I have this thing, this thing about not setting up shots, this thing about making pictures of life as is. But today I broke my self-imposed rule and with good reason.
It all started with my first glimpse of The Lucky Leaf Handbook on some Instagrammer’s post. The “world’s first guide to the game of catching leaves as they fall from the trees” by T. E. P. Noodle struck my fancy in a big way. I told my beloved about it, and didn’t he lovingly gift it to me for my 60th birthday? He did, and what fun those kids of mine had teasing me about the tiny book as they passed it around. “Mommm, who needs a book to know how to catch falling leaves?,” they quipped. “It also helps with leaf identification,” I stated in my defense. Guffaws swirled like leaves on a windy November day.
Then a windy November day came. On a ride through Bald Eagle State Park, hope welled up when I caught sight of a few leaves falling from trees on the edge of a field. Without hesitation, he made the next right and parked the first chance he got. We both hopped out despite the light drizzle and ran unabashed into that field as fast as we could! Darting with arms outstretched and hands cupped while laughing wildly, I knew love as never before. There in our sixties, having been together for over forty years, we were children, carefree and loving every minute. We met up and embraced wearing the hugest smiles, and don’t you know? As if on cue, a gust of wind blew THOUSANDS of leaves from the trees; and we watched, frozen in place, struck by the wild grace of God. We thanked Him for those leaves, praised Him for the gift — and then resumed our wild pursuit!
Back home, he posed holding the tiny book and the largest leaf he caught that day. Not just the leaf is lucky. I am, too.
Janet, even before I read the comments above, I was going to tell you "what a wonderful composition"! Now it is the story AND the composition that is wonderful. And you are not "lucky" but blessed by our God who knows what makes us joyful!!
What a beautiful story. I so enjoyed imagining the pleasure you describe. And every fisherman delights in showing off their catch for the camera, so why shouldnt the leaf catcher do the same.
What a beautiful beautiful story - I could picture you two connecting to the book and enjoying every minute of it together. It is awesome that you are so aware of the presence of God in your life and the wonderful way you share it with us. Love the picture, too.
