Renewal

The last time I walked the Big Meadow, it had just been mowed.  Everything was dry and dusty looking.  I walked it again, yesterday, and found that, even this late in the season, the Meadow was renewing itself.  Oh, it still looks like a late summer meadow, with brown being the predominant color.  Even my favorite spot on the trail is subdued.

But, if you look closely, the grasses are coming back, showing green against the old growth.

Plants that were blooming when the meadow was cut, have sent up new flowers.

Everlasting Pea

Hoary Alyssum

Cow Vetch

Garden Phlox

Bladder Campion

Butter and Eggs

I had been a little down when I started my walk.  The renewal of the Meadow lifted my spirits.  Somehow, it gave me hope that things would, and could, get better.

But, renewal was not the only theme in the Meadow.  Fruition was also evident.

The apples are reddening. 

The Choke Cherries are ripening.

And, at the edge of the Meadow, I noticed a tree that I had not noticed before.  I have never seen a Black Walnut tree before.  And, it took until it was bearing fruit for me to recognize it.  I had always thought that this was just another Locust tree.  It wasn't until I saw those green balls in the tree that I recognized it for what it was.

So, once again, the Meadow worked its magic on me.  It reminded me that, no matter how old and tired we may feel, we are never too far from renewal, if we open ourselves to the wonders of life.  And, that, even as our seasons are winding down, we still have contributions to make.