GREER, S.C. — November has arrived in these hills and hollers and all nature has virtually ground to a halt.

God has put away His watercolors for now and the once vividly hued leaves have all fallen from the hardwoods only to be trodden underfoot.

The harvest is gathered, and the fields that were only weeks ago green and productive now lay brown and serene.

Even the animal world senses change. The squirrels gather acorns with greater fervor. They seem to instinctively know that days of want are just around the corner. Everything from bear to chipmunk now seek winter quarters, preparing for the long sleep.

Predictably, we of the human species don’t seem to take a cue from nature around us. 

Instead of slowing down, this is our time to speed up as we prepare for the coming holidays. 

First, there’s the gathering of family for Thanksgiving. Meal planning and preparation along with tidying and house cleaning leave little time for the actual meaning of the season. It seems we have even forgotten how to give thanks these days. 

And then once Thanksgiving is gone, it’s time to forge on to Christmas. Slow down? Are you kidding? Before you know it you and I will speed through this beautiful time of the year, and it will soon be in the rearview mirror.

The late John Parris, who for ayears chronicled life in these mountains for the Asheville Citizen Times, once reminded his readers that November is to be savored rather than hurried. He wrote:

“November is a hymn of thanks and a whispered prayer. It’s balsam and hemlock in a green lace party dress over a holly slip with clusters of red berries. It’s a glittering night, a multitude of stars.  It’s a crisp blue day and a whispering wind. It’s time to pause and give thanks. November in the hills is the last chance a man has to get ready for what December and winter will bring in the way of snow and cold. It’s a time for sitting before the fire and rocking and napping and dreaming.”

So, let’s take a leisurely trip soon to the mountains! Let’s buy some apples, or maybe one of those mountain cabbages with a head as big as a man’s. 

Many of the communities that suffered the ravages of Helene are now open for business. From Chimney Rock to Blowing Rock. From the Smokies to Tryon and Saluda, good people are ready to welcome you with a smile. 

A day in the mountains will do you good. You’ll breathe better after a day in the mountain air, and you’ll rest better at night.