The import of Autumn

[amyrlis]

Ah, Autumn is also my favorite time of year too! As the nights get colder and the leaves blow through the grass, I find myself thinking of Frodo's journey to Bree. It would be difficult to dislike autumn, in all it's cool, colorful beauty. Usually it is a fleeting season here, if you blink, you may miss it. It seems the trees change color and lose their leaves in an instant. They say it's due to this summer's drought, but whatever the reason, the fall has lingered and been more brilliant than ever. I journeyed through the "Misty Mountains" a few weeks ago, and although the snow fell one morning, the sun arose to reveal the beauty that has somehow escaped me these past years. The high peaks of the evergreen mountians were crowned with white and the vivid yellow and orange aspen were like fire climbing their sides. In the cool, clean air I could smell the fallen leaves and wood burning stoves and fully behold the richness of the season. I am thankful to have experienced the glory, for it is my last autumn amongst these hills. As Frodo left The Shire and went East to Rivendell, my path is set East as well, and I do not know when I will see my "front door" again.