12/366: Autumn Gold

I don't think I'll ever become bored with photographing leaves, especially in Fall when their colors explode from every tree.

I discovered this beauty in October 2012, on one of our hillside trees, the sun glowing warmly through it. I am struck suddenly by painful reality. The tree which grew this leaf is gone. Burned to ashes by the fire with roared through 10 of our 26 acres. Sad as it may be, its ashes will act as excellent nutrient for the trees and plants which will take its place.