Nature's Solace - let it help you through the holiday frenzy.

Good morning Gatherites!

I hope this finds you well, having enjoyed another Thanksgiving with family and friends.

I was going to say, "having survived" another Thanksgiving, but that's just looking at it the wrong way. I love the holiday, and though some years it comes with obligatory hosting and socializing that pretty much wears me out - I do love the cooking and sharing of the fall bounty. And I adore spending the extra time with my sweet grandsons - my little buddies. ;o)

Tangy Clementine tangerines and last of the season tomatoes provided a bright spot of color in the kitchen.

We went a little overboard this year with pies.

Apple, pumpkin, raspberry, pecan, pineapple (my favorite!), and chocolate cream. I cheated this year, and used our local Wegman's premade crusts. So much easier, and frankly, the only way my pie crusts are palatable. I'm a pretty good cook when it comes to main meals, soups, etc. But if you ever tried my home made pie crust, you'd think you had just taken a bite out of cardboard!

After we made the above assortment, my wife's sister-in-law came with three of her own: chocolate pecan, apple, and cherry. Whoa. But with 12 people hanging around the house those babies will be gone by tomorrow, I'm pretty sure. We made an amazing dent in them already!

(notice my little helper, Gordie's hand in the corner of the photo?)

All in all, it was a nice few days. But I felt myself frequently longing for the comfort of nature while I was stuck inside cleaning and cooking and socializing.

Several times I escaped to walk in the air that had finally cooled to seem like a "real" November. Expelling frosty breath, I marveled at the leaves that still clung tightly to their branches.

Usually, by Thanksgiving, all trees around here have dropped every leaf and it's pretty much a mosaic of black branches, sky, and the brown and green patchwork quilt of fields. Winter wheat and rye plantings provide an amazing emerald fuzz that is gorgeous in drab November! But this year, has been different. Delightful. Strange. And good fodder for photos!

There's something cathartic about walking through crunchy piles of leaves. The tranquility of nature soothes and rejuvenates.

The absence of vehicles and humanity rejuvenates one's cluttered brain.

The paths beckon. Chilled air wakes up the soul.

And unexpected, sudden vistas provide sublime comfort in a time that can be frenzied.

I hope you find a way to seek solace this holiday season when life gets a little crazy. Enjoy the hubub of family and celebrations, but when you need a break - head outside. Dress warmly, bring a loved one or dog(s), and let nature soothe your soul.

(and for those of you who love to write - remember to write like the wind!)

Aaron Paul Lazar

www.legardemysteries.com

www.mooremysteries.com

www.printambassador.com

www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com