Ode to Trees

 

I am an unabashed, proud tree hugger.  Seriously, there is a cottonwood tree on one of Ginzee and my walk routes that I hug regularly.  It gives a great hug back too.  Never succumbs to one of those tee-pee hugs ( I really don't want to do this but feel obligated) or the worse the broom handle hug ( it is hideous to be this close to you but I will endure it).  A tree is always happy to give and receive a hug.

I love to paint trees and have a hard time not putting one of the fabulous Italian cypress trees in the background of every Greve painting.  The acacia's of Africa...be still my heart.  And the graphic design of a birch tree....don't get me started!

You can make them any color, any shape leaf and they are still appealing.  But here is the heart break.

I won't get tinto the details because it is just plain upsetting.  And by upsetting I mean makes my stomach hurt and makes my heart beat fast.  Someone in our neighborhood decided that the spring puddle on the road leading into our spot on earth needed to go.  It was SOOOOOO inconvenient that every tree needed to be cut down so the road could be moved over several feet.  Hundreds of towering spruce, hundreds of ancient birch were mowed down in one afternoon. 

No one wanted this except of handful who apparently held the power, who have some unimaginable hidden agenda.  Petitions were signed, the newspaper was contacted but the person with the most power wins and the trees lost.  No longer will I gasp in wonder when I turn into my little part of the world to the trees thick with hoarfrost.  No more baby moose welcoming me home as they munch on their earthy buffet.  I will now gasp in horror at the scarred earth where a forest use to stand.

You really should hug a tree today.