pic of the day - my tree is growing a tree

One of the things that immediately drew me to my house was the fact that there are four large maple trees in the yard. I love trees...the shade they provide, they way they protect the house from the heat of the sun, the sound they make when the wind rustles through them, the scent they project in the fall as they drop their leaves, the way the snow glistens in them. In spite of the raking in the fall, the limbs after storms, the seedlings in the spring, living in a house without trees just wouldn't seem right for me.

In September of 2008 Hurricane Ike blasted through Kentucky (yes, I did say a hurricane in Kentucky) followed by the ice storm of the century in January of 2009. Needless to say, my poor lovely trees were not quite the same after that wild weather blitz. After listening to limbs shatter all night long during the ice storm, I truly did not know whether I still had trees or not. They certainly took a beating.

You can imagine my pure joy when it became evident this spring that not only did all my trees survive and fully recover, but one is even growing a new tree!! Yes friends, my tree is growing a tree. I'm not really sure what to think of that. Bertie is obviously interested. Do I buy it a gift? Pick pink or blue? Ok, so I'll probably just pull it come fall, but it has been kind of fun to watch. In fact, this tree and it's gaping hole has provided a wealth of fun for me. Last year it became the "All you can eat buffet" for the squirrel family. I would put tomatoes that had fallen off the vine up there and literally stand a few feet back and watch the squirrels come feast. I think they actually came to expect a little treaty treat on a regular basis. This likely explains Bertie's fascination. It also explains the stalker like tendancies that the little furballs developed which ultimately led to the demise of one of their own. I'll save that story for another day.

So by now it's clear that everything makes me think a bit on the deep side and my little tree growing a tree is no different. Seedlings can land anywhere and obviously they can take root anywhere. I wonder, am I strong enough, prepared enough to provide a place for the seedlings that come across my path to be nurtured and take root? Can I weather the storms that batter and break me? Can I survive those times of drought in life? Can I be comfort and shelter for others? Do I provide peace like the rustle of leaves? Laughter like the tomato feasting squirrels? If, like the trees in my yard, I am firmly rooted with a solid foundation, then the answer will always be a resounding yes. I'm not sure sometimes if I'm the seedling or the 50 year old maple, but I put my arms up every day in praise and thanksgiving for all that I have and hold dear and for the creation around me. It's all I know to do.