Willow Leaves 1 - Missoula, Montana

Loving the lean lines of the willow leaves strewn about a lawn I cross during my lunchtime walk.

Existing Moss - Greenough Park, Missoula, Montana

“It is enough that things exist for God to be unavoidable. Let us but grant to a bit of moss or the smallest ant its due nature as an ontological reality, and we can no longer escape the terrifying hand that made us.” - Jacques Maritain (1882-1973)

Leaf View - Missoula, Montana

"Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain." - Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Storm Detritus Along Grant Creek - Missoula, Montana

"A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. 
But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease." - John Muir (1838-1914)

Early Fallen Leaves - Missoula, Montana

Lingering wildfire smoke acts as a photo filter, lending theses curbside leaves an odd, chalky hue. Between the smoke, dry weather, and recent turbulent winds, these poplar leaves took an early out, lining the curb for blocks. The calendar says it's still summer, so I'm hanging on to that!

Fall-en: Flathead Lake, Polson, Montana

"Float down
Like autumn leaves
Hush now
Close your eyes before the sleep
And you're miles away
And yesterday you were here with me..."
- Ed Sheeran, from lyrics to "Autumn Leaves"

River Crossing, Missoula, Montana

All that's missing is a little seasonal kitsch - perhaps a tour group of penguins crossing the fallen log.