Maple Swirl's Autumn Pattern

Maple Swirl's connection to autumn was most beautiful during what we called 'Leaf Days.' Each fall, we would collect a basket of safe, colorful leaves for her. Maple Swirl had a ritual: first, she would hop around the pile, sniffing each leaf type. Then she would select one—usually a bright red or orange maple leaf—and carry it to her favorite spot. She would then methodically shred it into tiny pieces, occasionally eating a bit, mostly just enjoying the texture and smell. Over several hours, she would work through the pile, leaving a colorful confetti around her area. Watching her engage so thoroughly with this seasonal gift, clearly deriving sensory pleasure from it, connected us to the changing season in a new way. Her enjoyment of simple autumn beauty was contagious.