by
Jean Hughes
October 16, 1995
Blackbirds shower out of the tree tops. Crows shout their raucous cries. It is dawn, and the sun is painting the clouds. This morning, she paints deep orange on the blackness, and then pale orange over deep blue. Finally, she splashes on the color of Jersey whipped cream and floats it over a pale blue background. She brushes some pale purple along the edges of the eastern sky, and flips a few wisps of pinkish orange over her head with the tip of her brush. It lands in the sky behind her. She has had perfect working conditions and perfect materials, and she has painted a masterpiece.

Now, the woods' edges take over. It looks as if giants with big spray-paint cans have been having a jamboree. There must have been one party member who has a heart like mine, for here and there are bright splashes of deep, rose-pink. It is my favorite color. I find it in sunrises and sunsets. Touches of it are on sassafras leaves and wahoo pods, and, today, I find some on the backs of oak leaves.

I try to concentrate on the pinks in nature, but I am constantly being pulled astray by every color of the rainbow. I do try to discipline myself to gathering only pink rocks, because rocks gain weight as I carry them up the hills.


When October comes, I hurry through indoor chores, sometimes even leaving them undone, so I can gather to my heart the hills and trees. I bake easy meals that can go into the oven late in the afternoon.

German Baked Beans
Brown together: 1 lb. hamburger and 1 medium onion, chopped.
Drain, and put into a casserole along with: 1/2 cup brown sugar,
1/2 cup applesauce, 1 cup catsup, 1 t. salad mustard and
6 cups pork and beans.
Bake at either 350o or 375o for 50 minutes, covered, and 
10 minutes, uncovered.
Buttermilk Brown Bread
Mix and let stand until soft: 1 1/2 cups All Bran, 
1 1/2 cups buttermilk and 2 1/2 T. sorghum.
Sift together and mix in: 3/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 cups flour,
1 1/2 t. baking soda and a dash of salt.
Place dough in three No. 2 cans that have been well greased and
floured. Cover tops of cans with aluminum foil.
Bake at 375o for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes longer.
Note: 3/4 cup raisins may be added during final mixing.

It is the little doings of the earth that bring to my life the moment-by-moment joy. This morning, as I walk, I see the sunlight falling on the deep-pink wahoo pods. They are still wet with dew, and everywhere the sun strikes, a tiny, perfect flower, made of light, and about as big as a pinhead, blooms -- dewflowers!

When I return home, I walk into my empty barn. It is like stepping into a sanctuary. Memories of fall lambs, and calves with sandpaper tongues, wash over me. I feel a little sorrow for anyone who has never slept in a barn and watched over his sheep; who has never smelled the barn-sweetness of new-mown hay or helped a little creature come into the world. There is an essence to beginnings --whether they be an animal, a flower or a day.

* * *
This afternoon, the wind blows and the multi-colored seas of leaves on the hillsides look tipped with silver. The breezes and drying leaves make a sound like tissue paper being wadded in my hands.

It is wonderful to be alive on this sweet and crisp October day. It is a gift of time given equally to everyone. Happiness is in it. Beauty is in it. Love is in it. It is made to be used. Everybody on earth, no matter what his age or where he lives, has this day.

* * *
Early in the evening, I walk in a meadow that is surrounded by trees.

An Autumn Day
     When rainbow shadows paint the hillside trees,
     And practice on the sassafras their hues;
     When knighted colors tremble in the breeze,
     And leaves of green have found their chromomuse;
     Trees pantomime their mirth -- I see leaves shaking --
     And then I know it's laughter that they're making.
     Mad spring, lush summer, look what you have done
     With wind and rain and flower and leaf and sun.
     You've taken all the life that would be fey
     And fashioned it into an autumn day.
Copyright 1995, Jean Hughes.

Jean's book of ramblings and recipes "A Country Mile of Winter" and her book of poetry "The Earth's My Home" are available for $4.95 each plus $1.30 for postage and handling. Her nature letter "Diary of a Back Yard Naturalist", published 5 times yearly, is available for $12.50 per year. Ten of Jean's favorite recipes will be included free with each book or nature letter ordered. Order from...

Country Mile Publications
616 E. Monroe St.
Delphi, Indiana 46923

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