Transformation.
It’s edges are a little ragged, this leaf that was so recently young and startlingly green. For a long time it graced a branch, with many like it, absorbing the sun, sheltering birds, shading those below it.
It’s days are shorter now and it’s nights, longer. As the chlorophyll wanes it’s veins begin to stand out and for a few short weeks, or perhaps just days, it transforms into the brilliant color it was always meant to be.
Living on the cusp of sixty, I can’t help but relate. The years feel shorter now. My edges aren’t as sharp or as pliable as they once were and my veins are more pronounced. I often joke that I go to bed with everything working and wake up to find something broken….what the heck? A transmogrification is taking place while I sleep.
This week’s WordPress photo challenge describes that as a strange or disturbing transformation but my computer dictionary uses the words surprising or magical.
I’m going with the latter definition.
I’d much rather think of this portion of my life as the time when my real colors, long hidden underneath the process of youth and going about the business of life, are finally going to come through….rough edges, exposed veins, and all.
The autumn of my life has arrived and for that I’m thankful.
Bring it on.
pauses&clicks 
Beautiful photos and sentiments! Keep em coming!
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Wow, Jules, this is so timely. I have been feeling pretty low (for me) and you have given me an amazing new way to look at things…another perspective, shall we say?
Enough ahead of you in transformation though, I fear my brilliant colors have faded now and I am brown and dry and crunchy, fallen on the gravel driveway …got anymore beautiful words??
Hmm, I’ll head out with my camera while I wait…smile.
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Trust me, I also have moments when I feel like that! However, I’m SO much more comfortable in my skin at this age and I know my mind better…..less questioning, less concern about what other’s think about me, less worry about things I can’t control….and a much stronger faith. All of that combines to help me accept some of the limitations aging brings on because although my outer countenance may have faded a bit, my inner soul shines so much brighter! I think the tradeoff is well worth it! So shine on my blogger friend! Be encouraged!
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“Inner soul shines so much brighter.”
OK I WILL!! And Thanks!
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Julie this is so eloquent. It is a time to be embraced and enjoyed. So far, I have not experienced many broken parts, and I just crossed the bridge to 60! Hoping I will hold together for this awesome ride! Thanks for a beautiful start to my day.
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Debbie, I’m so glad we ended up on the same beach this summer! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you better. And….as Jim says….60 is the new 40. We have many awesome years ahead of us!
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