Sunday, October 27, 2013

Boo!

As I take my morning walks and watch the autumn colors change daily, I can't help but make connections and ponder the metaphor for my own life.

There is a lovely Japanese maple in front of my parents' house that I look forward to watching every year as it changes into it's autumn coat of a blazing, radiant, red.  This year, however, it
merely turned brown and dropped it's leaves.  The beautiful green ash in the lane started to turn just as a storm showed up and the wind took most of the color with it.  The trees that are proven autumn performers just didn't seem to have it in them this year, yet, just as I'm feeling a little disappointed, I turn a corner and
a fiery glow of a maple I've never noticed before greets me.

I've always considered the life of a single leaf as a metaphor for a human lifetime.  Just as a human, when a leaf first appears, it is as lovely, shiny, and perfect as it can be.  With a little luck, it grows and matures into a strong, slightly less shiny, bigger and tougher leaf.  As the world throws it's stuff at it (as the world is fond of doing) it fends off disease, drought, inclement weather, nutritional deprivation and little bugs that try to suck the life out of it.  It begins to change.  It becomes world weary and begins to show the scars of daily life.  Then, with a little luck, it gives one last glorious show as it gasps it's dying breath.  Sometimes it's death is a lovely slow process.  Sometimes it is ripped unceremoniously from it's home and tossed away.

If a tree gets everything it needs at the right moments in it's life - sunshine, water, nutrients, temperature changes and length of day - it will give us a glorious, flaming autumn display.  If something is out of balance, it just may not have the energy or the will power to give the effort.  I wonder, if the less showy trees are able to appreciate the beauty of their outrageous neighbors?  Do they delight in the show and clap and shout "Bravo" in some secret tree way? Or do they shrivel with envy?
I am hopeful the the next year provides every one of you with the necessary ingredients to put on one heck of a show next October!

We're all feeling very scary at Rensel Studio.  Midge, Gidget, and Eddie are all putting on their scary faces to celebrate Halloween.  (Eddie hasn't shown.me his scary face yet.  He's still just adorable.  Maybe next year!)










And now that you're all scared to death...Here are some treats.






























12 comments:

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

You have been busy. Love the scary faces and green ribbon

Cari said...

OH MY GOSH…you have been very, very busy !! I am ALWAYS amazed at the work you do Jill. Each one of your frames and/or matts are works of art that bring each piece simply over-the-top! Hugs to you and your staff, and of course, your sweet puppies !!

<3

Lynn said...

Jill, I can't express my appreciation for your wonderful work! Your framing and mats enhance without overpowering, and that's a wonderful talent! My "Rensels" are among my most prized possessions.

Littlebit said...

Cracking up at the little doggies!!! As always, over the top beautiful work, my friend.

Tina said...

Cute Dogs,fabulous framing,can't you move yo England?

The Nebby Needle said...

Can't thank you enough for what you did for Zippity Do Dah! LOVE IT!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!! ~*

Christina said...

Oh my such scary little faces. LOL Everything is wonderful as always.

Anonymous said...

how many stunnig pieces, WOW!!
there is a great story about the life of a leaf, Bandiera, by Mario Lodi. too bad I don't think it ever got translated abroad.

LoriU said...

Wow BEAUTIFUL pieces! I especially love the embellishment on that last one of Santa and his sleigh!

needlenurse said...

I love it when you post your beautiful framing....makes my day and inspires me to stitch more. One of these days I am going to send you something to frame. Have a wonderful fall season.

Paula

MysteryKnitter said...

I like the mountain one and the car one.

Kraina pasji said...

Wow....this is amazing!!!!
Beautiful work and FRAME!!!!!!