Adirondack Autumn

It is quiet here at the lake this time of year.

Everyone has closed their summer homes, cabins, cottages

 and camps for the winter.

Very soon...we will too.

The rain has kept us indoors all week.

Whenever there is a break in the steady drizzle...

I dash outside with my camera to try to capture the beauty

 of the changing colors in the mountains.

Our time spent here this past week has not been as we expected.

...not as many walks, no yard sales or flea markets.

No hikes or kayak trips or golf.

No flaming colors of autumn foliage lit by the sun.

No sun.

No family.

Only Mr. Flea and me.

Instead... it has been a softer, quieter time.

A time of thoughtful reflection.

...a time to slow down...

...and appreciate the more subtle beauty

 that this persistent cloud cover has provided.

Mr. Flea wondered if it kept raining all week...

...would we drive each other crazy?

We haven't.

Not yet.

:)

Our rainy week alone at the lake has provided opportunity

 for lots of reading, old movies snuggled under wool blankets,

 listening to music, cooking and eating

 together.

:)

...and also time to think.

...and plan...

...and pray.

Perhaps it's the time of year, the change of seasons...

the loss of my Mom...still so hard to believe...

the fact that my children are grown with lives of their own...

...that has made me pause to think about life...

...and what lies ahead.

...perhaps it's just the rain quieting down my mind.

....all in a good way...

...to help me appreciate all that I have been given.

A glimmer of understanding....

...a hope...

...a momentary release of feeling the need to try so hard...

It is not all up to me.

Learning to trust...

...to let it be...

Choosing to love...

...to just be in the moment.

Hope your week is going well.

Thanks for stopping by!

What am I grateful for today?

God's beautiful handiwork

and opportunities to listen to the quiet voice inside.