And The Sky Is Gray…

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.

Warren Buffett

Today I went for a walk along the creek trail and purposely narrowed my vision on the trees. I revere trees.

It feels as if they know me, whispering in the breeze, beckoning me to come closer. I think it’s endearing how moss, wildflowers, and bushes have sprung up under the protection of the older trees. A place where ducks find shelter.

Notice how the brown leaves are both scattered on the ground and dangling from the nearly bare branches. It reminds me of our seasonal rituals of allowing grievances, anger, and resentments to fall away, leaving our limbs free and unencumbered. It enables us to be unhindered by the past, naked if you will, ready for new life come spring. 

It gives the phrase “turn over a new leaf” a whole new meaning. 

Trees embody a unique yet mysterious wisdom. Every year I admire their ability to grow in both girth and height, the way the bark of the trunk cracks to accommodate its growth. Unlike most people, trees remain rooted to the place they were planted, to the nutrients that supported their maturation and enabled them to flourish.

Even the fallen tree has purpose. It lays itself down, acting as if a bridge over troubled water.

I don’t know why, but when life is spinning out of control, the trees restore my balance. And for this, I am ever so grateful. 

I wanted to slip in a short post, so I could wish you all a Happy Halloween. And as Ray Bradbury says, the wind outside nested in each tree and prowled the sidewalks as Tom Skelton shivered. Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows’ Eve. 

I’m Living in the Gap, face-painting my granddaughters before they go trick-or-treating, looking forward to a boolicious evening.