True Colors by Jane Kelley

 This is my husband, Clifford Lee Johnson III.

He is playful, creative, exuberant, wildly imaginative, and full of JOY!

If you meet him, he might look like this. 

No, he isn't a waiter! He's a theater producer -- on his way to work. Some of his most important business conversations happen at galas and other social events. He has to look serious and successful.

We are all like leaves. The chlorophyll that leaves need to convert the sun's energy into food for the tree makes leaves appear green. Only when autumn comes and their work is done are they allowed to show their real colors. The bold reds, golds, oranges, rusts make even a day without sunshine glow. 

Our work selves also mask our true colors. When we think of our creative work as a dutiful slog, we deny ourselves and those around us the chance to bring more joy into our work and into the world.

Hmm. Is that why my husband plans to get a brightly colored tux?

Jane Kelley is the author of many middle-grade novels -- and the proud partner of Clifford Lee Johnson III.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the year, these leaves are green because of the chlorophyll they use to absorb energy from sunlight during photosynthesis. The leaves convert the energy into sugars to feed the tree.

As the season changes, temperatures drop and days get shorter. Trees get less direct sunlight, and the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down.

The lack of chlorophyll reveals yellow and orange pigments that were already in the leaves but masked during the warmer months.