Large Maple Leaf by olivetreeann

Large Maple Leaf

Lately I feel as if time is slipping away from me. I begin to work on something and in the blink of an eye, the time has flown to some unknown part of the universe and I've run out of it! That was certainly the case today. I barely got to the pool and it was time to go home. I barely ate lunch and it was time to get the car to the mechanic for some TLC. Before I knew it, it was time to go home and make dinner. I barely started catching up on 365 and it was time to run the car back down to the mechanic so he can finish a couple things tomorrow. And now with less than an hour of the day, I'm finally posting a picture! I saw this beauty alongside the waterfall last week. It was such a large leaf and I liked its colors. I wished my granddaughter had been with me because I think she would have been fascinated with its size.

I'm slowly catching up with all your pictures, but I know a few will slip through the cracks. My apologies for that! Well, time marches on- and I must keep step!
good colors Anne
November 3rd, 2011  
stands out nicely against the rocks.
November 3rd, 2011  
@jml0306 Thank you Joseph!
@dmariewms Thanks Marie!
Thank you both- your kind words are greatly appreciated!
November 3rd, 2011  
i love its colours against the rock. beautiful shot, ann. i love maple leaves. every year, i go to the park and try to find a nice big leaf from among those on the ground.
November 3rd, 2011  
So pretty
November 3rd, 2011  
@summerfield Thanks Summerfield! This was such a pretty one. We've got oaks around the house, but the Maples really do get such nice colors.
@kerristephens Thanks Kerri!
November 3rd, 2011  
Lovely colours and contrasts between the living leaf.....even if it's dying! and the stones which will probably look much the same for a long time!
November 3rd, 2011  
Pretty shaped leaf with a nice patterns and colours :)
November 3rd, 2011  
Days are just not long enough, and I have things I need to be doing too, I once again fell behind in all my projects. Life is so busy.
November 3rd, 2011  
Wonderful maple leaf and I like how you have captured it against the grey background
November 3rd, 2011  
What a beautiful leave! Love the changing of colours!
November 3rd, 2011  
I have the same sense of time slipping away, For me because my two children are turning into adults.
November 3rd, 2011  
Is this the giant leaf? lol ~It looks huge! I hope things slow down for you, even if its only for a little while!
November 3rd, 2011  
@sarah19 Thank you Sarah- yes this year I am particularly struck by the thought that there is so much beauty in this dying time. I have seen it in the leaves, and in the passing of my uncle. I know I have many years to live yet, but I hope that my dying time will also be filled with such beauty.
@alia_801 Thanks Alia! I'm finally catching up with everything and will start to put up some squares soon!
@digitalrn Thanks Rick! Usually it does not bother me when time slips away, but for some reason, this week, it's getting to me. Ah well, all the more reason to push onward and upward.
@nicolecampbell Thank you Nicole! It was a pretty sight!
@geertje Thank you Geertje. Although I had hoped for a more colorful fall I was still able to catch some beautiful shots of God's creation this season, so I'm happy. This leaf was a lovely discovery.
@pandorasecho It is a time of mixed-blessing that transition from teen to adult. You've so enjoyed the boys as they've grown up and would like those times to remain. But children are meant to grow up eventually and now you are beginning to see the results of your labors. And your hopes that they will become well-rounded people who enjoy life and are happy in their careers, have someone to love and build a life with, and live by what they believe become reality. You move into a new kind of dimension. They will always be your children, but now they are in some ways your peers and they will surprise you with their insight and perspective. The memories of your youngsters can never be taken away, but don't be afraid to let the living person go and move on to what they were meant to be! Just a little advice from one who's been there- for you to take as needed.
@sanera Yes- it is! It was quite large and I honestly don't think this shot does it justice. Because it's a close-up, it doesn't really give you a reference point to compare it with. Thanks for remembering Samantha!
November 3rd, 2011  
wow Ann! you are indeed so busy you lost track of time...for me it is not that bad...I love it when time runs so fast... sometimes it is the only way to keep me from thinking of all my anxieties...but I hope you'll slow down a bit. great commentary Ann!
November 3rd, 2011  
@daveanajao It's funny how being too busy can make one person anxious and another less. One thing about anxiety though, finding outside distractons or being distracted from outside things doesn't really relieve the anxiety. That has to come from something inward. And that's when I realize that I'm feeling anxious because I haven't spent enought time reading the Bible, thinking about the words and praying. That's what calms me- the deep thoughts of my faith. I'm not sure what makes you anxious and I don't want to sound preachy. That's just how I deal with my anxiety, and maybe it might help you too.
November 3rd, 2011  
@olivetreeann well said Ann...and I agree with you totally...I hate to say it here- been diagnosed with depression...sigh... it make things so complicated. I always begin my day with prayer and reading the bible and yes it helps a lot...it keeps me going and keep my sanity.
November 3rd, 2011  
@daveanajao I certainly understand Dave- three of my in-laws (father, brother and sister) all suffer with various degrees of bi-polar issues. And it is very challenging. I also have some close friends dealing with this as well. So I know there are different routes that each must take to stay healthy- whether it's dietary or medically- they are all viable options to help you. And I think God can use any number of them for success. In my many years of study, and in my own life, I've seen how critical the arena of the mind is- in all matters of life, not just mental health. When I don't allow my thoughts to be God-ward, I make all kinds of mistakes and my mind never lets me forget that- even when I know I'm forgiven. It is also the place where lies can take the deepest root- and sometimes your heart will let you know about God's love, but the mind will not rid itself of the bad or harmful lies that are implanted there. Well, I'm running on- I just want to encourage you that there is victory in turning this challenge you face- in body and mind- over to Jesus. He conquered death and His Spirit will show you the way He can help you conquer this. I thought of two Scriptures for you. Sometimes I write them down and carry them with me for when I need to put the truth in my mind- Matthew 11:27-30. That one reminds me of a song they sing in my son's church- I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet. And anytime, I don't know, what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You. And the other passage is one of my favorites- Matthew 6:25-34 (I can't tell you how many times I have to go to this one!!!!), especially verses 30-34. They jumped into my head as I was reading your words. And one last thing- a thought- your street shots are so compassionate and thougthful- but if the sorrow you see and feel there is affecting you, perhaps you may need to balance how often you shoot them with other subjects that help lift your spirits. I think you are a gentle soul and I think God wants you to guard that well. Oh, I'm so sorry for writing a book!! It's just all these thoughts came into my head and I felt compelled to share them! I hope you don't mind!
November 3rd, 2011  
@olivetreeann i appreciate that so much Ann. Thank you so much, i will read those verses. Your words are so encouraging. Thank you so much.
November 3rd, 2011  
nice one great capture
November 3rd, 2011  
Fabulous leaf composition and colors!
November 3rd, 2011  
@steeler thanks Howard!!
@cimes1 thanks Carole!!
November 3rd, 2011  
Gorgeous pictures...the rocks show how big the leaf is.. I used to pick leaves in the fall and made different things from them when my grandchildren were small..this year the colors were not as vibrant especially the red ones.
November 3rd, 2011  
@bruni Thanks Bruni. I think it was the rain. If I remember correctly, when we had a dry summer, almost drought conditions, that's when the reds are their best.
November 3rd, 2011  
@olivetreeann yes I believe you're right...we had an awful lot this year. I sometimes go back to last year's fall pictures...they were great.
November 4th, 2011  
yes, time marches on...one moment at a time. this is a lovely fall shot!
November 4th, 2011  
I usually don't check the same picture twice, so miss mot of the replies to comments, but I'm glad I came here a second time to see your long and thoughtful reply.
November 4th, 2011  
Ann, Time moves strangely. Beautiful leaf.
November 4th, 2011  
@flydragon Thank you Flydragon! Yes- it surely does!
@pandorasecho I'm glad you double checked!
@changingtides Thank you Allie!
November 4th, 2011  
I think leaves are like finger prints, no 2 alike. You found a beauty here.
November 4th, 2011  
I know the feeling of time running away from you! I love this photo!
November 7th, 2011  
@allie912 Thanks Allison! It was a pretty one- glad I've got the photo to remember it by!
@potsbypam Thank you Pam! And just as I got caught up, we were away again, and now I'll start catching up all over again! This time it was worth it though!
November 8th, 2011  
Great find
November 11th, 2011  
@bkbinthecity Thank you bkb!
November 11th, 2011  
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