and if i were a bird.

This is my very favorite time of year.

And even if I were to try to fill it with lament over the imminent loss of colorful leaves, 

I cannot dismiss the beauty carried in the crisp, cool Autumn air.

A thanksgiving filling my lungs that simply cannot be ignored.

In Autumn, God makes earthly beauty impossible to avoid.

And if I were a bird, 

I would certainly delay among the pumpkin patches and barrels of hay before flying away.

[photos from the country one year ago]