Growth

I'm always fascinated by these complicated roots. They seem to grow, intertwined, searching for a place to dig deep. I guess, like learning, it takes time and patience to find a path and there are many detours along the way.



Looking up, I see the branches of a tree reaching up - searching, too, but for light to encourage growth. Both roots and branches work together to make sure the tree has what it needs. Nature gives us ways to think about things as it shows us how things flourish when they work in harmony.

An Old Tree

As I walked by this old tree I marvelled at the complexity of its bark. What caused it to create such intricate patterns? What stories does it tell? Of weather patterns? Infestations? And what has this tree witnessed? Full of questions. No answers.

After the Storm

Yesterday's snow, freezing rain and rain left their mark on the city. Branches coated in ice sparkled in the sunshine. A thick slippery crust lay on top of the snow.



While it may not be  healthy for the bushes, the effect was quite magical as each bush and tree shimmered.



While this area looks pristine, it is quite different at street corners, where frigid water collects making crossing streets an adventure. One has to carefully plot the route around these ponds, through the slush. And woe betide the pedestrians who get splashed by the motorists who seem to aim for the slush sending up a wake of dirty icy spray.

Blue Skies

Blue Skies, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

It's hard to feel blue when the skies are so blue. Branches reach up to the sky in celebration. February days, with pristine snow and bright sunshine are the best of winter. The heaviness of the long dark nights is lifting as days are noticeably longer.

Roots and All

Roots and All, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: April 1, 2013

This was not an April Fool's joke. The wind was whipping through the city and this downed tree was one result. Fortunately it did not land on people, vehicles or houses.



I saw this on my way to my book group. I was impressed with how quickly the city reacted. By the time I walked home, trucks were on site to cart away the pieces that had already been chopped up.

Looking for Space

This old tree has been trying to find space in the sidewalk. Its roots have curled into themselves. It fights for space with the concrete walk, the underground pipes and the pavement on the road. And yet it still thrives. I often marvel at how nature finds its way, with weeds growing in the tiniest cracks and trees taking root on their own wherever they can. We need to treasure our trees - nature's natural air conditioners as their shade cools and their breath gives us the oxygen we need.

I am Stumped

I am Stumped, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: July 29/12


A neighbour asked if he could trim a tree that was on my property and had branches over his. This is what he did! His reaction when I was upset was as astounding as what he did. So now I have to get someone to remove the stumps (yes - he cut another smaller tree, too) and have to get something planted to hide the mess.

They will be paying!

Singing Tree

Singing Tree, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: December 16, 2011


Walking, I heard a singing tree. Its branches were full of a chorus of birds. Their voices sang of the sunshine whose rays still spread some warmth. Cold weather is coming, but the birds just enjoyed the moment.... as did I.

Burl

IMG_9043, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Another walk on the mountain. While my bother and i strolled, we were passed by joggers and cyclists who seem to ignore the heat and humidity. This large burl caught my eye. Mount Royal is a real gift to Montrealers. Right in the middle of the city it provides forested areas to walk through. By 10:00 am on Saturday, people were staking out their territory in the grassy areas, finding picnic tables in the shade. Bothers go to bake in the sun on the grassy slope. There is really something for everyone.

Decorate the Bark

Decorate the Bark, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Walking through the woods. Snow decorates every upturned surface. While primary colours have been replaced by browns and white, there are many textures to catch the eye. Details that are overlooked in the riot of summer call attention to themselves in winter.

Moon Rise

Moon Rise, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I looked up to see the crescent moon and I was brought back to my childhood. I loved to listen to stories on the radio. Every Saturday morning I would sit by the radio and listen to a storyteller. One of my favourite stories was Many Moons by James Thurber. The story was about a princess who was languishing. She said she would only get better if someone brought her the moon. The wise men each tried and failed, but the court jester succeeded. He asked the princess about her perception of the moon. She said that the moon was only as high as the tree because it sometimes gets caught in the branches.

Last Saturday I was privileged to be part of a storytellers event in honour of a friend of mine. There were three storytellers. I added music to the stories as well as between them. We plan to try this again. Maybe I can convince one of them to tell Many Moons...

May 14/10 Shadows

May 14/10 Shadows, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Daily Shoot: Find an interesting shadow--any shadow--and make a photograph of it. Consider your framing as you shoot.

The sun came out at the end of a very grey day, casting long shadows. Some were crisp and clear, others blurred. The long images, distortions of the original, show us aspects we may not have noticed.

I love the play of light and shadow, the way the shadows are drawn on the pavement, transitory, illusory - there to be appreciated for a short time and then they are changed and finally disappear. It is a reminder that we have to stop and cherish moments, take those images into our minds, to play with them later.

Day 239: Old Tree

Day 239: Old Tree, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I passed this great old tree today. It has cavities, great homes for a variety of insects. Many of Montreal's streets are tree-lined with great big maples and ash as well as many other trees. Some trees were lost in the ice storm of 1998. Our latest threat is the emerald ash borer. It is not yet in Montreal, but is some 30 km away. There is an attempt to isolate it; let's hope this is possible.

Our world is getting smaller, with travel and the shipping of food across the world. Hitch-hiking along are insects, which settle in new areas where they have no predators. The devastation they can cause is enormous. We need our local insects, but this is one case where immigration is not welcome. How do we keep that balance in nature that existed long ago?

Day 103: Hints of Spring

Day 103: Hints of Spring, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Hints of spring as flowers sprout on tree branches. For some, this is the start of allergy season. For me, each little change heralds the new season. Each day I delight in new evidence of the transition - the aroma of the earth as it comes out of its frosty grip, the song of birds coming home, the sweet, sticky taste of newly made maple syrup and the many sight of new growth.

Day 74: An Old Tree

Day 74: An Old Tree, originally uploaded by susanvg.

This old tree has witnessed much in its lifetime. It must be in the vicinity of one hundred years old. The houses in this neighbourhood are more recent. Some have been around for about 85 years - mine was built in 1936. Was the tree part of a forest and allowed to remain? When the homes were built, there were not many at first. Now it is right in the middle of the city.

Back when this tree was young, some milkmen still delivered their products by horse drawn wagons. There were streetcars in the neighbourhood. Now a subway system transports people around the city. And supermarkets have made most milkmen redundant. This tree has seen so many changes.

What has this tree sheltered? Despite being in a city, there is abundant wildlife in the neighbourhood: squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, skunks, raccoons and even an occasional fox. There are a number of different birds, both those that stay and those that pass through on their way north or south. Is the hole in this trunk serving as a home? Do animals burrow under the roots?

If only trees could talk, what stories they would tell!