Enjoy early fall in the Midway area of Utah _____________________________________________________ Above, the Header for the October Issue of the Poetical Journal ____________________________________________________       Fall arrived early in Utah (early September) Opening Comments from Bob Autumn arrived early in September. The colors continued to change throughout the month as well as October. While the temperatures remained mild, the colors were especially intense this year, partly because of the late summer rains. Pictures focus on that beauty. I hope the poems Water from Heaven, Time, and Another Lesson speak to you, even if only to make you fill good. To follow me on Facebook, click on Poet Bob, and ask to befriend me. .Three Poems   Water from Heaven The draught vanishes       as dry stream beds       become raging torrents. On the hillside       cactus flower       to close when normalcy returns. Those used to sunshine and heat       dance in the bucolic shower. The sprinklers spray and spurt       oblivious to the falling rain. Mountains hide in dark shrouds       blind for a day. For the moment       the dry earth is quenched. Weeks will pass       before the life-giving water returns. The dancers’ steps slow       waiting for the moments       to mount their bikes       or put on their hiking shoes       to savor the renewed earth. Comment: When I wrote this poem, there had been little rain. However, the brief showers I wrote about continued making August and September two of Utah's wettest months. The wetness allowed the deep reds on the trees to come into full fruition. Time Seated, sipping,       the Swiss chimes       ring their melody. It’s 90º.       Time to ride. Comment: Another piece capturing the moment. Written while at the Galleria. Autumn Breakfast at the Galleria Alone, no one willing       to brave the chill. On days of warm       the tables fill with patrons–       a boisterous buzz in the air. Soon Jessica delivers the steaming tea       that warms the bones. Across the street       Swiss chimes announce       the arrival of 9 a.m. A brisk ride to follow       where thoughts of summer return       despite the snow powdering the peaks       hinting of the deep cold to come. As with life,       no matter how hard one tries to change,       the seasons come and go. Comment: Obviously, the poem is more than about an autumn ride. Hanging baskets were glorious in Park City   Wild grass along Empire Pass   I stopped to take a picture of two wild turkeys. Instead one jumped up on the car hood. We finally had to shoo him off.   The colors on Empire Pass were so intense we thought we were in Vermont.   Seated with hot tea at the Cafe Galleria where many of my Utah poems begin     Taken on Empire Pass in early September (A favorite picture of mine. I have had it enlarged.) So many reds and oranges, unusual Park City Mountain Resort–summer sled run among the trees (The resort is now owned by Vail Corporation.)   Flowers still blooming (These pictures were taken in my yard one fall day.)   Aspens on Empire Pass near the Midway Reservoir Vignette: Savoring One of the obvious advantages to having moved on (retired) is the option to slow down and take a day, two, or more to explore. Some argue that you take a lifetime. This exploration may be external or internal and may come at a price, monetarily or personally. Sometimes the cost is great and other times barely a penny. Traveling the world, learning about other cultures, enriches lives as well as adds excitement. But the inward times are what really change lives. Sipping a cup of tea has opened my life to many venues as I write, watch, and think. Tai chi and yoga can bring a quietness inward that makes one want to explode with joy. Of course, love is the ultimate high. A hug from my two-year granddaughter becomes immeasurable. For those who have not reached the "move on" stage, that fact does not need to stand in the way of learning to appreciate moments that cannot be recaptured if you let them pass. Savoring can bring you magnificent memories. A few for me include going weekly to the movies with my son when he was in middle school, being in the presence of the Dalai Lama, sitting on the bow of sailboat watching Bastille fireworks in French Polynesia, laughing with Janice, and of course time with my granddaughter Peyton. If you have time, please send me a few of your great moments. Recommendations   Take some time!: Many spend their lives busy focusing on what is discovered as trivia. Many decades passed before I learned to savor rather than devour. Actually, I am still working at it. Why not give it a try this month. A Lesson on Perspective: Unbelievable! Please take a look at the online book and gift page.     Section of mountain on Rt. 40 headed toward Park City On Rt. 189 to Provo–aspens turning yellow Panoramic view on a late September ride. The colors were just beginning to change on this section of the mountains. In the foreground are the rails to the scenic railroad. Deer Creek Reservoir is visible in the distance.   Despite the clouds and rain, still a beautiful scene   .........................................................Aspens have begun to change ...........................................American Fork Canyon National Park – Love the view of peaks behind the aspens ...........................................American Fork Canyon National Park – Slightly different angle Aspens beginning to turn       Top Back Westward Ho Click on the icon if you entered this site from another and wish to go to my home page.