I think that October has the monopoly on color. The
month of October has the richest, most vibrant colors one could ever imagine. I
think October is the reason color was thought up in the first place. One could
say that October’s defining colors are red, purple, orange, yellow, and black,
but that is like saying ice cream is just ice cream. October doesn't just have
red, it has scarlet, crimson, fire engine, cherry, vermillion, maroon, brick
and candy apple just to name a few. Of the yellows there are mustards,
goldenrods, neon, gold, bronze, amber, maize, blonde, and lemon. Purple makes
an entrance with plum, eggplant/aubergine, indigo, violet, wine, orchid and
lavender. Black has coal, midnight, ink, velvet, obsidian, shadow, onyx and
jet. And these are just the names I can come up with off the top of my head.
I'm sure the people who think of makeup names, interior decorators and paint
swatch people could list dozens more. (man I want that job, Plum Passion
Surprise, Manhattan Mauve, Adorable Orange, whoops, sorry, got sidetracked
there)
But the color I most associate with October is orange.
There is tangerine, peach, burnt sienna (thank you Crayola) flame, carrot,
ginger, rust and creamsicle. Funny how there are more descriptive names for the
other colors, but for orange, not so much, and it's weird how the ones it does
have are food related. I think it is because October is so hard to pin down and
explain. Really, the best things are. You just have to experience it to truly understand.
I can tell you about the orange of a pumpkin sitting in a patch waiting to be
chosen, or a magnificent orange sunset. I can convey the crackle and pop of a
bonfire or the crunch of a leaf, but I just can't tell you the color other than……
orange. But somehow, if you truly love October you will still understand.
October has an embarrassment of color, from the
tantalizing foods on display in the farmers market, to the vibrancy in the
color palette of a costume. There are colors-a-plenty in candy choices and
decorations, but the best way to experience October color is in the leaves. To
channel my inner SAT prep professor, leaves are to October as snow is to winter.
Every summer, and sometimes sooner, I find myself
looking to the trees trying to find that first tinge of something other than
green. Don't get me wrong, I love green. It is tied for my favorite color with
blue, but there is something about autumn that makes me want to wish that green
away in a hurry.
Leaves are sneaky things. One moment they are green
and bright and swaying on the tree. The next they are almost every color of the
rainbow and floating gently to the ground on a cool breeze. When October leaves
are really in their glory the trees seem like they are on fire. The closest I
can come to explaining how I see a fall tree is if you watch the movie
Pleasantville. Most of the movie is in black and white, but as the characters
have awakenings, color starts to enter into their world. One character walks by
a tree that has been in black and white for the whole show, when suddenly it
bursts into flame. The tree is burning brightly but it is night time and it is
on fire against a black and white world. The flame is shocking in contrast and so
beautiful that you can't take your eyes off of it. That is how I see October
trees.
In October
plants put on their best dresses before they head off to sleep through the
winter. If I were any kind of seamstressly inclined, I would attempt to make
myself a dress out of fall leaves. Really, it would be better than any Oscar
gown. How could it not? Of course I would have to shellac the leaves cuz
sitting might be a problem or bending, and the crunchy leaves would be all
crackly and break, but who cares. Then they would be brightly colored and shiny
shellacked leaves. I would make the best dressed list for sure.
It is my fervent wish that one day I will get to drive
along the roads of New England in the fall and look at the beautiful leaves.
What a wonderful thing for an area to be known for. Yes, we have gorgeous leaves, bow before our
greatness. I am so jealous. Just imagine cruising along a deserted back road
highway that is nothing but a riot of color as far as the eye can see. Maybe
along the way there will be a cider stand and they will be offering cider
donuts or candied apples to go with it. Perhaps there will be salted caramels
and popcorn balls. Man, I think I should just move to New England and start my
own leaf tour business. Imagine having that job. Would you ever get tired of
it, introducing new people to the wonder of the fall beauty around you? I don't
think so. I haven't gotten tired of sharing my love of fall leaves with anyone
yet and I am almost four decades old.
October really is breathtaking if
you just stop a minute and look. My challenge for today is to go out and find
something that represents fall beauty to you. Take a picture. Share it or
don't, but just take the time to stop and appreciate.
No comments:
Post a Comment