Maple Leaves and Wild Turkeys: A New England Autumn Walk

Hey wanderers!

Yesterday, seeking some mental clarity, I let my feet carry me through a quintessential New England autumn landscape. It's amazing how a simple walk can simultaneously ground you in the present moment while stirring thoughts of distant homes.

Nature's Red Carpet

The ground was absolutely carpeted with fallen maple leaves, creating natural pathways along the roadside. Thousands upon thousands of them lined the stretches of road, each one a small piece of autumn's grand display. It's the kind of scene that's so distinctly New England that you can't help but pause and take it all in.

Wild Encounters

Speaking of distinctly New England experiences - I came across some wild turkeys doing what turkeys do best: being turkeys. You know, it's funny how you can forget certain details about home when you're away. For instance, I'd somehow forgotten just how massive these birds actually are! There's something both comical and majestic about watching these prehistoric-looking creatures go about their business.

Fields of Memory

One of the most striking spots along my walk was an overgrown field, the kind that seems to capture the essence of New England's rural character. The vegetation, untamed and wild, created a tableau that felt both familiar and somewhat foreign after my time away. It's strange how something so commonplace in your childhood can suddenly feel remarkable when viewed through eyes that have seen different landscapes.

Ghosts of Industry Past

The route took me past several dilapidated farms and abandoned industrial buildings - silent sentinels of economies and ways of life that have slowly faded away. There's something poetically New England about these structures, the way they stand as monuments to the region's ever-evolving story.

The Pine Sentinels

And then there were the pine trees, standing in their orderly rows like quiet guardians. These evergreen soldiers, somehow both wild and disciplined in their placement, create those iconic New England corridors that seem to lead into another time altogether.

Between Two Homes

While absorbing all this autumn splendor, my mind couldn't help but wander to my other home in Southeast Asia. It's a strange feeling, isn't it? To be physically present in one beautiful place while part of your heart tugs you toward another. The need to find purpose and direction here weighs on my mind - that restless feeling of being between chapters.

Present Moment, Future Thoughts

But those are, as they say, problems for another day. Yesterday was about the simple pleasure of a walk through fallen leaves, the surprise of encountering wild turkeys, and the quiet beauty of a New England autumn afternoon. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply appreciate where we are, even as we contemplate where we're going.

A Wanderer's Reflection

It's interesting how a simple walk can encompass so much - natural beauty, childhood memories, current uncertainties, and future longings. Perhaps that's the gift of being a wanderer - the ability to appreciate the present moment while carrying other homes in your heart.

Have you ever found yourself caught between two places you love? Or rediscovered the beauty of home through traveled eyes? Share your experiences in the comments below - I'd love to hear how you navigate the complex emotions of having multiple places call to your heart.

Until next time, keep wandering, keep wondering, and don't forget to pause for the turkeys!