The finishing line is in sight now with The August Break photography challenge. Today's prompt is 'nature'
When I was at primary school, there was usually a Nature Table at the back of the classroom, where seasonal finds and treasures were displayed. Acorns, old birds' nests, autumn leaves, conkers, jam jars of spring flowers, all were carefully arranged, with cardboard signs in wobbly handwriting identifying each item.
Too old now for Nature Tables, I find my daily walks with Meg, our yellow labrador, helps me take note of the changing colours, smells, plants, foliage, birds and animals as the seasons progress. For seasonal reading about the natural world, viewed through the domestic prism, I can strongly recommend 'The Magic Apple Tree' by Susan Hill. If you can find a few minutes to sit down with a cup of tea, and read the relevent section at the beginning of each season, you will feel connected to nature and the seasons through her beautiful writing. It is worth putting a reminder in your diary, truly. Whilst we are on the topic of Susan Hill, can I also recommend another of her books 'Through The Garden Gate' where she talks evocatively about seasonal gardening.
On to today's photograph, taken a couple of days ago whilst out with Meg. Much of the summer foliage is dying back, the seed heads are blowing now in cooler winds, the brambles are ripening, Autumn is on its way.
