Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Trees




Trees. Have you ever stopped to think how much they add to life? There are so many utilitarian uses of trees. But that is not so much my emphasis for this post though you might want to look around your home and note what you would not have if it weren't for trees.

I'm thinking more of their aethetics and inspirational value even when humans had nothing to do with their beauty or placing. In the photo for this post, there are two trees that at their base became one and in the process became so much more beautiful than they might be as separate trees. I'm thinking of the awesomeness of trees growing by a flowing source of life and how that flowing source day by day and year by year turns them into magnificent creations that in turn becomes lifegiving to other parts of creation around them. I'm wondering if I can't learn some lessons myself from trees.

14 comments:

Kevin Stilley said...

I think that I shall never see
a poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast.
(Joyce Kilmer)

sage said...

Murf sounds as if she's jaded toward trees, Kevin quotes the poem we all hated in school (recited on Arbor Day, as we planted another tree), so maybe I should bring up the children's book (Silverstein, I think), the Giving Tree...

mreddie said...

Trees are a source of amazement for me, as are all of God's creations. Giving us oxygen when alive and wood for building when cut. ec

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

I have always been a lover of forests and I couldn't live without my trees. I have always loved the beauty of the trees and can sit and admire one for some time and I get upset when someone cuts one down.

Ed said...

I love nothing better than to lay underneath a tree and listen to it "whisper" in my ear.

Tim Rice said...

Hi, murf. You must be letting the consequences of home ownership getting too close to you. ;) Trees truly do uplift my spirit. I've traveled during some vacations in desert-like areas and missed "my" trees back home.

Hi, kevin stilley. I take it my post brought back some memories?

Hi, sage. I'm sure I've seen "The Giving Tree" before but at the moment just can't quite remember the essence of its story.

Hi, mreddie. You are so right. All of God's creation is inspiring in its own way (except maybe the mosquito? :)

Hi, abandoned in pasadena. I think my sentiments about trees come close to those of yours.

Hi, ed abbey. You are so right. There's something special about laying underneath a tree and hearing it whisper to you.

Ginnie Hart said...

At our cottage in Michigan are several distinct trees that line the hill down to the beach. When my mom was alive, she had a name for each one. I like that. They ARE living, after all. Might as well have favorites and name them! Yes, we can learn so much from them....

Unknown said...

I agree, trees are gorgeous and I love your thoughts on the 2 becomming one.

Mrs. M. said...

I miss northern trees-and we're coming into the time of year when they are missed the most for their color! Do you like the leaves or the unique trunk of each variety?

Then, of course, there are all the different FRUIT trees!!

btw, of the trees at our family cottage Ginnie referred to, my favorite are the tall MI white birch. There is no more peaceful place to be than on the cottage porch during the rain as we listen to the drops hit the leaves so high up. Many times the drops don't even make it to the ground!

Tim Rice said...

Hi, ginnie. I think your mom's naming each tree is a neat tradition. Thanks so much for sharing that.

Thanks, carmel. I'm glad you found something meaningful in my meanderings.

Hi, ocean. It's nice to hear from you. And trees were great fun as kids to climb and play in and still can be. But now I mostly just enjoy walking, meditating,and resting among them in addition to just appreciating their beauty.

Hi, mrs. m. You know, I think I like their trunks, their branches, their leaves, their fruit, and their flowers -- another words everything about them. :) And white birch trees are among my favorites.

Cergie said...

My father's work was "conservateur des eaux et foret". (eaux= water, but it means river, lake, ans so on; foret= forests)
He was employed by the French state. He studied in a prestigious school.
Trees were his life.

I find trees are symbol of hope.
They try to grow everywhere and so from time to time, they become tall and old in a good place. Very often, they fail. But there are lots beautiful high trees in good places.

Tim Rice said...

Hi, cergie. I think you are right about trees being a symbol of hope. For a place without trees can be quite desolate though some desert scenes especially in their wet times can be quite beautiful, too.

Fred said...

You should go into the screensaver business, Tim. You'd make a fortune.

Tim Rice said...

Thanks, fred. Glad you like my photos.