Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Old Tree


The Old Tree
Originally uploaded by linfrye
Daily Practice
Journal

We've enjoyed the bright sunshine this week, but its warmth has not been able to penetrate the mighty cold that covers us in morning and evening ice crystals. The kitties huddle in their basket overnight, warmed a bit by two heat lamps that send a glow across the porch through the deepest part of the night. Though we know the days are growing shorter, somehow the darkness seems LONGER before the sun rises again.

This old craggy tree sits on my neighbors' property about 500 feet from the road. Its age shows in the twists and turns of the branches and must have been on the property when it was first farmed. When I drive home from town, I pass it, as it stands out among the tawny, cold grasses, spurring memories of a way of life now passed.

I went to see the grands yesterday, and caught up with their photo albums for this year. It took hours to choose photos for each grandchild, fix the contrast, resize, and then print them all. Then place them in individual albums and write a bit about their story. It's a project of love that I couldn't get to at all this year .. so catching up on FOUR albums was a milestone -- yahoo! Now, back to the bookcases!

The year is winding down and each evening the news channels cover highlights of the last year as well as this decade. As I watch each momentus aspect, I think of the changes we've seen and the passing of time. These last days of 2009 make me remember, put on another pot for hot tea, and offer thanksgiving for all our blessings ...

It's supposed to grow even colder later this week .. stay warm and safe....

4 comments:

Lorraine said...

Beautiful Lin and beautiful description. I think old gnarled trees have such character and, as you say, history.

Very cold here too. I bought some disks you heat in the microwave and then cover with their own little paw print fleece cover for the outdoor kitties. They go right under the bed they sleep in, inside the carriers. Heat is supposed to last 12 hours; hope it does. The heat lamps are a great idea too. Mine don't cuddle but have "separate carriers!" But first I had to make a separate one away from the others for the "resident possum" -- no disk for him -- just his own food and a comfortable bed inside the carrier.
Hugs,
Lorraine

Joan said...

I love trees like this that reach out with gnarly branches and show their strenght and endurance...so much like people! This is lovely!!!

I love your idea of a book for your grandkids. That will be a treasure for them.

We have very cold weather today and the forecast for the next few days is rain/snow. We have a funeral to attend tomorrow so I hope the weather isn't too bad. I don't know if I'll get back to the computer at all until the weekend, so just in case I'm wishing you and your family a HAPPY NEW YEAR now!!! May 2010 bring health, joy, and happiness to you all. Thank you for all your inspiration and encouragement this year.

Pat said...

Hi Lin and Happy New Year. I have so enjoyed your wonderful paintings and posts over the last year. Thank you, thank you. You have brightened my mornings and my life.
Hugs
Pat

Teri said...

I love this lone tree and the beautiful landscape surrounding it!