It was a rainy day here in the Ozarks, but not particularly cold or windy, so I took Ruby for her walk anyway. We had a wonderful time. Of course she found a stick, which I threw numerous times.
We saw large mixed flocks of sparrows and finches, who were enjoying the ripening grass heads in the field. I saw song sparrows, white crowned sparrows, and white chinned sparrows. I’m sure there were others out there too. The gold finches were flying with them. Around the house we have lots of juncos and chickadees. This morning I saw a brown thrasher in the stroll garden, which surprised me. I would have thought they had migrated south by now, but it hasn’t really been all that cold here. There is no sense of urgency.
The oaks are turning their shades of red and orange, and the japanese maple by my pond is a wonderful scarlet right now. I felt inspired to make an autumn mandala scan using these items plus some grass that was calling me.
The mood is somber out there, matching mine. I’ve been thinking very deeply lately, motivated by my sessions with my therapist. There is a lot to grieve for, and I have been journaling a lot.
My father fails daily, the weight of his years suddenly seems almost too much for him to carry any longer. The family is gathering this weekend; we are throwing a dinner party for the whole group here since we are going to be gone over Thanksgiving. I am glad we are going to have this opportunity to be together before we all fly to the four winds once again.
the havens 
The scan is beautiful, HMH and I see you have artfully constructed a pentacle/pentagram as the centre.
You may well be feeling sombre but its so much healthier to grieve if there’s something to grieve about than to suppress it, isn’t it?
Here’s to your having an excellent family gathering. x
True statement about grieving. What is interesting is that there are things that I need to grieve for that I didn’t realize were there. and that is the value of a good therapist. It lightens my load considerably.
I’m sure we are all going to be on our very best behavior. We’ve gotten much better at that over the years. And it may very well be the last time we six are together in this world, I really don’t think my father will last much longer.
And here’s to a lightened load!
a walk in a not-cold rain. forgotten how that feels…. cleansing and clarifying, i hope. need to do the same, given an opportunity…
There is something about rain that is very clearing of the energy body. Also the sounds of it rustling and sizzling in the trees, the birds talking, all very good.
love your autumn mandala
Thank you. I was pleased with how it came out. Might try another different one today.
I was very surprised at how quickly the autumn leaves lose their color when they start to dry out.
If the burden is so great for him, maybe he has decided to put it down? That is a hard (even if sub-conscious) decision.
I wish you all well.
I have been thinking along those lines lately. Sometimes people hold on for a particular reason and need to hear from their close ones that it is okay for them to move on. I also think that it is possible that there is some fear of the unknown, too
I think we will have an enjoyable time this weekend. Everyone will be here and have a chance to talk with him.
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
I hope the weekend goes well (if that is the right word).
It may be small comfort, but at least both your Dad and the rest of the family should get a chance to make things right – if there are places where they aren’t. That in itself will hopefully be one less cause of grief, bitterness etc once the inevitable does, finally, happen.
The rain woke me pattering and thundering on the roof. Now the birds are singing, but it is chilly. For us, in South Africa, in mid-November! This here FEELS like autumn.
Hoping and wishing you can clear the air and be kind to each other going forward.