When I speak
My lips feel cold –
The autumn wind
–Basho
For this week’s Shine photo challenge, I am sending you a bit of autumn and a poem by a Japanese poet whose scant 10 words somehow conjure up a perfect image of this season of strong winds and change.
Last weekend we were walking through the Japanese Gardens at Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. It was one of those “golden days” of autumn, when the air was warm, but tinged with a cool breeze. We turned a corner and I spotted the pond, unobstructed by a veil of trees. The water gleamed in the afternoon light, mirroring the surrounding trees and clouds.
Every time I look at this shot, I spot another detail–the tea house in the center on its own little island, the bridge on the right reflected in the pond, the tiny people walking along the stone path rimming the pond. The beauty of the scene was captivating.
View of the Japanese garden and pond. Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids, MI. Shot with a Canon 70D.
Do you wish that the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the season would last a bit longer? Do you like the colder weather or do you prefer to curl up inside next to a blazing fire with a good book (like me)? Have a great week, everyone–wherever you are right now!
Categories: Photography
P.A. Moed 
My God! This is gorgeous! Stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Cindy! So glad you think so.
LikeLike
My cousin just went to the Meijer Sculpture Garden this weekend! Between his pictures and yours, it’s definitely going to have to make it on a list of places to visit when I get back to Michigan again. It looks wonderful.
I actually took a great autumn walk earlier today along the Salt Creek Trail here in the Chicago suburbs. We don’t get as many of the vibrant colors there, but it was still quite beautiful, especially with the leaves falling on the creek. It was the perfect autumn day, right in the mid-60s, which is the perfect temperature in my humble opinion. I’ll take the 50s, too. Perfect sweater weather, go out for a hike and come back for some hot cider or tea. Yeah…autumn is 100% my favorite!
LikeLike
Hi, L.S. Thanks so much for your thoughts! The gardens are wonderful. It’s my favorite place here. When we go to Chicago, we do all our walking in the city. That spot sounds lovely.
LikeLike
Beautiful location and photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Karen. Thanks so much! It is a beautiful spot. I appreciate your kind thoughts.
LikeLike
Lovely photo – I’ve been to the Meijer Gardens years ago. My side of the lake was was enjoying an equally beautiful day. Have a wonderful week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy the weather, Clay! It was a beautiful day, wasn’t it? And soon the cold winds will blow!
LikeLike
You’ve captured a lovely sweeping landscape and the poem is perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Sally. You made my day. 🙂
LikeLike
The water looks like a flawless mirror! Perfect! I know you’ve shared many photos from these gardens, and I hope to visit there someday. It looks like a lovely setting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jackie. It is wonderful! Hope you visit here.
LikeLike
Very nice image. Cold weather is very nice too. I’ve never been to Michigan but this garden looks like a must see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you come for a visit! I think you would love the gardens, and the tropical and desert flowers. Have a great week. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, I’ve heard great things about Michigan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic detail and colors, Patti. Beautiful image.
LikeLike
Many thanks, Jane. (Big smile. :)) You made my day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked your blog, I invite you to my blog:
http://dishdessert.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! Your recipes look delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks and welcome
LikeLike