Sunday, October 12, 2008

A Glorious Melancholy



It was a nearly perfect summer here in Washington DC - warm but not too hot, not too humid (except for a few days). It was sunny, but not relentlessly. The storm gods blessed us with many beautiful, vivid and dramatic thunderstorms. Summer segued gracefully into a perfect fall. For weeks it's been sunny and warm enough during the day to wear teeshirts and shorts, yet crisp and cool at night. Who could ask for anything more?

Like many of my blog buddies, I feel at a turning point. The bout of pneumonia was transformative for me, maybe just because it made me stop - really stop - and think about things. It scared me into an appreciation of life and health. I don't mean to, but I sometimes take my good health for granted. Not this year, though.

As a result of being ill, I can remember again that everything I need is right here at my fingertips - both "good" and "bad." Even the chaos in the world financial system and the downright nastiness of the presidential campaign (now in its final days, thank God), is motivating me to think carefully about what is and what isn't important. The result of these contemplations is a sense that something wonderful is right around the corner, and that with my renewed sense of liveliness, I might be able to recognize the wonder when I come into contact with it. It's an interesting paradox to be lovingly guided in the aftermath of illness and in the midst of chaos. But - isn't that how fall always is, full of sadness for the waning light and shriveling of summer's green lushness, but also exciting and full of promise?

The weather always explains everything. What it's telling me this year is that everything is exactly as it should be. Not to worry, let the leaves fall where they may. In the midst of paradox, still getting my energy back, I can say with certainty that life is good, and I am grateful. Onwards & upwards! Oh yeah.

9 comments:

Angela said...

Right, Reya! Keep your eyes open for the good things around the corner! And then don`t forget to tell us about them!
And don`t worry, the finances will calm down, and the Presidents, too. They always have. Go sit by a river, then you`ll feel how unimportant all these human uproars are. Life always just goes on.

Janelle said...

exactly reya! you are such an inspiring light. your photographs are absolutely beautiful. thanks! sending you love love LOVE xx janelle

Steve Reed said...

Illness is always something of a reality check. The interesting thing is how quickly I slip back into habits and, upon recovery, forget the glimpses I had of what's important.

I'm so glad you're better now!

tut-tut said...

Yes, something wonderful is right around the corner. We just need to perceive what it is, and sometimes we aren't looking in the right direction to see it. I'm sure hoping that November will bring a strong, cleansing wind.

Reya Mellicker said...

Tut? May it be so!

Squirrel said...

I agree with Tut Tut-- marvelous foliage photo Reya --I love that leaf.

Barbara Martin said...

Sometimes being ill allows you to see the finer things in life often missed.

ArtSparker said...

Splendid, the transformation of the car's surfaces into the non-utilitarian

lettuce said...

so glad you're feeling better reya, doing well, happy

:-)


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