If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you may have already seen the image I chose for this month.
Signal Flare
I took this photo on the same day as my hike on the Saco Heath. I was driving home and was only two blocks from my door when I saw this flaming red vine out of the corner of my eye. I drove on home and parked the car, then ran back to frame and shoot the photo. I called it “Signal Flare” for its brilliant color, a sure sign that autumn was truly under way.
Okay, New England fall, colored leaves, pretty picture, and all that. But there’s a reason this photo is meaningful to me.
It was only early October. Virginia Creeper is one of the first plants to show its fall color and I knew there would be so much more to come. I’d already been out with my camera for a good three hours, since around sunrise, and hadn’t had breakfast or even coffee. I was tired and hungry. Surely this could wait? At least until after breakfast…and that coffee!
Better yet, how about tomorrow? (I am an excellent procrastinator.)
But somehow this felt urgent. I needed this photograph, and it couldn’t wait. I didn’t even go in the house first; I just hurried back and got my shot. And guess what? Overnight the rain came, the wind blew, and by the next morning, that vine was stripped bare. I’m so thankful that I captured it when I had the chance.
The older I get, the more conscious I become that tomorrow is a hope, not a promise. This photo is my own personal Signal Flare, a prompt not just to “seize the day” — I’d already done that — but to seize the moment when it presents itself. It may not be there later.
I know myself well enough to know that I won’t always succeed at this. I’m grateful for this image that reminds me to be present, to listen to the quiet voice of my own intuition, and to recognize and receive such fleeting gifts before they slip away.
Be sure to visit Paisley Rain Boots for Sarah’s October Scene & Story.
If you’d like to post your own “Scene & Story,” you’re more than welcome, and we’d love to know about it. We hadn’t planned on a formal linkup, but if you feel like joining in, you could leave a link to your post in the comments.
Sea Blue Lens 
November 6, 2016 at 8:53 am
Very beautiful and very wise advice as we age, and honestly at any age! A beautiful reminder!
November 6, 2016 at 9:32 am
so pretty Leon, I love trees anyway but when you put a pop of red on it I just smile. Have a wonderful Sunday.
November 6, 2016 at 10:53 am
So glad you listened to your intuition as this is a stunning shot! love the composition and the light!
November 6, 2016 at 12:32 pm
It’s such a gorgeous photograph and the words of wisdom are icing not he cake…..
November 6, 2016 at 12:52 pm
I am so glad that you didn’t wait for “tomorrow” and took the photo there and then. I know how it feels to say “it can wait” – I have done that myself so many times and then so often it has been too late. There is a very true life lesson in there. Like you I try to seize the day whenever possible, but I am also an expert in procrastinating. Still lots to learn…
November 6, 2016 at 1:18 pm
Wow! that is a bright red – and wonderful “signal”!! I’m so glad you seized the moment to capture that. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ignored the thought that maybe I shouldn’t wait – I’m a great procrastinator, too. I’m really liking your “scene and story” – looking forward to chapter 3!
November 6, 2016 at 3:42 pm
I love the brilliant read against the tree. We have a little Virginia Creeper in the woods nearby, it’s just now starting to turn red. Your “signal” is one we should all take very seriously!
November 6, 2016 at 3:56 pm
Even if we have seen the photo, it is so cool to know the story behind the photo. I think you should print this out and put it by your computer 😉 Gorgeous red and you captured it so well, I struggle with reds. Winter isn’t here yet so get out and shot some more!
November 6, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Nice.
November 7, 2016 at 10:49 am
I love your image and story! I also really appreciate the fact that this was just a little walk from your home. So often we think we have to travel far to some special place to find the beauty in Nature, but you have proved to us, once again, that you need not go far. Just be aware, pay attention, and be willing to see what is “hiding” all around us.
November 7, 2016 at 5:30 pm
I am SO glad you photographed this before it was gone, Lee! It is just beautiful, and now I know what it is!!!
I’ve seen this on several trees here, over the years, but never knew what it was. I love the way it decorates the trees.
Have a wonderful evening, my friend.
xo.
November 7, 2016 at 8:10 pm
Now that’s an incredible signal … you are so right that “tomorrow” is simply a promise – just wow. Thank you for the reminder – why do we always need reminders?!
November 7, 2016 at 9:53 pm
Beautifully said- what a special photo!
November 7, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Beautiful! Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow…blessings all mine and 10,000 besides. This was a blessing to photograph before it disappeared.
November 8, 2016 at 2:21 am
So beautiful ! Like a flame around the tree.
November 8, 2016 at 5:52 am
Fantastic shot. I would have wanted to stop the car too but I know for sure with me procrastination would have won the day. Loved reading your words and you’re right, tomorrow is a hope not a promise. Writing them in my journal now as a reminder. x
November 8, 2016 at 4:55 pm
I like reading these stories that go with your photos. I’m also aware that doing it NOW is best.
November 10, 2016 at 8:49 pm
An awesome photo. That red is just so intense! And what a persistent vine. You wise words have value for young and for old. We never know what tomorrow brings.
November 24, 2016 at 9:10 am
“Tomorrow is a hope, not a promise.” I know it well. Awesome line! Gorgeous shot!