"Don't wish me happiness I don't expect to be happy all the time....It's gotten beyond that somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor. I will need them all." Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Saturday, 18 April 2015

In the forest

I have spent my week back in the forest working. I love this job. My companions are my daughter and these second growth Douglas firs, western hemlocks and red cedars. As I work, a small figure amongst giants I have contemplated how these trees spend their long lives cleaning the air, while providing a sanctuary for the birds who roost, perch or nest in their branches. As I raked I contemplated on the countless cones they have given for many generations of squirrels. I have looked for indian pipe ( monotropa uniflora). Through fungi these flowers are connected to tree roots. Without forests these flowers would cease to exist. I thought about how someday after I am gone the trees will fall and when they do their death brings birth. Young trees are nourished from the fallen tree. In short I have realized that the tree spends it's entire life giving for the benefit of the forest. The tree silently teaches by example the meaning of a well lived life.

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10 comments:

  1. Castles Crowns and Cottages19 April 2015 at 04:20

    AMEN. "A well-lived life" is not just reserved for humans. The entire ecosystem is based on this circular living! And a forest, such a majestic place to contemplate and see this happening. Ronda, you live a rich life more than many could ever understand. LOVE!

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    1. Ronda@islandmother19 April 2015 at 17:52

      Thank you for such a sweet comment. I see you value many of the same things.

      Delete
  2. Kim 19 April 2015 at 06:53

    I think that I would enjoy spending time in the forest. It seems like a quiet, contemplative place, void of the noise suburban life generates. Sometimes the most profound thoughts come out of that quiet and I wish I had more of it in my life. That peace is another gift given by the trees...at least in my humble opinion.

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    1. Ronda@islandmother19 April 2015 at 17:54

      I hope you will search out and find your own forest.

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  3. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice20 April 2015 at 21:26

    I love nothing better than wandering through the forest! You write so eloquently about the beautiful simple moments. It is amazing how that in the death of a tree, it brings life to another animal, such as squirrels, birds, chipmunks, etc. It is an incredible reality to see how perfect the circle of life is because of the creativity of the Creator. I am awed by that every day! Enjoy your time in the forest :)

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    1. Ronda@islandmother22 April 2015 at 19:14

      Thank you. I try to write from the heart because that's the sort of blog I enjoy most.

      Delete
  4. Kim23 April 2015 at 06:25

    Wow! Beautiful post, Ronda!

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  5. Carla from The River24 April 2015 at 09:38

    Hello,
    A beautiful post. I agree!
    I too wish I had more time to spend in nature.
    Carla

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  6. Ronda@islandmother24 April 2015 at 17:44

    Thank you Carla. I enjoy writing and sharing it.

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