Trees
Me and Trees. Trees and Grass. Both green at some point. Both rooted to live.
Trees have some kind of deep, primordial meaning to me that I really cannot explain. In some ways they 'speak' to me. No, not in words or any given language. They beckon, wave and dance sometimes in ways that gets my attention to the point that I cannot do anything until they have been properly recognized. I know that I cannot be alone in their mezmerizing embrace. I want to share my tree experiences here. Other tree and bush stories have been handed down over generations. This tree is from Sedona, Arizona area taken in 2009. I love the desert almost as much as I love trees. I like to think of the steps that lead me to some of the trees I have seen and experienced. Often each step was of some significance, and the tree was the mile marker along the journey, yet to be completed. Watch here as I add some of the trees I see and momentarily capture. Please leave a comment if you can appreciate the beauty also.
Trees have some kind of deep, primordial meaning to me that I really cannot explain. In some ways they 'speak' to me. No, not in words or any given language. They beckon, wave and dance sometimes in ways that gets my attention to the point that I cannot do anything until they have been properly recognized. I know that I cannot be alone in their mezmerizing embrace. I want to share my tree experiences here. Other tree and bush stories have been handed down over generations. This tree is from Sedona, Arizona area taken in 2009. I love the desert almost as much as I love trees. I like to think of the steps that lead me to some of the trees I have seen and experienced. Often each step was of some significance, and the tree was the mile marker along the journey, yet to be completed. Watch here as I add some of the trees I see and momentarily capture. Please leave a comment if you can appreciate the beauty also.
Bamboo Forest
Bamboo is not a tree. It is a flowering evergreen perenial plant in the grass family. I know this because wikipedia told me so. I love wikipedia. I hope you will find the information in the wiki link as interesting as I did. From it's rate of growth per day to the association with rats and famine, there is more to bamboo than meets the eye.
A rank of bamboo is called a 'tribe'.
I just love the peace-full feeling I personally have when I am in the presence of bamboo. I love to touch it and feel the vibrations of the earth and air and sky that are captured by standing culms. The 'rustles' of leaves in trees on a windy day are 'whispers' in a bamboo forest, to me. I am never quite sure what I am hearing, but it is sweet music to my ears.
Being such a diverse service to our planet, I include bamboo in my trees section with the highest regard, similar to my regard for trees. They bear responsibility for much. We are their guardians also. It is with great appreciation that I bring them to your consideration. Be kind to them also, please.
New tree boots
As I stood at my kitchen window this morning, watching the first light come over the trees across the pond, I noticed the new mulch around the palm trees. This morning it looked like new boots to me. Remember, I am a farm girl, with an organic (meaning earthy) sense of familiarity and humor. These trees have waited patiently for this new ground cover that dresses them almost like we would for going to church. We wore prettiest shoes we owned. They are, of course, outside and they will be needing boots for all the rain water that collects out there, which is why they are so beautiful! Plenty of sun, water, air, and good earth! And a layer of fresh, new mulch for good measure. As I looked it over this morning, I recall seeing the grounds keeper lovingly applying it yesterday when I came home. I really appreciate the care and concern these trees receive. Mulch, in general, makes me happy! I can imagine these trees feel the same way! I really enjoyed it in my view this morning. And I can also imagine the happiness others may get from the same view. Even though there really are no two views alike, I don't think these trees care at all. They are simply beautiful.
Off the top of my head
At the bottom of this photo is the top of my curly-haired head. I was leaning agianst this beauty of a tree, feeling the earth beneath my feet, and allowing all the strength of this mighty giant to be absorbed into my senses. As I review the photo, I can now recognize the impetus to take the picture. Look at that powerful ray of sunshine that is laser-like landing on the top of my head that you can barely see! It was a powerful thing. Linger a moment and explore that sunshine that is making it's way through the leaves. Look how all the valiant branches have each other's back, facing whichever way the wind blows. Look at how the sunshine reaches to feed every possible nook and cranny. I returned from my walk with such a renewed sense of vitality. No doubt, after seeing this photo. I wonder how much energy is in that sunbeam? Off the top of my head, I can not even imagine. I wanted to search the internet to determine the answer to that question. From the first solar energy site came a 'black hole virus threat detection'. So, you are just going to have to take my word for it that this was a powerful ray of sunshine. OK?
In the Flow
This photo if from the Epcot Garden and Flower Festival 2013. My husband took it with my iPhone. When I look at it, I remember how I felt sitting there that day. When we walked by it the first time, I had a sense that I needed to return for the picture after our Soarin' experience. When we returned, the sense was still present and more. There was something like the 'flow' that swept me in and swirled about. That is some of the 'magic' of this Festival. Everything is strategically placed, individual colors are chosen, matched and used to create things that you recognize. What this space felt like was very relaxed and yet moving at the same time. Sitting under this tree among these flowers almost made the rest of the crowd disapear. It is one of the reasons we love the Parks. For us, we rarely see or feel the crowds. Even in this photo, I am amazed that the people almost disappear as they do in reality there for me. Here this tree is the focus. I love the way they have accessorized it, the colors they have chosen, and the uses of the changes in elevation in the scope of my vision. So much going on at once is reduced to tranquility, if I chose to stop, and take it in. Get swept up in the flow. I really enjoy looking back at this moment of time to again see and feel what my experience has stamped in my memory. This tree is tended to lovingly. It's proportioned perfectly in it's place. All of the elements around it support it and add to it's value.
Sexy Tree
I was taking an especially casual walk last week. Not the calorie-burning, heart-beat-raising kind of walk I normally try to 'fit in' my day off. I was strolling down a path I hadn't been on in quite some time. I stopped to look at almost every tree on that walk. This tree, however, seemed to be posing, like striking a sexy pose. Like a hand on the hip, bangs flipped over the eyes kind-of pose. "See me?"
But of course!!!
I loved this walk. As I gaze at the picture while I write, I remember thinking how everything seemed to be in order. The bark, the moss, the bushes in the background and the freshly mown grass. Almost since I took this photo, there has been anything but order (or so it seems). A few things are spinning out of my control. It feels like Yahtzee die in a cup.
But what I know is that at about 10 am, if I chose, and if I am where I am right now, I can walk less that 3 minutes and be under this tree. There is something about that thought alone that gives me peace. Like I can find something that has it's act together, and really doesn't care about anything else. Well, except for sunshine and water. And it looks like both are going to be plentiful today. How COOL is that?
But of course!!!
I loved this walk. As I gaze at the picture while I write, I remember thinking how everything seemed to be in order. The bark, the moss, the bushes in the background and the freshly mown grass. Almost since I took this photo, there has been anything but order (or so it seems). A few things are spinning out of my control. It feels like Yahtzee die in a cup.
But what I know is that at about 10 am, if I chose, and if I am where I am right now, I can walk less that 3 minutes and be under this tree. There is something about that thought alone that gives me peace. Like I can find something that has it's act together, and really doesn't care about anything else. Well, except for sunshine and water. And it looks like both are going to be plentiful today. How COOL is that?
Sunrise Trees
One of the most interesting things that has occurred since I started this website is my awareness of the trees I see every day. I normally leave my house earlier than this, so I wouldn't normally get to see the first light of sunrise on these trees. I was truly in awe. There was a momentary terrified feeling of, 'what has happened to my trees?' Almost immediately, I sensed the need to look back over my shoulder. An image I could not capture was the first rays of light coming though the trees on the opposite end of the pond. This image didn't last more than about 2 minutes. I saw it very intensely orange at first and as the sun rose, the rest of the world blended into it.
“If you want to be reminded of the love of the Lord, just watch the sunrise.” ~Jeannette Walls, "Half Broke Horses"
(I find this quote particularly fitting for the day of the Kentucky Derby!)
Linger and look around today at what you normally just walk past. We are on vacation, heading to one of the Disney Parks we frequently visit, where we always see things we have seen before, and to see things we have not yet noticed. It is a day meant for discovery. Intentional lingering. Being intentionally present to encounter what is ready to reveal itself. Or is it us who are ready. I get a genuine thrill when things like this sunrise happen. Proof. Real evidence that there is more going on than I could possibly know or understand, but is there, purely for my momentary enjoyment.
“If you want to be reminded of the love of the Lord, just watch the sunrise.” ~Jeannette Walls, "Half Broke Horses"
(I find this quote particularly fitting for the day of the Kentucky Derby!)
Linger and look around today at what you normally just walk past. We are on vacation, heading to one of the Disney Parks we frequently visit, where we always see things we have seen before, and to see things we have not yet noticed. It is a day meant for discovery. Intentional lingering. Being intentionally present to encounter what is ready to reveal itself. Or is it us who are ready. I get a genuine thrill when things like this sunrise happen. Proof. Real evidence that there is more going on than I could possibly know or understand, but is there, purely for my momentary enjoyment.
Sacred Trees
I took this photo from the River Boat in Magic Kingdom. I love those moments on that slow moving boat that let me linger long enough to truly enjoy what I see. I think this represents the sacred burial grounds of the indegineous Indian tribes that are part of the Frontierland experience here at Magic Kingdom. As an adult, I can appreciate that there was a special place for this that made sense. It is off to itself and as many times as I have been on the river boat, I had not seen it before. I believe a couple of things helped me find this sacred place. Since I started writing about trees, I have noticed more where I have always looked and never lingered long enough to enjoy. Also, a good friend said "good bye" to someone special this past week. The message I sense in my heart is 'Slow Down', and 'God's speed'.
We are boarding a bigger, faster boat in a few hours. The time my husband and I have is so very precious. We both work hard, and we both play as hard as we work. I love the way the big boat captures me, takes away all my tech toys, and offers me the ability to linger and relax for at least a certain space of time. I was so glad that my husband suggested we take the river boat over the weekend. This photo will always have special significance to me. I am told there is some Indian in my heritage, and perhaps that is what beckons me. It matters not which tribe or where they originate. I love they way they honored the passing of those who were important. They lifted them up...forever.
We are boarding a bigger, faster boat in a few hours. The time my husband and I have is so very precious. We both work hard, and we both play as hard as we work. I love the way the big boat captures me, takes away all my tech toys, and offers me the ability to linger and relax for at least a certain space of time. I was so glad that my husband suggested we take the river boat over the weekend. This photo will always have special significance to me. I am told there is some Indian in my heritage, and perhaps that is what beckons me. It matters not which tribe or where they originate. I love they way they honored the passing of those who were important. They lifted them up...forever.
Very Old Trees in San Gervasio, Cozumel
I continue to be awed by the trees that are finding me these days! I cannot remember how old the guide said these trees were. My mind wants to say more than 600 years old. There are actually 2 trees in this picture. One of them is a banyan tree. I thought it would be easy to find more infomation about this on the internet. We were at the Mayan Ruins in San Gervasio in Cozumel. There were many trees that caught my attention, and I will post them as I wonder about them in the near future. We had a wonderful time here. I am impressed that these trees survived together, in this place. The jungle is a magical, albeit inhospitable place. The limestone rock that abounds here seems unlikely to host such a work of antiquity. And that it remains in this state, when it could have been used to build or cook with, perhaps reveals its greater contribution, pure awe. As with all trees, what we see is only part of the picture. What is underneath is life also. The roots co-mingle here to prove that differences can co-exist in the smallest of spaces. I was so glad to be able to see this with my own eyes. Even more grateful that I have this picture. I could not find one of this reference, so I feel as special to own this photo as I did to see it in person.
Ghost Tree at San Gervasio Ruins
This leaf-bare ghost of a tree called to me on a recent trip to the San Gervasion Ruins in Cozumel, Mexico. It seems to represent the abandonment of the ruins themselves, to me. After hearing the guide share fascinating information, I continue to search the internet for more. There is not much there, regrettably. I am left to my own recollection of the passion for which he spoke into the history, and the collection of photos I brought back with me. He spoke of ritual and sacrifice. He shared cultural wisdom and talked about their traditions. All stories, again shared with such a passion, he could have said the sky was green and I may have seen it exactly that way while I was there.
What I love about this tree is that is reminds me of everything he said. It's baren-ness represents the fertility many sought on their pilgrimages here. It's small-ness represents the references to the small stature of the native Maya people. He told us native Maya have no hair on their arms, legs and face, represented by this tree that stands in stark baldness.
This looks like a young tree and reminds me also of the tragic end to the young Maya born with obvious physical deformity that were sacrificed to the Mayan Gods, going on to a better place than this worldly suffering existence.
What I love about this tree is that is reminds me of everything he said. It's baren-ness represents the fertility many sought on their pilgrimages here. It's small-ness represents the references to the small stature of the native Maya people. He told us native Maya have no hair on their arms, legs and face, represented by this tree that stands in stark baldness.
This looks like a young tree and reminds me also of the tragic end to the young Maya born with obvious physical deformity that were sacrificed to the Mayan Gods, going on to a better place than this worldly suffering existence.
Trees from a hot air balloon perspective
I was fortunate to be able to take my first hot air balloon ride this week. I got to see trees from a new perspective. My eye gets lost in this photo and it was only a blink as we floated by and the landscaped changed second by second. I wonder how many colors are actually captured here. I am momentarily questioning how many trees could possibly be in this photo I took from the hot air balloon basket. There is no way to confirm that number so the ponder is pointless. There is a playful child inside of me that wants to drag out the crayons and try to re-create this image with the same wonder I recall when I first snapped the photo. I can easily imagine my mother creating a water-color of this perspective, as I know she possesses that skill. My own artistic skills remain in my mind and are guided by my eye. I witnessed many beautiful images that morning, in the stillness of the hot air balloon flight, too many to capture. One is moving faster that it seems in that basket, and that is one of the most amazing aspects of the flight. The perspective I will always recall is these trees, looking up and waving as we floated by.
Dead or alive
Gene and I took a long walk at Lake Park last weekend. I love it out there, because the trails are dirt. Well, as dirt as Florida this close to the coast can be. What I mean is that it still has very natural elements alongside the amenities that it does offer, like fitness outposts, covered shelters and park benches, and the roads are paved, but not the trails. We encountered horses, as we often do here, and gladly share the trail with them. In the midst of the greenery, in stark contrast is this tree that once was. I love that it still stands in such rebellion of being consumed by the Florida weather and the habitat it's deep roots remain in. Is it dead or alive? At one time it must have stood in such grandeur. It must have been the biggest of them all. Which is why it is in the condition it is in. It was used for shelter by all the others. It was first to be bombarded by the heat, the wind, the rain and likely lightning. It now stands stripped to reveal what it was protecting.
I like the encounter I have with the trees along the path. Their leaves rustling almost sing a song, shout for joy, or chime in celebration if the wind is blowing. The silence of this old soldier speaks volumes to me. I acknowledge it when I walk by with a silent salute. We are still communicating, long after the music has stopped.
I like the encounter I have with the trees along the path. Their leaves rustling almost sing a song, shout for joy, or chime in celebration if the wind is blowing. The silence of this old soldier speaks volumes to me. I acknowledge it when I walk by with a silent salute. We are still communicating, long after the music has stopped.
Spikey Hair Trees
My husband remarked that they looked like 'spikey hair'. From then on, that is what I saw. I look like that some days. Most days last week actually! It all culminated yesterday when I couldn't pull my hair out as fast as reasons were happening to pull it out. In the space of about 10 minutes, maybe not even that long, I went down the road to 'Spikey Hair Tree-ville" and back. I almost tripped over boxes that were not where they should have been, as were children not where they should have been. I was singing 'Happy Birthday' in one breath and swearing like a sailor with the next one. As soon as the boxes were arranged in the correct order and the child issue settled, the world was once again a beautiful place. This is not the best tree picture ever taken, but it did mark a memory that I wanted to capture. Within a few days, I looked just like it! 'Be careful what I wish for' kind of thing. These trees are cultivated to look like this. This is their season, and in person they are quite beautiful. Kind of like me, spikey hair and all.
Spring Trees
Is there anything that says spring like a flowering tree? We were walking along a path we had walked at least a dozen times. This tree called me back as if to say, "don't go with out me." It seems to almost have it's branches outward stretched in a welcoming reach. The colors we enjoyed this day were amazingly brilliant and in excess, the way spring is in general. Bounty and plenty of it filled all of our senses as we strolled through SeaWorld in Orlando on the first day of spring. Flowers and extraordinary plants were everywhere, but the trees beckon me most. As I am embracing my new life outside of what I have known for the last 10 years, spring feels newer and fresher this year. I see birth and growth in everything around me. Relationships are blooming. It seems to me that even people in general have a pep in their step.
I have such an affinity to purple colors, and this tree seems jeweled to me. So well groomed and surrounded by vibrancy in the plants and flowers that are in it's company. It felt joyful to be there. I am grateful for the time I spent here with my husband. It reminds me of the last 10 years, how we have grown and blossomed in our relationship.
This also symbolizes the hope and promise of things to come. Well tended and planted in the right place with all the surrounding elements of nature and nurture, a new season looms. If being the average of the 5 things I was surrounded by here, I have much to be thankful for!
I have such an affinity to purple colors, and this tree seems jeweled to me. So well groomed and surrounded by vibrancy in the plants and flowers that are in it's company. It felt joyful to be there. I am grateful for the time I spent here with my husband. It reminds me of the last 10 years, how we have grown and blossomed in our relationship.
This also symbolizes the hope and promise of things to come. Well tended and planted in the right place with all the surrounding elements of nature and nurture, a new season looms. If being the average of the 5 things I was surrounded by here, I have much to be thankful for!
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