What a Wonderful Story, John. Trees have ALWAYS been Important to me, in my Life and my Artwork. Their Solidity & Strength have Always given me those qualities that I rely upon. Sounds like they are the same with You, since You Wrote This Story of one tree that meant ALOT to You. I Love Your photos of it as well.....Maybe, you Could get a Slab from it to make something for yourself.
Thanks for reading, Carmen. And yes, I've always loved trees. I grew up in the hills of Los Gatos, California, and would often climb to the tops of trees in the woods behind our house. I'd sit there, high up in the canopy, as the tree gently swayed back and forth in the breeze. Deer would sometimes cross the pathways below. I felt cradled in the arms of the tree—close to nature and safe.
Thank you most tenderly for your story of the oak that stood.
Many times people sit beneath in the cool shade and are grateful, but seldom do they think of the tree itself and the battles fought to provide the shade. The safety. The beauty.
So often trees are sacrificed so their leaves don’t get into the pool, or more room for activities.
The rainforest is being decimated by greed. Something that’s irreplaceable.
For those who love nature, your story was more than a story. It’s about life itself. ♥️🌳
Perfect reflection of life and living. Similar yet different from "The Giving Tree", although the squirrel apparently read Shel's book.
Perhaps consider using this start as a potential children's book with beautiful reflective photos or illustrations. Children today need more of this social-emotional connection.
Yes, I remember "The Giving Tree." And you're right, Patricia, children do need more of those magical books that help shape their social-emotional world. I've never published a children's book, but worth considering.
So beautiful!! … it really is a most beautiful “ode”( ? )to all those majestic and ancient trees that i have never paid my respects to, certainly not the way you have, in this most beautiful and so tender letter.
Thank you so very much! I shall now be able to express my feelings better when enjoying looking at them. Thank you again!
There was an old apple tree on the property that fell over maybe ..20 yrs ago in an ice storm.. it just laid down..didn`t break... and every summer it still puts out leaves & believe it or not... apples ..lol
Yep, I'm an old wood soul. As a boy I loved to climb trees. Now, I love the sound of wind dancing through the leaves. I love the creaking old trees make when it's blustery. I love the shade. I love the bird life that nests and sings in the canopy. I'll always love trees. They're steadfast and solid and old souls. Thanks, INGRID.
Such a beautiful memory and tribute to an old friend. As an artist and one who loves nature I thoroughly enjoyed your heartfelt story. Thank God for trees.
Thanks for sharing your gift. The emotions you stir are truly inspiring.
A lovely analogy 👍. The old oak tree was euthanized after much consideration. On the other hand, trees are being fellled by the hundreds to make way for infrastructure projects at various locations in India. C'est la vie . . .
What a Wonderful Story, John. Trees have ALWAYS been Important to me, in my Life and my Artwork. Their Solidity & Strength have Always given me those qualities that I rely upon. Sounds like they are the same with You, since You Wrote This Story of one tree that meant ALOT to You. I Love Your photos of it as well.....Maybe, you Could get a Slab from it to make something for yourself.
Thanks for reading, Carmen. And yes, I've always loved trees. I grew up in the hills of Los Gatos, California, and would often climb to the tops of trees in the woods behind our house. I'd sit there, high up in the canopy, as the tree gently swayed back and forth in the breeze. Deer would sometimes cross the pathways below. I felt cradled in the arms of the tree—close to nature and safe.
Beautiful story.
Thanks, Janet.
Thank you most tenderly for your story of the oak that stood.
Many times people sit beneath in the cool shade and are grateful, but seldom do they think of the tree itself and the battles fought to provide the shade. The safety. The beauty.
So often trees are sacrificed so their leaves don’t get into the pool, or more room for activities.
The rainforest is being decimated by greed. Something that’s irreplaceable.
For those who love nature, your story was more than a story. It’s about life itself. ♥️🌳
We take trees for granted. Thanks for reading, Susan.
I've known some old oaks like this. Both the ones with roots and branches and the ones with legs and arms. I cried...
I cried when the old oak came down. So much history and life...gone. Thanks for reading, Charles.
John,
Your stories continue to amaze. Thank you for sharing your craft.
Many thanks, Henry.
Perfect reflection of life and living. Similar yet different from "The Giving Tree", although the squirrel apparently read Shel's book.
Perhaps consider using this start as a potential children's book with beautiful reflective photos or illustrations. Children today need more of this social-emotional connection.
Thank you John.
Yes, I remember "The Giving Tree." And you're right, Patricia, children do need more of those magical books that help shape their social-emotional world. I've never published a children's book, but worth considering.
Beautiful story, and a reminder to stand tall, listening and learning to the world around us, and yielding to the winds of change. Thank you, John.
Standing tall is good advice, Jen. Thanks.
So beautiful!! … it really is a most beautiful “ode”( ? )to all those majestic and ancient trees that i have never paid my respects to, certainly not the way you have, in this most beautiful and so tender letter.
Thank you so very much! I shall now be able to express my feelings better when enjoying looking at them. Thank you again!
Glad you liked it, Carina, and thank you for reading.
Thank you John. This really touched me. as a reminder that what stays with people isn’t how long we stand, but the shade we offer along the way.
A beautiful piece which made me stop and think about the rings I’m carrying too.
The shade we offer along the way. Beautifully expressed. Thanks, Tracy.
Hi John how wonderful an analogy...
Thanks for reading, Maria.
oh John...you sure know how to make us cry...
There was an old apple tree on the property that fell over maybe ..20 yrs ago in an ice storm.. it just laid down..didn`t break... and every summer it still puts out leaves & believe it or not... apples ..lol
Wow, Brenda, the tree fell over but it's still alive and still producing apples. Amazing. Thanks for reading.
Feels like you are a Wood soul too! how could we do without the trees, the protection, the shade, the whisper of God in their leaves?
Yep, I'm an old wood soul. As a boy I loved to climb trees. Now, I love the sound of wind dancing through the leaves. I love the creaking old trees make when it's blustery. I love the shade. I love the bird life that nests and sings in the canopy. I'll always love trees. They're steadfast and solid and old souls. Thanks, INGRID.
Such a beautiful memory and tribute to an old friend. As an artist and one who loves nature I thoroughly enjoyed your heartfelt story. Thank God for trees.
Thanks for sharing your gift. The emotions you stir are truly inspiring.
Happy Thanksgiving
You're welcome, Grace. Thanks for reading and Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
A lovely analogy 👍. The old oak tree was euthanized after much consideration. On the other hand, trees are being fellled by the hundreds to make way for infrastructure projects at various locations in India. C'est la vie . . .