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Year's
Loveliest Smile
“Autumn,
the year's last, loveliest smile.”
William
Cullen Bryant
As
the week has progressed here with cold nights and bright sunny days,
the autumn woods have taken on deeper color. On my walk yesterday I
photographed a tiny sassafras plant that had no more than fifteen
leaves but was glowing all the same. It reminded me of a pretty
little tike saying, “Look at me! I'm a big girl!”
Getting
the agendas of seven women on the same page is no easy feat. One
among us is a shopaholic, and just wants to be downtown shopping all
day every day. A couple of us have sewing projects we need to finish
on a deadline, so we're cloistered at the house stitching away. And
one of us wants to ride her bike on trails that are easy to
navigate---not so easy to find in the hill-country. So far, we've
been content to allow everyone to do what she want. That's no small
thing with so many.
We
lunched yesterday in historic Biltmore Village, which is not so
historic now, having been gentrified to the hilt with all the upscale
clothing stores, galleries and restaurants that cater to tourists. At
the Korner Kitchen, I had fresh salmon cakes with cucumber pasta and
a small spinach salad, which was delicious, historic or no. We sat at
the table occupied by President and First Lady Obama in a 2010 visit;
so said a small black plaque attached to the top. Proud moment.
Today,
we will hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway and snap photos of waterfalls
and autumn woods. The best part will be the good conversation, mutual
assistance and gossip-bonding that will take place among us. There's
nothing quite as stimulating as discussion with friends who take life
seriously enough to be knowledgeable, but not so seriously that they
can't laugh at themselves.
I
hope wherever you are today, you will take time to see the beauty
unfolding around you. Feast your eyes and allow it to soak into your
soul. Your day will be better for it, I guarantee.
In
the spirit,
Jane
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