Today’s blog
Lynn Murphy Mark
Autumn treasures
There’s a tree in Kirkwood, Missouri, that is a glorious tribute to Fall. I see it this time of year each time I have cause to drive along Clay Avenue on my way to Rose’s house, or to First Watch, or to Spiritual Direction with Mary. I even go a few blocks out of the way sometimes just to catch an eyeful. It’s not the only beautifully hued tree around. But there’s something almost holy about the pure yellow and orange of its leaves as it bends over the sidewalk and part of the street. The first time I see it I take in a deep breath and smile and say a little prayer of thanksgiving for its steadfast nature year after year.
I’m sure there is a word to describe the brilliant yellow color. It is like sunshine when the skies are cloudy, and golden when blue prevails above. It is a tall tree, and that’s all I know about it. Not it’s scientific name, or its common name, or whose yard it claims. To me it’s a little sanctuary out in the open, and a canopy of color. My experience of it lasts for the few seconds as I approach it, a few seconds under its cover, and a brief colorful vision in the rear view mirror.
I checked google for examples of different yellow shades. Amber, butternut squash, daffodil, tawny, citron and flaxen, to name a few. My pick is gamboge – strong, deep golden yellow or yellow-orange. That’s it! It’s now known as the Gamboge Tree.
There are other eye-catching shade trees and bushes. One of my favorite is Burning Bush, which turns that gorgeous shade of crimson. There was one large bush on the grounds of the Creve Coeur City Hall that I look for every year. Something must have befallen it because it is no longer there. I didn’t realize how much of my attention it grabbed as I drove by, and I miss seeing it. But, to my delight, there is a large hedge of it on North Ballas near St. John’s Mercy Hospital and this year it has outdone its show off self.
Orange foliage is another favorite. Some trees have orange translucent leaves, with sections of leaves edged in green. They make me smile, too. They are the perfect reminder that daylight is shortening, that Summer is really over, and that trees will make sure we notice. As chlorophyll production diminishes, green colors fade. This allows for the yellow, red, and orange pigments to burst forth, sometimes overnight.
Today’s Word Daily is perfect. The word is “effulgent” and it means to shine forth brilliantly. It’s a new word to me, but perfect for today’s blog. The variety of effulgent color gives me joy and hope. When I’m driving and I have the radio tuned to MSNBC or CNN or even NPR, the news reports are grim. Another mass shooting; another war in the Middle East; global warming sending massive storms; Russia trying to steal Ukraine’s lands; and our messed up political system. Yet all along our roadways is evidence that nature’s cycles go on despite adversity. Trees have been changing since long before we stood on two feet and made a tool. I admire and love the Fall landscape, and thank the Creator for the natural laws that make it happen. I can live with that.