While many of us here in Pennsylvania are marveling at this beautiful autumn weather and beginning to prepare for Thanksgiving, in Vermont this season is often referred to as Stick Season. I love Stick Season. Stick Season is the precious time between glorious fall foliage and the beautiful snow and holiday season.
Trees that just weeks ago were magnificently attired in breathtaking colors are now bare, allowing me to see the beauty of their branches and trunks. I can see through stands of trees to the forests and farmlands behind them. The daylight shines differently through these trees now that it is isn’t being filtered by leaves. The setting sun casts new and different shadows. The night time shows us whole new landscape, as stars shine down on these now bare trees.
Stick Season offers me a new way of seeing the world. I can remember with joy, the deep green forests and cooling shade the trees gave us. The riot of colors I so recently enjoyed is still a vibrant memory. Yet here is Stick Season, inviting me to see the world differently, to see the beauty that is still around me. When summer ends, when leaves fall, the trees remain.
I am reminded that when things change in my life, the essence remains. I am reminded that life is full of Stick Seasons – times when I have suffered a heartbreaking loss or huge disappointment but realized that I have the option to still seek hidden beauty. I can enjoy memories, I can look at situations from different perspectives, and I can collect sticks. Sticks to use as kindling wood that will be used to build fires that will bring me warmth and comfort. Stick Season helps me to slow down and appreciate all the wonders that are hidden when trees are in leaf. It also is a gentle reminder that the coming season is one of busyness and joy, as well as sorrow and longing for some of us…a reminder that hearts as well as trees are now laid bare.
How can I provide warmth and beauty for someone who is suffering? While I need to remain true to the essence of who I am, I will strive to find ways to bring joy and comfort to others. I hope in the coming weeks you will find time to walk in the woods, and to soak in the beauty of Stick Season
Domenica Rafferty, LPC 