O hushed October morning mild, Thy leaves have ripened to the fall; Tomorrowโs wind, if it be wild, Should waste them all. The crows above the forest call; Tomorrow they may form and go. O hushed October morning mild, Begin the hours of this day slow, Make the day seem to us less brief. Hearts not averse to being beguiled, Beguile us in the way you know. Release one leaf at break of day; At noon release another leaf; One from our trees, one far away. Retard the sun with gentle mist; Enchant the land with amethyst. Slow, slow! For the grapesโ sake, if they were all, Whose leaves already are burnt with frost, Whose clustered fruit must else be lostโ For the grapesโ sake along the wall.
October Newsletter
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The glare of the screen will never replace the light of sun. And viewing 1200-1800 pixels on a post will never replace the realness of real. The silence is deafening, and the air grows stale. It was practiced during my day-looking someone directly in the eye. Even nodding your head to confirm their thoughts. Maybe a tilt of the head to display interest. Even a smile to represent the humanness of the verbal exchange. There would be a pause and that meant that the speaker is graciously giving the opportunity for a listener to respond-simply ingenious. It seems now most heads are down. Rarely will you hear one voice speak at a time. But youโll hear a click or a ding. Itโs to notify. Sadly, someone died, happily one was born, someone went there, someone stayed home, someone ate this, someone wears this, and someone did this. Milestones in life celebrated on a screen. These technology talks should bring us closer, so they say. Celebrations of life last the length of your battery. I look up and around. And get out. Itโs with nature I have the best dialogue. The two of us prefer face-to-face. Imagine a stare-down contest. Nature always wins. Sometimes I chit-chat with the leaves and squirrels. The trees nod to show they understand me. Clearly, theyโre seen as they are and donโt hide from their reality. They only know to exist in truth. They happily accept the changes each season brings. The wind embraces me, and sometimes sings a melody, when itโs time to hug goodbye. โIt was great to see you!โ and โIโll see you soon!โ can be heard as I walk away. It was a true conversation.
For me, โtis better to stroll, than scroll.
Although I published this in May of last year, this is relevant to me today. Call me weird (really, I don’t mind), but I have no interest in celebrity news, the latest great show (although I love a good movie), diet tips and weight loss videos, and the constant barrage of the “me, me, me” in the media world (I’m so thankful for the baby animal, nature, and humor videos). It seems self-care and self-love trump soul care and love for others. Modesty is replaced with confidence from gained “self-love”. I love seeing the “likes” and meeting new friends, but my self-worth is not tied to the actions of others.
How much time do you spend on a screen? I had to be honest with myself. My learning in a variety of platforms can be overwhelming. Particularly because of the “me” emphasis. Self-marketing should be about finding a group of fellow friends and like-minded souls that will support you (your tribe), no matter what you write. I can’t keep up with all the media “tricks” for instant engagement. Real-time videos aren’t me. Why be something I’m not? If it gives YOU joy and peace–great! To each their own! Our differences, as well as similarities, make the world go ’round. As I seek my Creator, and make this place as much as heaven as I can until I get to the real one, I’ll continue taking care of myself, and keeping my eyes focused on what truly matters. I’ll respond “thank you” to a compliment or kind words, I’ll shake your hand when I meet you, I’ll respond if you call, I’ll look you in the eye if you speak, and if I become distracted from watching “Little House”, “The Walton’s”, “Andy Griffith”, or a good western, shame on me! ๐ Have I told you how much I appreciate all of you? ( I DO!) And do you REALLY know how much you’re loved? ๐ค
Finley and I love Tim Janis’s channel! He, and the Nature Relaxation Channel, are wonderful to watch when you need a break for peace and calm.
A Sunday drive on a Wednesday. The sun was sending its warmth through the windows. The wishful windshield seemed large enough to handle my daydreams; it was clear and clean. It wasn’t warm enough or my hand would’ve been hanging out the window. There was a corner where I pulled over and turned down my tunes. I just stared at the livestock and focused on the small rolling hills. Part of me knew where this road led; most of me didn’t care. It’s in the backroads, just like the woods, where I feel most at home. It’s a different feeling than standing atop a mountain, gazing at the Egyptian pyramids, or best, holding a newborn baby. But in this crazy topsy-turvy strangeness of the world around me, it felt like the joy of family and laughter, the hugs of those I love and miss, the best cup of coffee, the best road trip, and the overwhelming awe of my Creator. It was a backroads benediction.
K.L. Hale
Sunday drives of my childhood sometimes led to a Dairy Queen if we were lucky. Dad’s stories always made our backroad drives even more exciting. We’d see homesteads, family houses, cows (lots during those days), rolling hills, and listen to great music. As a teenager they were the best roads to learn to drive. I know what you’re thinking–I’m pretty sure we all did the same things on backroads (but I didn’t go to jail for it). My sons, and every teenager I knew, had some backroads to travel. There’s a happiness about taking a drive and finding something new to enjoy and see (especially if it involves a quaint coffeeshop at the base of any mountain).
A lot of my life has been filled with backroads. I have a determination for discovery and I get nourishment from nostalgia. Do the backroads of your mind ever seem congested or crowded? It helps to wipe the windshield and focus only on the places of peace. Use the rearview mirror to see that which is following TOO close and don’t dwell on where you’ve been. All the wrong turns, flat tires, and break-downs happen to everyone. I hope one day you can smile with the miles, the satisfying scenery, daring detours, and the curvy corners. I’m sorry if you feel you’re on the wrong road. We’ve all been there. Muster up your music, put some air in your tires, mark your map, and don’t refrain from refueling. The road you take is yours and yours alone. I’ll wave and smile when I see you. Even better, let’s meet for coffee down the road.
Have faith ๐
Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air
K.L. Hale
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While Flannel with Faith is where I share my heart, Finley River Publishing is where you'll find my book and the shop collection. Read the story behind the collection here!
