Hanging On
November 29, 2012 
Let go....let go....let go.
Somehow that sentiment..those words are what so often guide me. Let go of expectation. Let go of resistance and fear. Let go of the past. Let to of what no longer serves. Let go....and all will blossom and grow.
But then - here they were. These most angelic sweet little late autumn berries - holding on. Happy - it seemed to me.
Suspended mid-branch..in mid-air...hanging on for their dear little lives. Just like that. And - for a moment..I wondered if it's not really the letting go...but the holding on that counts..that truly matters.
The holding on thru the coldest of early winter days. Thru richer and poorer..and sickness and health. Thru life's ups and so many of life's downs.
I don't know. I have no good answers. Which is right..which is wrong. I suppose it's a delicate dance...a balance. I'm not sure one is better..or one is worse.
In the late autumn afternoon light - all I could say for certain was that they sure are beautiful. I - for one - will hate to see them let go. Winter is coming. I know.
Nature. Autumn 2012. Musings | in Autumn 2012, Musings., Nature 
Reader Comments (31)
Oh the dreary days of Winter...I know I should not give them such a name to begin with...I so want to hang onto Autumn...Your capture is magic, thank you for those colours in the mid of my gray :-)
Sigh. It is. I, too, so want to hang on to Autumn!
ohhh... hope a huge gust of wind doesn't blow through your area! the colors of those berries is splendidly autumn. I love autumn but I'm seriously excited for some chilly weather.
Quelques petites boules suspendues de couleurs comme sur les sapins de Noel.
A really nice photo with luscious reds...and some very interesting thoughts, too. I see this photo and, like you, expect to see them drop at any time. However, the truth is that they absolutely will let go, but it will be when the time is absolutely right. When they let go, it will be to leave their suspended life for something that can potentially be much better, more productive, and long lasting. They will get to "become" what they were intended to become. Until then, it's really nice to see them dangling from their branch displaying those wonderful colors!
Schöne Bildgestaltung und gutes Bokeh. Gefällt mir!
yes, yes, all yes.x
Lovely photo. I, too, enjoy seeing Bittersweet in the winter. As to letting go or hanging on--as you suggest, each in its time.
excellent framing, composition, colors and use of focus
great mood
Beautiful image Marcie....so succulent and warm....letting go and holding on.....and knowing which one.......always a challenge.....but for me today it's holding on alright....thanks....
One reason I love living in Florida is that even though we do have a winter (it has been unusually cold this month) we always have something in bloom so we never lose that spirit of 'spring'. Beautiful shot!!
Marcie,
I so enjoy waking every morning to your beautiful images and thought provoking words. What a perfect image and set of words to describe this transitional time of year and this place of holding on or letting go that we are all challenged by at times in our lives. And bittersweet.....such a delight to capture this color in the midst of all the greys and browns.
Let go:
Thngs which you don't need
People who hold you back
Your preconceptions of who you are
Your reluctance to change
Your fears
Hold on:
To love
To your hopes
To your basic values
To things that you need - truly need, and know why
To your willingness to try things
To your ability to change
To life
Live life!
persistent li'l berries.. :) nice catch.
Life is such a paradox. Your beautiful post reminds me of the poem by Robert Bly: Wanting Sumptuous Heaven, which in essence says, we want what we don't have, we want this, we want that..."but the heron standing on one leg in the bog, drinks his dark rum all day, and is content.
Gorgeous!
One of the secrets of life - knowing when to hold on, and when to let go.
Love the discussion you have triggered with you ‘blotch of color’.
What great food for thought! Thank you, everyone.
So...I think these little berries 'hang on' so they can provide food during the cold winter months for birds, etc.; their color attracting the interest of the birds. ;) So nice......
Lovely image!
I'm holding on to anything with color too, yes, winter is just around the corner.
Beautiful Marcie!...and curse our free will for adding to the confusion. :)
Very nice - as usual - from you. I like how the color of the type matches the old leaves.
oh I love this beautiful picture Marcie
A excellent photo Marcie!
The high bush cranberries are the final reserves for the woodland fauna here in Wisconsin. When crushed, their juices stink like sweaty old gym socks. They are passed up by many foragers for more attractive fare. But deep in winter, they are the saving tidbits still available to the birds and critters who stick it out rather than flee or hibernate. Whether we let go or hold on, eventually we will become part of the cycle of life. Our decisions and attitudes matter and don't matter at the same time. And there is great beauty in looking at all that will be incorporated. It is all so much wonder!
that's beautiful
Winter is coming--sorry I went to Game of Thrones there for a second. :-)
I love this shot--we see the berries and you clinging to the last bits of summer.
berries!!! lovely in every way
I saw a link to this blog post. I needed to read this today. Thank You for your inspiring words!