Pumpkin Farm ~ Ode to Autumn


It was a beautiful cloudy day when we set out for pumpkins.

All photos Fete et Fleur

This is the tree outside our door.

All photos Fete et Fleur


There were no big jumpies or large corn mazes to get lost in for hours. There were just pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere, in piles and growing on the ground.

All photos Fete et Fleur


All photos Fete et Fleur

It was wonderful to be out there in the middle of this huge pumpkin field. The wind was gently blowing. I felt all the cobwebs leave my mind. And I fell into the gentle rhythm of nature.

It reminded me of this poem by John Muir.

In autumn when the trees are brown
The little leaves come tumbling down
They do not make the slightest sound
But lie so quietly on the ground
Until the wind comes puffing by
And blows them off towards the sky.

The winds will blow their own freshness into you,
and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop away from you
like the leaves of Autumn.



The proprietress of the farm had large sunflowers planted in the pumpkin field. You could clip a large head for a dollar. I took one home to enjoy, and later I will set it out for the birds.

All photos Fete et Fleur



My favorite Ode to Autumn

Merry Autumn

by

Paul Laurence Dunbar

It's all a farce, these tales they tell
About the breezes sighing,
And moans astir o'er field and dell,
Because the year is dying.

Such principles are most absurd,
I care not who first taught 'em;
There's nothing known to beast or bird
To make a solemn autumn.

In solemn times, when grief holds sway
With countenance distressing,
You'll note the more of black and gray
Will then be used in dressing.

Now purple tints are all around;
The sky is blue and mellow;
And e'en the grasses turn the ground
From modest green to yellow.

The seed burs all with laughter crack
On featherweed and jimson;
And leaves that should be dressed in black
Are all decked out in crimson.

A butterfly goes winging by;
A singing bird comes after;
And Nature, all from earth to sky,
Is bubbling o'er with laughter.

The ripples wimple on the rills,
Like sparkling little lasses;
The sunlight runs along the hills,
And laughs among the grasses.

The earth is just so full of fun
It really can't contain it;
And streams of mirth so freely run
The heavens seem to rain it.

Don't talk to me of solemn days
In autumn's time of splendor,
Because the sun shows fewer rays,
And these grow slant and slender.

Why, it's the climax of the year,
The highest time of living!
Till naturally its bursting cheer
Just melts into thanksgiving.



All photos Fete et Fleur

24 comments:

Lady and Librarian said...

Oh, how beautiful - and I love the poems. I have never actually been to a pumpkin field where the pumpkins are still on the vine - I think I will add it to my list of things to do!

Stacy said...

Your photos are so beautiful ... I felt like I was there. Thank you for stopping by my blog and participating in my giveaway. Love the John Muir poem.

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Hi Sweet,thanks for stoping by.Love the photoe of the tree in the dark.That shy looked scary.Love the pumpkin patch.We have a few around here that are very kool.Your poems are so beautiful. Awesome photos.
XXOO Marie Antionette

Anonymous said...

The streaming sunlight in the field photo just makes me sigh. How lovely!

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Amazing photographs! You have captured the essence of the season....Thanks for sharing these pics and poems with us!
Take care, Laura

LiLi M. said...

As always your photos are so impressive. You are lucky to have such a beautiful tree outside your door. I have never seen a pumpkin patch around here. I think most farmers grow them on a compost heap, not a field. I think the soil here isn't rich enough to have a field of pumpkins. Those poems are a perfect addition to the atmosphere of autumn. Have a nice Sunday, here it is almost midnight and the new week starts in a few minutes.

Elaine said...

Looks like you had a fabulous time taking in all Autumn has to offer. All the photos are wonderful. I felt as if I went to the pumpkin field too.

Lori said...

your photos are just gorgeous Nancy...it looks like a beautiful day was had at the pumpkin farm...

Florence said...

I loved your photos and the poems were great, I too went to a field and brought home two sunflower heads to save seed for next year and some for the birds too.

Unknown said...

What is it about a pumpkin patch that's so very charming! I don't think I've EVER seen a bad photo of a pumpkin patch! These are lovely photos! What a great post!

June said...

Nancy your pictures are amazing in this post. I love the sunflower head. I sighed all the way through this beautiful post. My love for poetry was satisfied by coming here tonight.
Hugs,
June

The Feathered Nest said...

Just GORGEOUS Nancy!!!! Oh my, I love each and every photo ~ Beautiful post sweet friend, xxoo, Dawn

luckygirlgifts said...

Thank you, that was an absolutely wonderful post.
Have a fabulous week.
Cari B.

starrynightimpressions said...

Lovely photos, reminds me of when my family and I would visit the pumpkin patch out in the fields near the ocean. The sea air and the colors of the field.... thank you for bringing back those wonderful memories to my mind today :)
blessings,
starrydeborah

LW said...

What a fun and wonderful day….
Great pictures and
Pretty new autumn banner.
Our autumn hit a flat note this year, the colors were gone before they began, due to a lot of rain.
Almost all the leaves fell off my huge antique maple trees before they had time to sing their golden song.

I enjoyed your poem Merry autumn, and I would have to agree, I find that this time of the year my senses wake up. Although as I get older the nagging of old man winter is always close at hand.
To me there is nothing like the sounds and joy of autumn…

Louise

The Rustic Victorian said...

Your photos are beautiful.

bluemuf said...

Nancy, Great pictures and I loved the Autumn poems. This is my favourite time and this year our colour display is the best it's been for many, many years.
Hugs Karen

Brissonte' said...

Your photos display the splendor of Autumn. What amazing beauty is revealed in simple everyday objects. Each evening, as I drive home, I am in awe of the beauty of Fall in New England. And I remember the Bible verse in Psalms, "The heavens declare the glory of God".

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

This is a most wonderful of seasons. So many emotions are evoked as expressed in the poems; I am convinced that our Lord, the great Creator of all, wanted variety in our lives because it makes us think, create art and appreciate all that we have in this wonderful life. God bless you dear one, ANita

Rebecca Ramsey said...

Girl, your photos are absolutely STUNNING! Breathtaking!
I know you must be loving that tree, watching the colors every day. I'm so thankful for the pretty trees around me!

Beneath the Eaves said...

Gorgeous photos. Perfect time of year! You have expressed my thoughts exactly.
Debra

Unknown said...

Beautiful post and the pictures are just breathtaking!!
Hugs,
Amy

Kate Tracton said...

Wowowow! Those photos are stunning, Nancy!

I felt transported while I read this post - the poems were perfect.

I love this time of year. :)

xoxo,

Kate

Charm and Grace said...

Oh my, such a feast for the senses... the poetry is a feast for the soul and your photography just exquisite. What a lovely combination!

Blessings,
Christi