On my daily walks around the village's periphery, I am constantly
inspired by the pretty patchwork that blankets the countryside
which surrounds me, and I appreciate how lucky I am to enjoy it.
I don't know about you, but aside from the obvious benefits
of walking, this easiest of aerobic exercises, also seems to strengthen
my heart in so many other ways, in addition to the physical cardiovascular ones.

For instance,
how fitting that my little excursions be 1500 feet above sea level!
I tell you, there are times when I literally feel
like I am walking in the clouds!
Greek in origin, aero- "air" (combining form) + bios "life",
further adds to the 'living in the air' essence!
That fresh autumn breeze, now cooler and crisper, chills and tingles
my cheekbones, refreshing and re-energizing my senses,
helping to clear my mind, to make space for thoughts
that may have been 'blown away', misplaced or forgotten,
and to organize the clutter that also tends to collect inside us,

creating new nooks and crannies
for creative inspiration to spontaneously settle in.
Yesterday, the wind was particularly sharp,
and as it sped by me, its driving force
whistled a wonderful idea into my mind.
The tinted leaves and sun dried fruit, barely clutching on to
half naked boughs, seemed to be hanging on just long enough
for my arrival, when I plucked them from their plight,
and carefully carried them home, clutching them closely together,
as some were weak and withered from their exposure to the elements.

In the garden, I scattered them on the roof of the wood oven,
and arranged them according to the wind's specifications,
careful not to exclude those less fortunate in foliage.
Once inside, they were safe and sound,
and enjoyed the airy openness of the great room,
under a cozy lamp, in the living room,
or covered in the midday afternoon sun, on the dining room buffet.
But, their intended spot,
(remembering the wind's final words,
just before it whisked itself away), was:
"Somewhere in the open air,
not in a vase, or a constricted place.
...You'll know where''.
So, dear friends in cyberspace
please accept this little fall bouquet,
in appreciation for your
sweet words the other day.
I know I'm far away,
but I have a friend,
who's willing to
whiz it by your way.
Thanks for visiting!
Thanks for visiting!
xo
Poppy