Shangri-La in Autumn

Chicago’s extended autumn, with mild-ish weather for much of November, has allowed extra time for being in our garden (aka Shangri-La). I wrote in late June, in my Missive from Shangri-La experience, all about a retreat that literally opened my eyes to, as they say, “the diamonds in my own back yard.” That is, Shangri-La is present just outside my door. This outdoor space is where and how I’ve been rooted on many a day of inner journeys — whether writing, dreaming, dining, or conversing.

In this month for gratitude, with so much to be grateful for, I wanted to share some of the special gifts in my life. Our Shangri-La garden is one that I’m looking at with grateful (and grace-full) eyes. I’ve been out there most days barefoot and doing a simple Qi Gong practice, soaking up the beauty and energies from the earth, the trees, the sky, and crow flying over.

It looks different in autumn. The trees shed their leaves. The Tree of Heaven, also known as the ailanthus, loses its leaves first. The copper beach will be the last, hanging onto golden crisp leaves through the winter, only to release them once the new growth starts. Without the leaves, even with the sun arcing low in the Southern sky, the garden glows in the light. At least on the days when clouds don’t get in between us and the sun.

A climbing hydrangea, its leaves brilliant yellow, stands like a small sun against the fence. Virginia creeper on the fence and side of the house always fades to a delicious pale pinky yellow with bright red stems. Crunchy leaves under foot mark one of passages of the autumn symphony.

Past mid-November in Chicago, the autumnal symphony is in its final movement. With deep gratitude and appreciation, I say Mahalo to all that has unfolded so that this particular humble little garden Shangri-La is now passing its grace through my life.

Author: Bobbye

Bobbye Middendorf, MA, partners with evolutionaries as mystic-catalyst, healer, and poet -- evoking experiences of hope, self-grounding, self-trust, resilience, and joy. Spoken Word Alchemy opens portals for Yin Arising via mentoring; she offers inner wisdom guidance and word altars. With WayMakers, this award-winning wordsmith regenerates their clarity and expansive expression to live life as a work of art.

6 thoughts on “Shangri-La in Autumn”

  1. Whoo-Hoo, Bobbye! Jeanne’s back in the blog circuit! Isn’t that great news?

    She mentioned “Gardenia” hedges on her property. I love the beautiful fragrance of Gardenia. Not fond of Geraniums, though. My nose senses them as offensively pungent.

  2. Hello Bobbye, I’ve taken a break from blogging for awhile, to work on where I want to go. I blogged for the first time last night…a small entrance, but an entrance, nonetheless. I’m now trying to catch up with some of my favorite bloggers from 2010 – and that includes YOU! I have been enjoying my late fall bloomers as well. My geraniums were beautiful and I still had a hibiscus tree blooming — that is, until last night. It actually got down into the 20’s last night (at the beach in SC!!) and they all were frozen solid this morning. Oh well…it will make spring all the more welcome. And I love cool weather, so it’s all ok. I have an elegant crepe myrtle tree (Myrtle Beach is named after it) and gardenia hedges to look forward to again, but for now…I think I’ll go clean out those dead flower pots. Be well and stay warm!

  3. Aloha Bobbye,

    Wonderful… As Melanie wrote, it’s as if we’re right there with you!

    When James Hilton wrote about Shangri-La, people thought it was just a fantasy. But you’ve touched the real Essence of Shangri-La where it really exists…

    In your Heart… : – )

    Your at the leading edge of who we are as beings of light.
    May your jar be filled to the brim with the cookies of your choice!”

    Blessings,

    Paul Bauer

    1. Aloha Paul and thank you for stepping for a moment into our garden. I appreciate all that you do to light up your corner of the world. Ahhh cookies! It’s fun isn’t it?
      ~B

  4. Your words – your way – my treat!

    I feel as if I’m right beside you, Bobbye, as you explore, admire, and appreciate your surroundings. Fabulous word pictures! Oh, how I miss autumn on the other side of the country. It was always my favorite time of the year. I used to refer to it as “sweater weather”. 🙂

    No graphics needed here – I could visualize everything. Thank you for a bit of nostalgia and a sneak peek into your life in Chicago.

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