Natural Mystics: Forest Jewels

Try to catch them before the leave

Natural Mystics: The muses of my daily rambling

I’m quite fond of the fall forest. It has so much to display with all its jeweled colors. I’m mesmerized by the sun peeking through golden leaves, deep blue skies playing with bright white clouds and mystical trees transforming leaves.

When I upcycled clothing to sell at markets, I would walk around the forest for inspiration - cream mushrooms on moss covered logs, lavender leaves on dark red branches, purple flowers mixed in gold grasses. Some of the best color combinations I’ve ever seen. I wanted my clothes to be bathed in the jewels of the forest.

I want to be bathed in the jewels of the forest. I deeply desire to always be inspired by the beauty of the natural mystics.

And, my fondness for the fall forest has been passed onto little ones. The other day I was visiting my 7 year old niece. Before she started to be a grown up school kid, I’d take her to story time. We’d drive on a road filled with mystical trees and talk about the seasons. I’d get excited when we’d explore the fall season and yell out the various colors we’d see on our way to the library.

The other day I was visiting, and she grabbed a frisbee to collect the leaves scattered on the ground encouraging her younger sister and brother to join in our fall mysticism. We mindfully looked at each jewel to share the beauty we see. As I walked by to head home, I smiled watching her and a friend create art from the found jewels.

I smile with more fondness in this moment reminiscing. I deeply desire she keeps this love of the natural mystics.

Then there’s my 6 year old nephew. Before he started to be a grown up school kid, we’d have an adventure day in the forest. We’d run, take hidden trails, find stick shelters and explore the forest jewels sometimes with a magnifying glass. One of our favorite things to do during the fall was catch leaves as they glittered down from the heavens. These jewels are much trickier to catch than one may think.

Our first fall season he was bummed to walk away empty handed. But, our second season he screamed in joy catching his first leaf. I was a proud aunt listening to him excitedly talk all about capturing forest jewels while we sipped hot chocolate.

I miss our adventure days and time catching jewels. I deeply desire he always remembers to play in the forest with the natural mystics.

In honor of the fall forest, I share some pictures from a hike last year that inspired a writing I have yet to share. You’ll have to wait while I find it and polish it a bit. When the natural mystics speak, they are not to be rushed.

So, before the forest jewels are covered by the snowy silence of the winter, go be with them. Then let me know if you catch a leaf.

---

---