11.04.07 AFTERNOON GLORY

The intensity of afternoon light at this season's shallower angle sets the fallen leaves ablaze. Their fire is fleeting and will soon be replaced by the dull browns and grays of winter. The season, just as this afternoon moment, must be caught and savored before it passes.

09.11.07 SASSAFRAS

Sassafras albidum has a much softer wood than dogwood and is essentially useless for tool or cabinet making. But this beautiful tree is redeemed by the marvelous fragrance emitted by all its parts. This was one of the first trees I learned to recognize as a child because of its remarkable leaf form. Leaves come in three types: oval, mitten-shaped, and mitten-shaped with two thumbs!