Apple Orchard

Set against a vibrant yellow background of foliage, the apple trees were huge, their branches bending under the weight of red shiny apples. Green, yellow and brown leaves covered the ground highlighted by thin rays of sunshine through the huge canopy. The crisp fragrance of fresh apples filled the warm air, urging every passer-by to stop and admire the scenic beauty, and maybe pick up an apple or two.

Apple Orchard- Painting by Swedish artist, Carl Larrson

The orchard was alive with excited birds chirping, some finding a cosy spot in the branches for their new home, others pecking into the overripe apples on the ground. In the distance a tiny cottage was visible- red with a white door and white silvery curtains fluttering at the windows.

A little girl walked out the door with her elder sister every other day on a path made in between the bushes and creepers. Into her little bag and her sister’s wicker basket they would fill apples that they picked from the low hanging branches and the ground. After a while, they would take out a white and red chequered cloth, spread it on the ground and sit, chatting away as they snacked on apples. Their eyes sparkled with delight at the sight of the tiny birds and butterflies surrounding them. As dusk set in they would head back to the cottage, bag and basket filled up. The apples they picked would soon turn into pies, tarts, jams, cakes and ciders. Grandma and mother would together whip up these delicious dishes for them and the little bakery they ran in the nearby town. The people of the town looked forward to apple season so they could crowd around Grandma and mother’s bakery to relish their favourite delicacies.

Another morning I sat at my dining table, eating my breakfast and my imagination took me into the glorious wallpaper behind it. I placed my palm on the enormous painting that covered the entire wall and felt myself step into the scene- The crunch of dried leaves beneath my feet, a wave of sweet apple fragrance with the breeze, apples flaunting different hues of red, and that yellow foliage in front of the pastel blue sky. And, of course the two sisters walking into their orchard, where it was always apple season.

(Inspired by this picture that used to be a huge wallpaper behind my dining table at my childhood home)

The entire month of April, I am blogging from A2Z powered by #BlogchatterA2Z

34 Comments Add yours

  1. Anjalie Sharma says:

    Delightful story and I love the painting/picture

    Like

  2. One can always expect beautiful weaving of words from you Leha

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Pooja, thanks so much 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Matheikal says:

    I’ll be here in this apple orchard during April.

    Like

  4. Varsh says:

    That’s quite a picture you painted! The apple orchard sure came alive here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Thank you Varsha:)

      Like

    2. mummatalks says:

      With your writing I literally felt like I was walking in that Apple orchard. Beautiful described, you got the image to life.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. aditi says:

    Your words take me to the beautiful world of dancing words 😍

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Leha says:

      Such a lovely comment 🙂

      Like

  6. Neha says:

    I too feel transported to a different world when I am looking at a painting. I always think about what the painter must have thought or the character’s in the painting might be thinking.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Wow, yes, once we get transported, it is a different experience altogether.

      Like

  7. Suchita says:

    So pretty. Especially liked the ending – of stepping into the painting and being able to smell the apples.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Thanks Suchita 🙂

      Like

  8. Mayuri6 says:

    Oh Leha! This is exquisite writing! Your words took me into the Apple Orchard. Loved riding along with you on this flight of imagination.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Loved taking you along Mayuri 🙂

      Like

  9. I loved the ending the most! Loved it totally!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Shalini says:

    This is absolutely wonderful, Leha. You weave magic with your words!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Thank you Shalini 🙂

      Like

  11. If this is not the mind of a super creative narrator what else is? I could see through your words, such an amazing storyteller you are, Leha.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Awwie, thanks Dipika, you’re sweet.

      Like

  12. Harjeet Kaur says:

    The crunch of dried leaves beneath my feet, a wave of sweet apple fragrance with the breeze, apples flaunting different hues of red, and that yellow foliage in front of the pastel blue sky…the imagery is perfect, Leha…very evocative

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Glad you enjoyed it Harjeet!

      Like

  13. How delightful Leha! A picture inspired story. Lovely beginning to the a2z!! 👍😋

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Thank you for stopping by Radhika:)

      Like

  14. Amritha Srinath says:

    Aww, this is such a beautiful interpretation of the painting Leha. I loved the simplicity in the story and how you have weaved a pleasing story from this picture. Takes me back to my childhood summers, where I would go plucking mangoes from the trees and my granny would pulp it out to make various delicacies.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Ah, such a lovely memory you shared 🙂 I can visualize it!

      Like

  15. purbajune says:

    Loved the attention to details. Beautiful narration. And I loved the painting ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Thank you Purba 🙂

      Like

  16. Vidya Tiru says:

    You brought this beautiful picture to life with your story.. loved it. and look forward to reading more

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I could feel and live the story and that paintings are awe!! Love your writing style

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Aesha says:

    You transported me to a wonderland. Beautifully penned, Leha!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Glad to have you in my wonderland!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Dr.Amrita Basu says:

    I have read that having a wall paper or painting if things you want in your life helps you find then

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Leha says:

      Oh, that’s very interesting.

      Like

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