Mother Nature's Paintbrush

Two weeks ago I received an email from the marketing manager of Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster. This wonderful person asked me if I would like to receive a free review copy of a recently released book. Being the book lover that I am, I could not resist the offer. Additionally, I was very curious to see what this book was all about because the title and the topic intrigued me. Three days later, the book arrived at my doorstep. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of project deadlines and preparing for a quick trip to Dallas to meet with the Luxe team (which deserves an entire entry in and of itself), and so I was unable to sit down and devour the book immediately.

Finally, today, I was able to open the book and take a peek at what was inside. And all I can say is WOW. I've not yet finished the book, and therefore I am unable to give it the credit it deserves by writing about, or discussing it. But I plan to do so in the next few days because this book has captivated me in a way that has struck a chord. This is a book that I want to tell everyone about because it is that good. And I will - I will write all about it just as soon as I finish savoring the message.

As I was driving my teenagers all over town this afternoon, running from store to store, trying to find just the right everything for the upcoming high school homecoming dance, I found myself looking at things differently. And the reason I was seeing things in a different way was due to the message of this book that I am reviewing. I love that! I love that the written word can impact how I perceive the world around me. I also love that after reading only two chapters, I am viewing my surroundings with a greater sense of awareness.

After the shopping excursion, I found myself gazing out my kitchen window. There was sunlight shining on only a handful of tree branches. I noticed that the branches that were tinted by the sun were the only branches in the forest with leaves that had begun to turn. Every other tree and branch is still green and lush and full, because fall has barely begun, and there is just now a hint of color in my region. And yet, the sun was shining on the one tree that had changed color. After reading only a small portion of this book, my thought was, "Mother Nature's paintbrush," because that is the kind of book this is. And that is what I wish to share today.

I took a picture of the canvas Mother Nature splashed with hues of bold red and vivid gold. These colors will last only a few weeks and then they will be gone for another year. But for the next month, I have the pleasure of seeing the portrait that Mother Nature paints just once a year. And in my mind, knowing it is there, and appreciating the beauty of what is, becomes the true art of living.

Comments

[maria]

Phenomenal photo! I am hoping I get to read this book too...it sounds awesome!

[Lori]

Beautiful photo. Our trees started turning in September, most of the leaves are on the ground already. This morning we had some flurries. I am thankful that we took some time to enjoy the beauty that is fall. Hopefully we will have a few more days of it and yet I know that winter has a beauty all its own.

[Vee]

beautiFUL photo. I love this time of year!

[slammie]

Must be SOME book! Beautiful photo!