Autumn leaves

Our leafy green trees have been quickly turning into autumn trees with all the glorious autumn colors.

It is once again that intriguing time of year where some trees are still green, others are a blaze of brilliant autumn reds, oranges and golds, and a few have already lost all their leaves... and the air is cooling but not too cold yet.

Windows are opened and fresh air and bird song are everywhere inside and out... but the days are growing short.

Our wall of morning glories still blooms but most of the other summer flowers have disappeared.

Seasons are significant where I live, with winter bitter cold in a dramatic way which is quite a strong contrast to how summer can be relentlessly hot and humid.

Autumn is a traditional time of harvest, a time of gathering in all that we we have nurtured all summer long, and a time of knowing that we have to prepare for winter. Autumn is a time of transition- and education...

Autumn flowers in autumn colors such as the Mums are blooming. Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. All our gardens really are an encyclopedia of civilization and exchange.

Enjoying flowers I like to look for deeper meanings, for folklore and history and fascinating tidbits which help connect me to all the many other human beings who are enchanted by life and love- and gardens... for what ever reason.

When I was a little girl one of my favorite books was a small book of illustrated poems each about different flower fairy.

Cicely Mary Barker born in 1885 brought meaning and magic to even the most humble flower.

I also enjoyed reading about the Language of Flowers "a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. This language was most commonly communicated through Tussie-Mussies, an art which has a following today." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_of_flowers

Symbols explore and explain what we human beings think and feel- and symbols are easily passed around... Through out the years many beautiful books have been published exploring myths and meaning and symbols.

"Because the chrysanthemum blooms in November, it stands for the light of HOPE in dark times" The Meaning of Flowers: Myth, Language & Lore by Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field

In looking at our Mums blooming so profusely I am reminded of a lion's mane... and Palestine: The Lion's Gate is located on the East side of the Old City and it opens up directly into the Muslim Quarter. Outside the Lion's gate one has a magnificent view of the Mount of Olives and a road to the ancient city of Jericho.


I find great hope and inspiration in all the many various efforts people make to enhance and to preserve civilization and our planet earth in large and small ways. The idea of home, whatever that might really mean to you is worth preserving- as is The Golden Rule Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You .

My husband works hard, tackling every job no matter how humble by using his wits to figure out the best solution. Sometimes all you need is a piece of string to help hold things together. His ingenuity fascinates me.

In a complex modern world it is easy to get distracted and lose touch with core truths... and the basic dignity and decency of humankind. Bad news and nasty gossip and negativity often dominate the conversation, creating divisions and distractions that push aside awareness of all the good that is happening everywhere. Don't lose sight of the bigger picture: The Internet is an amazing miracle enabling the truth (and beauty) to set us free.

The lion roars... RoR

Everywhere I look I see more and more mention of Palestine- and the Palestinian refugees' very real right to return.


For every age group and every interest there are roads leading home to Palestine. From more formal symphonies to traditional folk music to Hip Hop many different types of music (and movies and art...etc) are being made for Palestine and all these many various efforts are drawing in audiences as well as Internet visitors...

The fires of autumn are not of ruin- but of renewal and warmth for we know that spring will come again

Spring in Palestine by Ismail Shammout

And in growing a Garden for Palestine where ever (and who ever) you might be- please pass on the word:

PALESTINE: 60 YEARS OF FORCED EXILE...TIME FOR RETURN

and be part of the mosaic of Palestine past, present and future...

FREEDOM & RETURN: A Rights Based Solution to building a just and lasting peace in the Middle East ... Not just the return (al-awda) of the refugees, but also a return to the rule of law and respect for human rights: For more than five decades Palestinian refugees and internally displaced have struggled for a solution to their plight based on UN resolutions and international law, including the right to voluntarily return to their homes and lands of origin from which they were displaced/expelled during wars in 1948 and 1967 and due to other Israeli policies of forced eviction, deportation, etc....

For Palestine inspires....

• Growing Gardens for Palestine
• Planning a garden is one step towards planting it ...
• "Come, I'll tell you about Palestine"
• Honoring Arabic & Arabic Calligraphy
• Poem in Your Pocket Day is April 17th
• Poetry continued-
• Lavender ...
• Mosaics
• Bulbs & Birdhouses
• Carrots
• Getting distracted by snow geese
• Embroidered keepsakes
• Going Green for St. Patrick's Day
• Seeds of hope and connection
• A good priority
• Poppies & Palestine: 60 years of forced exile-Time for Return
• The Garden Center
• Mid East Market
• In all Connection (Key shaped poem by Anne Selden Annab)
• Perennials
• PERSISTENCE : "And my heart flies..." Mahmoud Darwish 1941-2008
• The Day The Palestinian Poet Darwish Died
• Ibdaa 'to create something out of nothing'
• September flavors - books & films proving that Palestine is real- and Palestine is right!
• A poem on Al-Awda
  
• ...Universal Echo
• Autumn Leaves