The trees still hold their charms
gems that sparkle in the autumn light.
Above, the November sun is a bright gold coin;
it is better to spend the abundant treasure now
than try to save it for a later time.
The warmth and sweetness is for today
before the cold winds blow
before the landscape changes.
The earth dazzles like a holiday fruit cake
freshly baked, and fit for a king.
There is enough gold for everyone, as if fields of gold
were spread out as far as the eye can see, fallen splendor
leaves that shimmer and shine in the light of day.
We will not think of things lost along the way;
we will fill our pockets with November’s gold.
Our remembrances will be of happy things
sunlight filtering through our days
the kiss of autumn upon our lips.
i
In the midst of winter
we will remember autumn’s bounty,
ruby-red apples, and orchards etched
in bands of golden light.
Catching Up
It has been two weeks since I had my hip replacement surgery. November fourteenth was the big day. I am glad that it is over! All went well and I am looking forward to Christmas.
The first week after a surgery is always a quiet time, a time when the world seems to slow down. In that way, a seasonal shift occurred for me almost overnight.
Suddenly, my world felt like winter, the falling leaves more like slow-falling snowflakes. Perhaps, I felt the weight of winter in a very personal way. For one thing, my leaf-raking was done for the season, my outside yard work officially over.
I am a true ‘garden person’, the kind who thinks about green, growing things all year long. I am one who watches and waits for spring like a small child. Just the thought of daffodil bulbs down in the ground beneath the snow reminds me that a spring day awaits, the promise of Easter always at hand.
I wanted the Christmas tree up early so all the little lights would be shining when I returned home from the hospital. I wanted the house to be full of Christmas cheer as if merry elves had decorated the whole place. I did a lot of Christmas shopping early, and I wrapped a good many presents as well.
So, on Sunday, November the twelfth, the whole family came over and we decorated the tree. The grandchildren were very good, and carefully placed the ornaments on the tree…then they danced about for nearly an hour admiring their hard work!
I do have a lot of ‘catching up’ to do. I am certainly behind in the blogging world! But now, with the surgery over, the healing can begin. Little white lights sparkle on my Christmas tree, and many of my Christmas decorations have come out of the attic.
I am ready now to ‘catch up’ on the unfolding wonder of the season at hand…
Jeremiah 17:14: “Heal me Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the One I praise.”
Praying for continued healing. 🙂 Thank you for sharing the beautiful poem.
Thank you for your prayers! I deeply appreciate you praying for me. One day at a time…that is all we can do! 🙂
How wonderful to know that your surgery went well and that you will be welcoming winter and Christmas cheer with good health. I love this time of year – quite moments even during the time of celebrations.
Yes! The quiet moments of reflection are so special. The parties are wonderful, but so are those moments set apart.
I’m so glad your surgery went well, Linda!! Your Christmas decorations are beautiful.
Thank you! I am more tired than usual, but coming along day by day. The grandchildren are so excited about the tree and the decorations. It is fun to watch them! I have some Christmas bears that I want to bring down that they can play with. My own children loved those bears!
You’re welcome, Linda!
🙂 🙂 🙂
I’m glad it’s over too, most heal well and those decorations sure do look enticing, you all did well! Love your poem 🙂
My eyes were drawn strongly to that beautiful angel on top … she is something very special?
I do look forward to seeing that lovely angel each and every year. 🙂 We have placed her atop the tree for over forty years now.
wow she looks so new and fresh, what a lovely memento to enjoy each and every year! And what a lovely keepsake to pass on one day 🙂
Oddly, the angel does look the same as it did forty years ago. I have already begun passing along some of the Christmas items to the children and grandchildren. It is fun for them to have the things they had when they were little. When I was a child, my mother would tape a picture of a little black cat, and a big round pumpkin to the inside of the window. It was by the front door, and she always did it when we were at school. Later, I found her Halloween decorations in a box…these two cut-out pictures folded neatly. It seems such a simple thing, but it meant so much to come home from school and see those pictures. Each year I would look for them and it was always a surprise. Through the eyes of a child, the simple things can be quite extraordinary.
yes what a touching memory to have, those simple things are very pleasing 🙂
I always love your poems, Linda. You write such beautiful descriptions! This time I especially appreciated this line: “The earth dazzles like a holiday fruit cake.” The autumn dazzle is quickly fading here, but there are still tones of antique gold, rust, and red among the foliage. I’m surprised it’s lasted this long! / What a wonderful verse you’ve chosen for this season of healing: Jeremiah 17:14. And how smart you were to complete much of your Christmas preparation ahead of your surgery date! May the cheer of twinkling lights and memory-rich decorations speed your healing, Linda!
Thank you, Nancy! Our autumn dazzle is fading fast as well. I have been waiting for my Camellia bush to bloom in these lovely pink flowers. Sometimes, it blooms in the snow!
I’m praying that you will heal well and enjoy basking in the holidays.
Thank you! Here it is, almost December!!! 🙂
I loved your poem! And I’m so glad your hip surgery went well. You were wise to put your tree up early and finish some of your shopping, as that will give you more peace of mind while you heal. Plus, your tree is beautiful and looking at it just has to lift your spirits! I always like way Christmas lights up the dark Winter….a true reminder that Spring will, as always, come!
Thank you, Ann! I am glad I got a lot of things done ahead of time. I do love the Christmas lights…We are getting some cold weather in. It is time to start using the fireplace!
I’m glad you are doing well Linda, both in body and spirit in spite of the days getting shorter and winters cold coming on. Sometimes after surgery one can become a barometer when weather is going to change.
You are so very right…I do feel it when the cold weather is coming!!! I have a lot of throw blankets out and I am drinking my share of hot peppermint tea. 🙂
Now I know why you’ve been so very quiet! Is this your second hip surgery, Linda? I’m glad the surgery and now, the healing is going well. You were wise to get so much done before the surgery (and you’ve done a lot!!). Now’s the time to heal and to ponder as the quiet gathers and deepens. For someone as active as you are, I guess it will take some getting used to. As I pray for your complete healing, I will remember to pray for this part as well. May winter come gently to you, and alongside the snow and cold, may the warmth of a coming Light lift your spirits high.
Thank you for your prayers! I do like to read and that is one good thing! I am an active person, and sometimes it is hard to give yourself permission to rest. In this case, I have to…This is my second hip surgery, and that does make it easier. You know what to expect and you have been through all of it before. We are having some very cold weather. It almost feels like it could snow! I am looking forward to Christmas!
Thanks for sharing hip replacement so redone. Those Christmas decorations are amazing. Anita
Yes! Now, I have two hips done! It is fun decorating the house for Christmas!
A beautiful poem, Linda. This time of year, a pause between autumn and winter, is still full of beauty. I’m glad your surgery went well. Isn’t it wonderful what modern medicine can accomplish! My husband had a shoulder replacement 4 weeks ago, and though he has months of rehab ahead, to be pain free is a blessing. Wishing you a speedy recovery and a glorious holiday season. <3
Thank you for your well wishes! Yes! I thank God for the wonders of modern medicine. I will keep your husband in my prayers. The healing process does require patience. Before you know it, you and your husband will be off hiking again…something to look forward to. And all your beautiful woods right at the back door, beckoning you to come outside and play…Wishing you blessings in these December days!
We will be off into the woods come summer. 🙂
🙂 🙂 🙂
“The earth dazzles like a holiday fruit cake freshly baked, and fit for a king.” I love that word picture Linda. I hope you and your new hip are getting along well. Such wisdom in decorating and shopping pre-surgery. Now you can sit back, relax (heal), and enjoy the festivities.
I am looking forward to getting out of the house and enjoying that fruitcake! I believe we are in for a rainy weekend here. (I am glad for what I accomplished before the holiday rush.) Happy first day of December! Wishing you blessings in this wonderful Christmas season…
Thank you Linda!
Somehow I missed that you were having hip replacement surgery, Linda! I hope you are recovering well. How lovely that the family decorated early for you and that you had those lights to come home to.
I think this was a particularly lovely autumn. Though it is starting to feel and look wintry and much drearier outdoors.
Sending you huge healing thoughts and good wishes!
Thank you so very much for your well-wishes! I am taking it one day at a time! It was a beautiful autumn, and yes, the weather is changing. I am glad I had put all my summer things away and had taken all my winter clothes out before the close of November. I am certainly using all of my sweaters! 🙂
You’re very welcome. 😊
If you’re like me, I don’t heal quick enough. But, wow. What a time of the year for major surgery. But, you are looking forward and leaning into it. God’s grip – Alan
There never really seems to be a good time for a major surgery. The one good thing about the holidays is that you are surrounded by the people you love…this brings much comfort in so many ways. In some cases, I get to see some family members and friends that I don’t get to see enough of other times of the year. It is shocking how quickly the years come and go. I am a ‘summer person’, so the thought of not getting to the beach in summertime is really a hard concept. If I had to stay in the house for weeks in the summertime, I would be very unhappy. Since I am not so crazy about the cold weather, I don’t mind staying inside now. Of course, I do love the snow…in that case, I would have to take a step outside! 🙂
Beautiful poem and beautiful Christmas tree Linda. I’m also happy to hear that you’re surgery went well. Rest up and enjoy the season. God bless you and your family.
Thank you! I wish you blessings also! Christmas will be here in no time. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!!
Thank you Linda, to you as well, Merry Christmas.
Linda, I am pleased your surgery went well. It sounds like your recovery is proceeding well. My Dad has had both hips replaced (twice) so I understand the drill. Your delightful autumn banquet of verses was beautiful to read. I especially smiled at the verse about the holiday fruit cake. Indeed, nature can share experiences as sweet as one. Blessings to you, your continued healing, and your wonderful family. God’s peace.
I am sorry for my very late response…busy days before Christmas! Thank you so very much for your well wishes concerning my recovery. I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas, and I wish you a New Year full of all good things!
Beautiful poem, Linda. “The earth dazzles like a holiday fruit cake freshly baked, and fit for a king. There is enough gold for everyone, as if fields of gold” I loved that line…a wonderful picture of the depth of beauty that surrounds in fall. I hope your recovery is going well and you have found peace and comfort in the midst of all that Christmas beauty that you created pre-surgery. Sending love and blessings for a lovely Christmas.
Sending you love and blessings as well! Wishing you Christmas blessings to last the whole year through. We are having a bit of a cold winter snap here. I am always very bundled up in the wintertime. I am definitely a person who loves warm weather! Still, there is a beauty that abounds in these winter days…a quiet kind of peace that is awe-inspiring. As my hip improves now, I hope to take some winter walks. God is so good in every season of our lives; His love lifts us up, and always gives us hope, no matter the circumstances in which we find ourselves. A winter walk is a magical thing. Even when the skies are gray and the tree branches are bare, the trees are still so beautiful.
Glad the hip surgery went well, Linda and you can recover and enjoy Christmas with the family! Your tree is massive! Love it!
The tree is quite big! I have been giving ornaments to all of my four children from the family tree…I do need to save some!!! It is fun to look at the ornaments over the years. They do tell a story! I carried several ornaments home in my backpack when I spent a semester overseas in college. They were small and easy to carry. Way back then, I was twenty-one years old…it seems like yesterday that I collected those special keepsakes. Merry Christmas!