Silent Trees

The other day, as I looked out the kitchen window, I realized that the leaves on the trees were gone.  I was looking at the bare bones of the trees that share this small space with me.

For the first time in many months I could see beyond the trees.  I could see the blue sky. I could see each branch as it reached for the sky.

Some trees had tangled their branches with another -- as if reaching out to each other. Others stood proud showing just how very, very tall they are.  And I viewed them in silence and with awe that I should have this beautiful, magical forest outside my back door.

"When one sees the tree in leaf, one thinks the beauty of the tree is in its leaves, and then one sees the bare tree." - Sarah Brana Barak

Winter Trees

Walking up my hill these days is pure pleasure.  Its savoring the season time. Its talking to the trees time.  Its bliss!

This is my time -- when I can see the sky above me and in front of me and around me - without the cover of leaves.  A time when I feel as if the world is mine, all mine into the distance and far away.

I can look at this home far, far up inside the tree.  Was it home to a squirrel family or perhaps even a raccoon?  Or even better, a magical mystical bird in full plumage of bright colors (which he hides by hunching down in his nest). Oh yes, that has got to be 'it'.

Although I was not able to capture it, I recently witnessed the trees dancing.  A breeze had come up and the branches swayed back and forth, sometimes touching each other. It was an awesome sight.  I think perhaps they were saying 'who needs leaves to be beautiful'?

"Live like a tree, giving, forgiving and free." - Debasish Mridha

Bare Trees

We are having the most 'delicious' days.  Bright sunshine, deep blue sky and warm weather.  After all the rain we've had lately these days are truly a treasure.  As I walked today the change in the trees became very apparent. All of the leaves are gone (which is a blessing for those who have to mulch them) and now their bare branches stand out against a vivid blue sky.  I love this time of the year.  I feel like I am surrounded by magical, mystical sculptures.  Old trees that have occupied these hills longer than I have serve to guard these forests and I can only walk among them in wonder.

"If you would know about strength and patience, welcome to the company of trees." - Hal Borland