Autumn Colours

I grew up in northwestern BC, and while the fall colours are nothing compared to those out east, they are not insignificant. There are the golden hues of the aspen trees, which can often shade into orange and a tinge of red. There are the douglas maple which can have vivid red shadings. Mountain ash, birch and cottonwoods all add to the spectacular colour show of the fall. Making up a fall basket was never a problem!

Central BC was a little less colourful, more yellows than anything else, but still, quite festive. I also lived in Edmonton for a few falls, and the aspen could be quite spectacular.

Now... in Calgary... things work differently!! Leaves start changing colour in September, a yellow leaf here and a yellow leaf there, mostly poplar and aspen. I had high hopes for a glorious colour show!! Slowly, more and more leaves started changing colour until I thought the moment might be right for a photograph. That night, it sank to -10C, with snow... and that put a stop to it!!! Overnight, the leaves turned brown... whether they were yellow or green the day before, they were all brown. A dismal, depressing brown. And to make matters worse, they just stayed on the trees! Even now, most trees still have the majority of their leaves... their brown leaves! I had been told that autumn in Calgary was a non-starter... and now I know what they mean.

Which has taught me to carry my camera at all times and never wait for the "more perfect" shot... Take the moments that nature gives you!!! If a more perfect moment or shot comes along... I'll be ready for it. But in the meantime, I need to be on my toes and open and ready to receive the many blessings that nature provides!