Monday, April 19, 2010

Beauty on High

On one of our first forest tromps--Clytie and I visited our old haunts, Deer Valley, Bambi's meadow, the mud flats, and huckleberry bridge.

How wonderful to think as children we played there, not knowing years later we would return. I could hear echoes of laughter from long ago.

I am in awe of my sister Clytie's gift in photography. She has a way of seeing which astounds me. This ancient tree is one which captured both our imaginations.

I was fascinated by her photos of the same trees, flora and fauna--how similar, yet diverse, our perception and photos were! We took pictures of the same things, yet each of us ended up with very different viewpoints. I am PROUD of my sister. She has come through difficult life storms, yet she has an astounding capacity to see beauty.

This incredible tree is hollow inside--still, within there is a core of strength flourishing up through the twisted trunk to sample the clouds above. We, too, like this wonderful old tree, can find strength to grow up through the past, to rise into something amazing, to seek strength and beauty from on high, even as age grows inevitable moss over youthful vigor.

11 comments:

cieldequimper said...

That tree is beautiful and I love the names of your old haunts. Were they names you gave them?

Clytie said...

I love that old tree still. Sometime we're going to have to trek back down there and see what's new. And old.

Anonymous said...

Your description of the hollow in the tree...

It reminded me of a big old tree in the middle of a woods I explored once. Things like this I never forget.

In the middle of the forest was this really large tree. And where it was growing out of the ground the tree was wide open on opposite sides. It was large enough so you cold walk in and nobody could see you or you could just walk straight through without bending over. I wonder if it is till there?

Al said...

That is very pretty. Your post makes me want to go to our local park, there are some very strangely shaped trees there (including one which splits into two separate trees a few feet up).

Icy BC said...

Interesting tree, indeed!

I think each person has his/her own perspective when taking picture.

Lois said...

It's a lovely picture. I'll bet that old tree would have some interesting stories to tell!

Prospero said...

Hello Beth. Childhood memories are ghostly treasures. And no two people, no matter how close, remember the same way. I suspect this is a strength - not a curse.

Johnny Nutcase said...

what a perfect, beautiful tree! I love the angle. Lovely post, made me smile :)

Cheryl said...

I enjoyed the photo of the tree. Its beautiful. I imagine being small and hiding in the tree!

Cedar ... said...

I'm sure there is a family living in that tree,... I know if i was a squirrel I'd want to live there!

Woman in a Window said...

Beautiful metaphor, Beth. Glad that the two of you got to go out and share that, experience it together once again. There is nothing like a brisk walk through the woods to ground you. Just today I went out and it was absolutely freaken mind blowing. Half way through we heard a thrumming. We froze and I turned to scan the brush. Coulda been a deer, a moose, or bear. It was a grouse! Ha! And it was mad! Made itself big on its rock perch and I have never in my life seen such a specatcle. What a gift. Probably defending a nest. We left quietly but there was a lot of deep breathing of gratitude first. Got to love the woods!

xo
erin