As irreverent as it may sound, I’ve never really liked November despite its Thanksgiving Grand Finale - which (let’s face it) has its own set of challenges.
In truth, I’m not actually sure that November even likes November.
This eleventh month of the calendar year is full of contradictions and losses.
In addition, its warm/cold, windy/calm, wet/dry personality is a toxic witches' brew of unpredictable opposites and longings for what used to be.
“There is always a November space after the leaves have fallen when ... it was almost indecent to intrude on the woods ... for their glory terrestrial had departed and their glory celestial of purity and whiteness had not yet come upon them.”
– Anne of Windy Poplars by Lucy Maude Montgomery, Canadian author (1874-1942)
In truth, I’m not actually sure that November even likes November.
This eleventh month of the calendar year is full of contradictions and losses.
In addition, its warm/cold, windy/calm, wet/dry personality is a toxic witches' brew of unpredictable opposites and longings for what used to be.
“There is always a November space after the leaves have fallen when ... it was almost indecent to intrude on the woods ... for their glory terrestrial had departed and their glory celestial of purity and whiteness had not yet come upon them.”
– Anne of Windy Poplars by Lucy Maude Montgomery, Canadian author (1874-1942)
As a tree-hugging, nature lover, I've always struggled with November. Maybe, its because its the first really cold and uninspired month before winter. (Sometimes and in some situations - it just doesn't pay to be first.)
Even November's place among the seasons seems puzzling to me. Clearly, it doesn’t belong to summer, is way too contrary for fall and much too murky to be a child of winter. That, along with a heaping serving of seasonal darkness, helps explain why this naked, blustery month ranks so low on my list of favorites.
Even November's place among the seasons seems puzzling to me. Clearly, it doesn’t belong to summer, is way too contrary for fall and much too murky to be a child of winter. That, along with a heaping serving of seasonal darkness, helps explain why this naked, blustery month ranks so low on my list of favorites.
NO!
… No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease, No comfortable feel in any member,
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds.
November!
Thomas Hood, British Humorist & Poet (1799 - 1845)
Nevertheless, as I half-heartedly walked the nature paths at Jeffrey Woods this November, I decided to put my grievances aside and be open to the improbable possibilities this month had to offer - however small.
And that's when the magic happened!
And that's when the magic happened!
Soundwaves: With leaves dead and gone, the sounds of nature within the barren landscape and crisp November air were not only more abundant, but also crystal clear. Nearly every footfall of the woodland's furry creatures and scurrying birds could be heard. This, plus cold branches clanging together like medieval cathedral bells, added an unspoken reverence to each moment.
Viewfinder: Who knew an undressed forest could actually contain so much interest, depth-of-field and delightful definition. Countless pillars of sleeping trees appeared as stately sculptures painted in a thousand shades of black and brown. Once immersed in this surreal image of nature, it was easy to imagine tumbling into an iconic Ansel Adams' photograph.
Viewfinder: Who knew an undressed forest could actually contain so much interest, depth-of-field and delightful definition. Countless pillars of sleeping trees appeared as stately sculptures painted in a thousand shades of black and brown. Once immersed in this surreal image of nature, it was easy to imagine tumbling into an iconic Ansel Adams' photograph.
Aromatherapy: During this month of decay, Jeffrey Woods is filled with the rich fragrances of fallen leaves and pine needles. What's more, the cold November air seemed to enrich the musty, hearth-like scents within the woods while freezing them in place.
Color Palette: By the time November arrived, I so missed the familiar colors of spring, summer and fall, it was hard to notice the extraordinary brushstokes of colors within this month. With the grandeur of their subtle differences, I wondered how I overlooked November's earthen palette in the first place.
Color Palette: By the time November arrived, I so missed the familiar colors of spring, summer and fall, it was hard to notice the extraordinary brushstokes of colors within this month. With the grandeur of their subtle differences, I wondered how I overlooked November's earthen palette in the first place.
The Fahrenheit Factor: This one is particularly hard for me as I hate layering clothes, bundling up and being cold. (Seriously hate it!) The funny thing about beauty, however, is this: Once you accept the invitation to become part of something bigger than yourself, cold noses and toes just don’t seem as important.
People & Animal Watching: During the season of dark and cold, there are definitely less creatures crossing your path in the woods, but lots more opportunities for quiet reflection and appreciation. While I hate using pop culture words like mindful, a November walk within Jeffrey Woods truly offers the very mindful gifts of here and now.
Super Power Senses: With less visual distractions, a walk in a November woods fuels the soul and super charges the gifts of vision, hearing, smell and touch. And on that - you can depend!
People & Animal Watching: During the season of dark and cold, there are definitely less creatures crossing your path in the woods, but lots more opportunities for quiet reflection and appreciation. While I hate using pop culture words like mindful, a November walk within Jeffrey Woods truly offers the very mindful gifts of here and now.
Super Power Senses: With less visual distractions, a walk in a November woods fuels the soul and super charges the gifts of vision, hearing, smell and touch. And on that - you can depend!
“It was November - the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds,
deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-songs in the pines.
... let that great sweeping wind blow the fogs out of her soul.”
- Anne of Green Gables
by Lucy Maude Montgomery, Canadian Author (1874-1942)
deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-songs in the pines.
... let that great sweeping wind blow the fogs out of her soul.”
- Anne of Green Gables
by Lucy Maude Montgomery, Canadian Author (1874-1942)
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In every outdoor space there is magic waiting to be found - even in November.
This month, discover the subtle and extraordinary beauty that is Jeffrey Woods!
In every outdoor space there is magic waiting to be found - even in November.
This month, discover the subtle and extraordinary beauty that is Jeffrey Woods!
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In A Nutshell: Enjoy a small remembrance of Jeffrey Woods with an acorn necklace from In A Nutshell, a direct sale, online business located in Bexley, OH, using acorns tops gathered from Jeffrey Woods during walks that inspire Jeffrey Woods' Blogs.
For more information visit ~
Website: www.inanutshellcollective.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InANutshellCollective
For more information visit ~
Website: www.inanutshellcollective.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InANutshellCollective