“ Every leaf speaks bliss to me. Fluttering from the autumn tree.” – Emily Bronte, “Fall , Leaves, Fall”
During the last days of summer, I decided a wander through the tiny garden patchwork of our neighbourhood and the still lush green canopy of the forest would still the longing for a season not yet passed.
The community garden at the edge of the park that once showcased stunning lilies and a swathe of fragrant sweet pea vines, now welcomes a multitude of berry-coloured rosehips, jewel-like berries and gently swaying sunflowers. There is still enough colour to attract bumblebees and butterflies – the sunny yellows, cobalt blue and creamy pinks reminding me to gather up these remaining summer days, to keep them close even as the uppermost leaves of the rain deprived trees start to change.
My feet took me on a different route today through the tall firs and cedars to my writerly spot at the Urban Forest Café (soon to close for the season and be reborn in October under a different moniker). The path I walked skirted the Rose Garden where the many bushes still held their showy blooms sharing that heavenly scent, at the end of that magical meander, I came upon a Narnia-like lamppost I must have walked by many times, never noticing the simple plaque at the base. It originally stood illuminating the Georgia Viaduct downtown before being restored and donated to Stanley Park, its carved stone and milky globe whispering gently of a storied past.
The late summer breeze carried the clean country scent of the Mounted Police horses stabled nearby as I breathed in pure oxygen mingled with the mystery of the trees, their aromatic oil tickling my nostrils as they soothed longings not ready to be named yet. I’ve sat here at the café at least once a month this season to write on these pages with a golden chai tea dancing on my taste buds surrounded by greenery, cheeky black crows and today, a mama raccoon ambled by my small table with 6 babies in tow!
This last week of true summer is warmer than normal and the coolness of this green space is an oasis from the bright sun. It’s been a pleasure to find myself here, reading a few pages from a recently found book on a library visit or writing down thoughts inspired by a forest garden nestled near a vibrant city. There is news that our part of the world may be in for a wetter fall than normal, so any burgeoning longing will have to be put away for another day, it’s time to get out there.
Love the mysteries of Stanley Park. Memories of music on the beach on warm summer nights, children with sand painted like a mural on their legs, and the smell of the ocean, clearing the mind and refuelling my soul.
Thanks for another super blog.
Love Mom
LikeLiked by 2 people
Warm summer nights, how I miss meeting you at a bench facing the ocean to listen to Michael & Friends play live world music! Thank goodness, we have classical concerts to attend at a gorgeous venue…it’s that time of year again. X
LikeLike
I just cant help but feeling blessed to be able to witness a mother like your who’s admiration and affirmation to her child’s works is really heartfelt..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stanley Park looks and sounds magical Kim, thank you for taking us there! 🙂💜🌲 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yesterday’s ramble down to the beach and through the changing forest heralded more colourful berries, a majestic eagle flying overhead and the call of a Rufous-Sided Towhee! I’m so glad you were able to join me, Xenia…I love my walks via your lovely posts through the beauty of Scotland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful magical walk and views with your words and pictures! The mysteries of nature are so stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And nature keeps on giving if we are kind…it’s lovely to see your words here, I’m so glad you enjoyed the read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nature keeps on giving if we are kind – how truly and well said!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
a very sensual meander through your locale … I can feel the cold approaching even as you note the last blooms and scents 🙂
I sincerely appreciate your ramble posts, thanks you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ramble posts! I love the image this conjures up, although I’m not doing too much rambling lately due to the rainy systems that keep rolling in. Thank you (always) for stopping by and leaving such beautiful words…
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for cheering my day with your delightful posts 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your lovely comments always leave me smiling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the walk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Each walk reveals more magic…thank you for stopping by, I’ll pop by your site shortly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a pleasure, and you are welcome any time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You paint a magical picture Kimberlee. I love the idea of drinking golden chai tea with a family of racoons. Sweet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our urban forest is filled with wonder, Terry finally saw the coyote while out riding his bike on the trails! We had heard that we might see him at the Urban Forest Café.
Thank you for stopping by, Brigid, it warms my heart!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a joy. He was blessed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a wonderful walk, Sarah. I love the idea of a raccoon family ambling by your table. 🙂 I saw a chipmunk run across the road yesterday with a giant apple in its mouth, bigger than it’s whole head. It was like watching a cartoon. 🙂 Enjoy the mild weather and the changing leaves. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Diana! Today the sun is out and I can hardly wait to take an autumn walk up to my Mom’s, I would’ve loved to have seen that sweet chipmunk, too.
Take good care and hope things have settled down for you on the home front!
Cheers,
Kim X
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stanley Park sounds like such a wonderful magical place. You are so lucky to have it so near. We have the hiking mountains near us, but with the heat and the rattlesnakes they do not hold appeal to me hahaha. I prefer to go to Desert Botanical Garden for a nice walk through the cacti and other plants.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Desert places are magical, too! Thank you so much for stopping by and enjoying the read.
LikeLike
Kim, a wonderfully poetic post bringing alive the wonders of the natural landscape near you. The cafe sounds idyllic and who would fail to be inspired by the variety of wildlife, especially the passing raccoon and family! Truly ‘‘it’s time to get out there’ – thank you for letting me tag along! 😀🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you tagged along, the more the merrier! Thank you so much, Annika, your lovely words warmed my heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve enchanted me with your beautiful moments of both exploring and quiet contemplation. Thank you for the gentle thoughts and smile this early morning.
Take care,
Suzanne ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
This means so much! Whenever I read your words, I’m left enchanted, too, Suzanne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this Kimberlee. What you describe is so picturesque that it’s hard to believe that it’s real life, then again I’ve seen some things in nature that are totally beautiful that I can’t believe it’s real. But nature’s beauty is always a sight to behold.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can leave the apartment with a flurry of thoughts and in moments, I’m struck with wonder at the beauty just outside the door! Thank you, Mark, I always look forward to your comments and thoughtful words…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Feels like i have been to Stanley Park muself too..you brought me there in many of your posts and i just keep wanting to go there…maybe its time i add that to my go to list. I can feel the magic through your words and it brightens up my busy “mommy day”…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad my words brighten up a busy “mommy day”, thank you for stopping by Mich and hope you make it to our side of the world one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Growing up, there was a “Narnia-like lamppost” in the green space next to our house. It was touched by wisps of a weeping willow, and even though that tree is not very Narnia-esque, to me it was a “Narnia-like lamppost.” I haven’t remembered that lamppost in a while, and now I’m smiling 🙂 Thank you for bringing up those sweet memories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your beautiful prose and memory make me smile, too! Thank you so much for stopping by and adding another lovely note to my pages…
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderfully evocative walk Kimberlee, I can feel all those longings for the delights of the seasons in your words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a beautiful autumn day and your lovely comment has made it all the brighter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“The community garden at the edge of the park that once showcased stunning lilies and a swathe of fragrant sweet pea vines, now welcomes a multitude of berry-coloured rosehips, jewel-like berries and gently swaying sunflowers.” -> This sentence is honestly one of my favorite sentences I’ve ever read. The absolutely beauty and the colors and the imagery, I was immediately transported into that lovely scene and it was like a little pocket of happiness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jade! Your lovely words are so inspiring, I can hardly wait to seek out more “pockets of happiness”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos 🌸❤️
LikeLike
Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment!
LikeLike
😊❤️🌸💫
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
These are some lovey photos!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed them (& glad you stopped by!)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, hugs!
LikeLike
Take care!
LikeLike