A warm golden fog rests heavy on the Vermont landscape this October. The summer’s shades of emerald have softened to a mossy green. The ridgeline highlights the leaves in hues of yellow ochre, burnt orange and alizarin kissed with raspberry during early morning runs. The sky a clear cobalt blue as the morning gives way to the new day…
A recent Wednesday afternoon in Woodstock I find myself visiting the market on the green. Stately brick and stone buildings with grand manicured homes surround the common space. Tents displayed in an organic uniformity. Local produce, spirits, jewelry, and art punctuate each tent. A taste of Vermont living. Couples stroll with cups and cones of ice cream. Maple Creemees sold just a country block away. The “Middle Bridge” a covered bridge is trafficked by visiting pedestrians busily photographing what they imagine Vermont to be.
Tour buses. Leaf peepers. Out of state license plates fill every available parking spot. Locals mingling but with a more defined mission. The soft green grass offers the perfect blanket to sit on as I watch and listen to the hum of activity. White cowboy boots shimmer to my right as they catch the subtly waning sunlight. Three performers with matching white Stetson’s step up to the microphones. A local musical director on keyboard. “The Honky Tonk Angels” show will be opening at the Grange Theater in the upcoming days. Songs by Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn began to fill the festive air. A couple danced. A Quickstep spontaneously on display. A woman stops to record the happenings, but her feet stay in motion. Norman Rockwellesq…
I took my time returning to the car. Strolled instead of rushed. Relaxed instead of worried. My pandemic weary eyes felt refreshed. Renewed. My spirit too…
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” —Henry David Thoreau
