October is for walking as Jericho, VT resembles the iconic Vermont foliage scene reminiscent of Rockwell and Frost. Rockwell seems more alive today than frost, so far kept at bay this month except for one cold morning. Today is bright, mid sixty degrees, with just enough white clouds to accentuate the blue sky, apple crisp air, and the quiet of solitude that allows you to open your senses to nature's festival.
Jericho's Mobb Farm trail is where I am headed. Tag along if you like, down Brown's Trace, onto Fitzsimons dirt road with a horse barn tucked into golden yellow and red-leaved maples and oaks. Listen to the sound of our steps on the hard-packed sediment while grazing your eyes on the recently hayed fields with circular hay bails rolled into place. A sense of place and belonging - that is what one begins to feel as we head up the hill toward Mobbs.
The entrance trail leads straight to the heart of Mobbs, yet only offers a teasing taste of what lies ahead. The gentle curve leads the eye and mind towards the sequestered island of seclusion, where birds, butterflies, grasshoppers, softly swirling streams and brooks, gently swaying grasses, golden hues of reds, yellows, bright oranges, and burnt oranges, greens of many shades, and nature sounds drift on the breeze.
Feel your steps lighten, your shoulder muscles and tendons release and relax, listen to your breath, calm and deep, taste the air, and perhaps an apple from the apple tree on the side of the trail. Bite into that golden treasure-find as you step into the treasure trove of woodlands. Taste what is real, alive, and open to you at this place, at this time, at this moment.
Those chipmunk chirps, and bird chirps, leaves crackling under your feet; those are doorbells announcing your entry. Stop, look, listen, every so often. Hear who and what else is around you - observe whom you have come to visit. Some are more easily seen than others, so walk slowly and quietly and meet your new neighbors.
Take in the vistas for their pure beauty and to relinquish any anxiety or worries you may have carried with you. Trees are not only beautiful to gaze upon, they also are wise, forgiving, and patient. Let them speak to you, absorb their wisdom, strength, and perseverance.
Remember too, to watch for less lofty wonders as well. Rockwell paints with all sizes of brushes. Colors change with the brush of a season.
Seeds are the promise of renewed life. Hope is eternal. Life is a hard-fought tenacious persistence.
Which trail will you follow? Where will it lead you? How will you develop along the way?
Path spells adventure, or does yours offer a melody of contemplation, self-realization, or simple peace and comfort?
What field of dreams will you carry home with you?
October, in Jericho, VT, along Fitzsimons dirt road, lined by Rockwell and soon to be covered by Frost.
Pleasant journey, and remember
October is for walking!
Hugs from Bernie and Jericho!
