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Saturday, October 5, 2013

Winter to autumn?

Winter had truly taken hold this morning. It was 24°F with snow all around us.
I had all my winter layers on, plus chemical hand and toe warmers. Where did autumn go?
Shyla and I were out fairly early but we still ran into a neighbor who runs with a pack of 9 off-leash dogs. Shyla still freezes in place when this friendly but loud pack appears, as if she thinks she's invisible if she doesn't move. I literally cannot convince her to move a single muscle until the pack leaves.

As Shyla stays frozen in place, she pins her eyes on me. I go over and put one hand on her to give her reassurance. We stay in this position until the pack moves along. I've never been a "rock" for a dog as much as I am for Shyla. I wish that she didn't get scared but I do love the feeling that I am a source of strength for her.

After we resumed riding, the sun started to warm up and the wind kicked in. I quickly captured a few photos of the aspen leaves and snow, before it all came tumbling down.
I've found that photography has helped me to notice the beautiful details of our world. I am always scanning for the beauty in the world.
Blue sky, golden aspen leaves, and snow...
The other thing that photography has taught me is that a spot of beautiful light is transient. Sometimes, I'll be riding up a steep hill, and I'll see something gorgeous. I note where it is, and I plan to take the photo on my way back downhill in a few minutes. Very often, the spot of special sunlight is gone by then. Nothing is permanent.

Everything around us changes so quickly that it's worth stopping to appreciate the beauty now.
By late morning, it was clear that autumn would probably take over again in the coming days. The wind and sun had taken the snow off the aspen leaves but many of them still hung on the trees. I love the thought of a few more warm autumn days in the future.

27 comments:

  1. Shyla so suits your red neck warmer, and I too would freeze if 6 strangers suddenly came running past. Your reassuring hand will give her the confidence, and maybe to one day accept. Beautiful snow. Greetings from Jean.

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  2. Beautiful pic's as always KB! And we love Shyla's red neck cozy.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  3. At least Shyla doesn't turn tail and run!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  4. I hope you have some autumn, it's way to early for winter to set in. I know what you mean about photography. Since i have gotten more into it, I am always looking for the beautiful.

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  5. The golden leaves and the snow make for a stunning sight!

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  6. I would definitely not welcome those temperatures and snow the first week of October. Here's hoping you will have more Autumn days. You are so right, stop and enjoy the moments when they come.

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  7. Stella and I really want to commend Shyla for her moving back and waiting for the pack of six to leave. With the dynamics of a pack of that size, that is about the only correct thing she can do is stand back quietly.

    Cheers to the little mountain girl!

    Jo and Stella

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  8. The leaves look beautiful with the snow.
    Benny & Lily

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  9. Lovely colors - from Shyla's neckwarmer to the many-hued aspen leaves. I agree about the quality of light...a perfect metaphor for so many things in life!

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  10. I love, love, let me add one more LOVE that you take the time to find and see the beautiful. And there is nothing wrong with you being a rock for Shyla. I know at times she is that rock for you as well. It is a beautiful relationship the two of you share.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  11. We saw the first Christmas advert on French tv last night. And now you've got snow ! The yer re3ally is moving on.

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  12. I completely agree about photography!

    And Shyla does look fabulous in red!

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  13. beautiful pictures!!! love Shyla and her snood!
    xoxo

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  14. You are so right about the lessons we learn from photography. Yours is an inspiration; that's the lesson I learned today!

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  15. Nothing bluer than a Colorado sky :)

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  16. A post of many surprises. First off was how quickly you transitioned into winter. Second was that your neighbor had 9 dogs. And finally, the fact you have a neighbor! Great photos!!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  17. The Aspen leaves are so beautiful!
    Enjoy the snow, Shyla!

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  18. Oh, your neck cozy is just FABulous Shyla!! And the photos...WOW! They made Ma smile again, and I barked my approval!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  19. Such beautiful, glorious snow! I cannot wait for our first snow this year in Indiana.

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  20. Sophie doesn't freeze in the slightest so I end up getting worried because you just never know when an alpha dog is going to pop up. You see Sophie is alpha and well, let's say there have been some unsavoury moments in wonderland.
    I know exactly what you mean about light, colour and detail. Photography has changed my world and Jim's. It has been the best decision ever to fall head long into it.
    Cheers!
    Ron

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  21. your world is so beautiful---we are so grateful that you share with us--we see the beauty through you and your generous heart.
    love
    tweedles

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  22. Beautiful fall colors! Especially with the snow mingled in there!

    I'm glad that Shyla sees you as her protector and looks to you for guidance and reassurance. I love that she freezes until those dogs go away - I can't blame her for being uncomfortable with a pack of 9 - friendly or not! :)

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  23. Early snow is both a happy and a sad thing!

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  24. Whoa, that is wild! What a gorgeous shot you got though!

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  25. Shyla looks great with her neck warmer
    But snow now??? Seems Little to early for you I thinkg?

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