Sending toasts of admiration – here’s looking at you!

Earlier this week, I went “autumn foliage hunting” (that is what we call going leaf-peeping in my mother tongue) in my backyard (not!).

 

 

It was worried that this year, with prolonged summer and excessively rainy early autumn, the leaves would not turn colours as beautifully as expected, but the recent cold nights and sunshine-rich days, et voilà!

 

Autumn foliage around the tea room… how lovely it would be to have a quiet bowl of tea amidst this view

 

Yet another successful production of “brocade autumn,” as we call it, for the way the scenery resembles a rich silk fabric with raised designs created by weaving colourful threads. I say production, because although weather was the critical factor, the scenery could not have been achieved without the gardeners’ lovingly caring for the trees and calculatingly trimming them to make them look the prettiest. I felt like giving them a toast of admiration!

 

And apparently, I was not the only one in awe of the scenery – the last of the autumn roses were enjoying the view as well. I could just hear them having the following conversation:

 

“Harmonie”: “Umph, if I stand on my tippy-toes I think I can get a better view… how about you?”

 

“Morning Clouds”: “I’ve got a great view here but maybe not as much colour as you… wanna trade places?”

 

“Rio Samba”: “I actually have to bend down a bit, but I probably have the best view… I can even see the visitors’ gaping mouths while looking up to take photos, haha!”

 

All of them: “Here’s looking at you, autumn foliage!”

 

While listening to them talk, I was reminded of another group of people who deserved a toast of admiration for their continued hard work while weathering all harsh conditions – my people affected by the big earthquakes back in mid-April.

 

Over half a year has passed and we are seeing and hearing less and less about them in the news. But although we may not be able to follow where they are going or be any part of what they have got to do, I want them to know there are those of us still looking at them, admiring them for their perseverance to get back on their feet and cheering them on every step of the way.

 

So, maybe you can join me in sending toasts of admiration to my people this week?

 

Just as with all previous get well messages which started with sending flower power, you are not asked to do anything special or extraordinary. Only that, if you would also like to cheer on my people with me, and the roses, you would kindly share a moment to give a toast of admiration.

 

Maybe you can leave the comment “here’s looking at you!” in your language down below?

 

Once again, you need not go out of your way – you are here already, and you probably have a cup of your favourite drink with you as you sit in front of the screen and scroll down, so I am hoping it would not be too much additional effort to give a little toast before you drink it up.

 

Thank you to everyone, newcomers and old-timers, for visiting here and reading through my post(s). I must give a toast of admiration to you for finding me here, so deep in the woods of my thoughts, but it is always a pleasure to have you – welcome, and I hope you enjoy what you see!