writing from scratch

Autumn is here in its full splendor. My maple stands in rusty brilliance; light seeming to come from within each leaf. Subtle shades of peach and rose mark the spiria and smoke bushes. Last night the first frost, though I still sat out with my morning coffee, wrapped and bundled with hat and gloves. I love the crispness and smell of decay. I watched the antics of five grouse in the crabapple tree. At least twice a day, two or more will be there, eating and jumping about. The yellow leaves fall rapidly now from the walnut tree, not waiting for the wind. I feel the natural world slowing down, the earth breathing more deeply now. Its time for long walks and ponderings.
Yet today I am at odds with it all, as I nervously watch the thermometer and check the weather forecast. I am in the midst of a project which requires far higher temperatures. I am attempting to glue a new bottom lining into my pond, while my fish live in a large container in the solarium. I am two thirds finished, with a setback yesterday. Laugh as you picture me down in my rubber hole with a heater oscilating as I spread glue and pray that when I come back after the required waiting time the two pieces will stick together. I do various yard tasks while I wait. I have only the middle of the day to work and today it may rain, which is definitely contraindicated. I alternate between discouragement and confidence, but my spirit wears thin. I cannot remember giving up on anything I have set my heart to do. I still hope that this won't be such a case.
It hasn't reached one degree celsius out there, yet it is almost 10:30 am and I believe time to place the heater in the pond cavity to start warming things up. Hopefully I won't be looking for a new winter home for my fishes this afternoon. May the fish spirits and that of perseverence be with me.
Radha

comments on breathing practice

Let me breathe in earth that I may
walk with the strength of true belonging here

Let me breathe in water that I may
flow with the circumstances offered to me

Let me breathe in fire that I may
know my passion and breathe light into the world

Let me breathe in air that I may
rise above the mundane and soar to new horizons

Radha