Gratitude Monday -- This Tree

I love all trees, don't get me wrong.
But every so often one stands out from its brothers and sisters.
It gives off a special vibe. It can be a warm invitation, a feeling of fellowship, or security, or kindness.
It truth it can impart a feeling of almost anything and it's that feeling which draws me to it.
Yes, I hug trees. I do it with their permission and yes, they hug back.

We found this spruce in the forest during a walk around Fish Lake yesterday.
It has a magnificent and kindly feel to it.  I stepped away a few times, but it drew me back. I spent a few minutes with it and I am grateful for it, and to it.
I hope to again some day.

Photo-Finish Friday - Colour Guard

The trees along Highway 11 stand tall and show their colours.

Photo-Finish Friday - At the Dance

The forest of Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina. I believe I caught the trees dancing.

The magnificent forest of Tierra del Fuego is one of my favourite spots on Earth. It is relatively undisturbed as it is a national park.
I would love to wander there and spend time in the forest. Yes, I'd talk to the trees, and I have an honest belief that if I could take the time I would hear their response.
Perhaps they might ask me to join their dance.
I would.

In The Trees

A pine siskin waits in the clothes tree before going to the feeder.
An adult male goldfinch checks out his world.

A young evening grosbeak has a look around.

And a young white-throated sparrow has found some good cover.

We've been blessed with plenty of birds this year. It's down a bit from some years, but at least we can keep them fed without being run off our feet.
It's a pleasure to have them around to liven up the place and the young ones are usually okay with posing for a picture.

Gratitude Monday – The Way I See It

I am grateful and happy for the way I see things. Many of us would look at the above pic and see a stump. Other many see that it’s a home for, say, woodpeckers, assorted bugs, moss, fungi, and whatnot.
Many would simply see a dead tree.
I see character. I see a face. I see Grandpa Stumpy giving hell to forest trespassers. And I believe each one of us deserves it.
The branch coming out of its mouth looks like lighting. It suggests some very colourful language from this venerable fellow.
I am so glad I see things this way. It lends an extra dimension to the world around me and for that I am grateful.

Gratitude Monday - A Short Drive From Home

Renders a scene like this.



Even the trees have someone to lean on.

I am very grateful to live where I do.
Turning a corner or climbing a hill opens eyes and hearts to a new wonderful view. Nature has so much to offer. We need only take the moment we are given and enjoy it.

Happy Week, Everybody.

Talk About Gall

This tree has some character. It makes me think of magical forests and I fully expected to see a gnome or small mythological beastie pop its head around from behind it as I took the photo.

Sadly, what the tree has is gall. Something like an insect, bacteria, injury or what-have-you attacked it and changed its hormones.

Peace

It's good to be reminded of the peace and beauty in the world.