Reading your words is a good start.

xoxo
Debi

And PS - I have never seen a crabapple before. But perfect timing - I am still working my way though all the Trixie Belden books and she lives on Crabapple Farm, so this helps me visualize. :)

Carola Bartz said...

Kelly, this is so beautifully written. You catch the special spirit of each season. I can't think of anything I don't like about autumn either! The photo is gorgeous. I always enjoy your posts so very much.

Leah C said...

Perfectly written! You captured the essence of each season so wonderfully:) Your words even made winter sound good...and I don't like winter;)

Kristin said...

This is beautiful. I *really* miss the autumn, having left the East Coast for the Pacific NW. Upstate New York in the fall is simply delicious. A constantly evolving scene. Thanks for providing a long distance taste of autumn.

dbalyoz said...

I, too, had a crab apple tree in my child hood front yard. I loved that tree for all it produced/provided. Thanks for the beautiful memories....and a lovely post. :)

ELK said...

i am grateful for fall..it is a relief after months of heat in the south ..your post today made me appreciate it even more..who knew a crab apple could be so artistic looking..

thanks as always kelly

rachel awes said...

i know!!! crab apples are happy!
lovely photo & speaking of happiness, happy fall to you...
& all the pretty leaves within.
xo

Jamie said...

I'm finally getting into fall this year. I've been resisting, but it is winning me over.

~Kristina said...

I love the full cycle changes of the season. Fall and spring alternate as my favorites.

IVYALLOVER said...

oh Kelly another lovely post your words and your picture takes me on this dream with the smells of Fall. Thank you just so lovely ♥

Prairie Girl Studio said...

big sigh ...
trying to get caught up here ...
and i always like to take my time
to read and savour each and every word
of yours, kelly ... : )

you've got me giggling right off the hop ...
'they don't look crabby' ... now, how am i to focus? *wink*

mmmm, and savour i have over your delicious descriptions of the seasons and all they have to offer!

i, too love the seasons and embrace each of their gifts through time ...

thank you for capturing my very sentiments with your gracious gift of words ...

can we get together for tea sometime?
love,
prairiegirl