Sunday, September 01, 2013

Early Days and Autumn Constellations

Here at last is the first day of September, and the beginning of my favorite time of year.

The days and weeks ahead are grand times for rambling.  One crams the pockets of vest, hoodie and raincoat with photography peripherals and hangs a pack on her back for the stuff that doesn't fit in her pockets.  Then she goes larking about, looking for things to capture on a memory card, and what a splendid tapestry there is to play with - lavender sunrises and fiery sunsets strewn by handfuls, towering cloud banks and rain spattered windows, sodden whiskery trees and fallen leaves in gold and scarlet, little rivers singing their way through village gutters with their merrily bobbing freight of acorns, berries and twigs.

Wherever I manage to tuck the creature in, there has to be an umbrella in the equation this month.  In September, storms blow up here without warning, and they're truly impressive in their theatrics and elemental force, their thunder and lightening and driving rain.  Perhaps this is the year when I shall find the perfect big green cotton "brolly" and bring it on home.  There is a whole stand of umbrellas standing by the door in their plaids and paisleys, but nary a fine green one.

As I tap this out, the constellation Orion makes its way above the south horizon with sword and belt twinkling, Gemini over one shoulder and Taurus over the other. The giant starry harbinger of autumn wears Auriga like a crown of lights and dominates the sky as other constellations seldom do at this time of the year.  I have a personal rite of sorts in these early days of September, rising long before dawn to look for the giant with his upheld club.  At the same time, I give a respectful nod to the radiant crescent of waning moon dancing in the east. 

Who is that creature in the window hiding behind raindrops, foliage and a big bad lens?  With her face concealed and hair sticking up all over the place, she looks a few decades young than she really is, and the thought tickles her greatly.

Happy happy September everyone!

6 comments:

Siobhán said...

Beautiful post! I find it very hard to adjust to the seasonal change in September, but you've given me an exquisite new look on it. Thank you!

Dedri said...

Happy September Cate! It is also my favorite time of the year. I hope you find that perfect green umbrella.

Jennifer said...

I love the photo!

Best wishes for a bright happy September to you!

Mystic Meandering said...

I just love how you make life come ALIVE in your writing! Reminds me that I need to spend more time exploring the landscape here. I love the Fall season as well :) and Nature graced us with a Fall-like day today! Temps in the 60's and damp - ahhhhh.
The photo is exquisite! Glad you are happy! :)

the wild magnolia said...

the bare truth of a season, fall preceding winter. makes us very happy before the great freeze and white blanket of snow.

looking up is always a delight.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Beautiful words
and
I love the image...