ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

We’ve been blessed with a run of amazing blue skies, fresh, crisp air and changing colors in my neck of the woods. It’s a perfect day for a Sunday drive. After a weekend of visits with family and a special one-year birthday for the little man who made me great – Gigi, has made me look forward to an afternoon nap. I don’t remember such an elaborate celebration for my grandchildren or even my own children, but this one has outdone the rest. It was so nice to send time with our S. Carolina family, those from Minneapolis suburbs and our church family. As I looked at all the cousins and aunts and uncles, I recalled such gatherings on my mother’s side of the family. Coming from a family of eight children, there was no lack of cousins. It was always such fun to enjoy these outings with them. God has blessed me in so many ways. Having a wonderful family that never lets you down is one of them. I’ve been pretty focused on the change of seasons this month. I guess it’s a reminder of things to come. Autumn is the doorway to winter and colder temperatures along with snows, blizzards, slippery sidewalks and streets, lots of accidents, and at least six months of it. I’d love for autumn to last as long as winter, but I’m grateful for the changes of four seasons. Variety keeps life interesting and full of hope for the future. Today’s watercolor was completed at Wargo Nature Center, where Paul worked as a naturalist for a few years. We also took many short road trips to this natural wonderland. The simplicity of watercolor always astounds me, because of the necessary control of the wet paint which is required for a beautiful painting.

Brilliant colors are fading fast, yet in their final glory,

New shades replace their glorious past, they tell a brand new story,

Then one last bloom glory displays, as leaves fall all around,

The bloom will follow to the grave, to rest deep in the ground.

The hues of autumn now ascend,  crimson red, brown, yellow, gold,

Like precious gems the sun will bend, the story then will unfold,

Enjoy the paintbrush of our Lord as brilliant colors He paints,

Amazing beauty is in store for those who patiently wait.

Thank you, Jesus, for this glorious autumn day. You exhibit every color of the rainbow in the realm of your creation during this time of year. Offering hues that only you can make. These colors will soon fade, and winter will come, but it’s up to us to remain positive in all circumstances. Prepare us for those winter months, as you present new beauty from different resources – ice and snow. Amen!