Ma Nature's Quilt

Day 8: The Pacific Northwest is not known for its Autumn color, not like the eastern parts of the country. Our hues tend toward the gold except in gardens and yards where non-native species are cultivated. The one significant exception to that is Vine Maple (Acer circinatum). Although it often passes years without turning the intense red seen here, when it does change to a vivid shade, it is a sight to see: startling patches of vermilion lurching out from beneath a wall of dark forest green, or scarlet flame caught among the bronzed yellows of Big-Leaf Maple, its cousin.

If Ma Nature was to sew a quilt, I like to think she would choose calicos such as this bold print, matching them with a solid of blue noontime sky. She would stitch the patchwork with a deep brown thread, lightly, and not to make too firm a coverlet. Then she would present her gift in time for the recipients to bundle themselves cozily within it against the advancing frost. Its colors would call to memory those prior days of sun and warmth, and would make the winter pass more swiftly.

The storms are coming, and soon. I am glad the seamstress finished her work so timely.