Still Growing

Anything I’ve ever done that ultimately was worthwhile… initially scared me to death.  ~Betty Bender

I study trees a lot. I’m fascinated with the way they overcome adversity. They are experts at self healing. They can be scarred with holes, knots, and fungus. Still they carry on. I admire their scars for the strength they show.

I admire the way they hang on.

Even when they’re knocked down, they repurpose. They become a home for other beings. An interesting part of the landscape.

I study every line, every variation in bark, the way the light filters through the branches. 

Even the Brew Babes have started to contemplate the wonder of it all.

I want to understand how this works — this being scarred, but still growing.

I’ve been doing some scary stuff lately. Scary for me anyway. Stuff where I might look stupid. Stuff where I might be rejected. Stuff that is not completely thought out. Stuff that is a bit outside my everyday realm and I’m not sure if I’m doing it right.
And you know what? I’m excited! I think I’m even okay with rejection. It means I’m trying, which is better than playing it safe. 

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6 Comments

  1. I love this post!!! Trees have always fascinated me, so I connect with that, but I love this part of you ~ that reflective, contemplative and quirky part. Your pictures are just amazing. I want to take this whole post and make a copy for me to just look at and ponder over and over. Thank you! Will my life ever get normal again so we can play? We are way overdue for a get-together;-) K

  2. Wow- super cool post. I’ve noticed all the same things about trees. Another cool thing is that they’re sort of *busy doing all this adapting and growing* as long as they are alive. That’s how I want to be– I’ll be done when I’m done, and then as part of this closed eco system my body will become part of the earth. The rest of me?– I guess more adapting!

  3. You’re so right! I’m happy you’re being daring – after all, we only have one life.

    We have a lot to learn from trees.

  4. Kathleen – You are a kindred tree woman. I knew it from the start. And yes, we will get together soon. I want to see this haven of beauty you’re building.

    Samantha – Thank you!

    (p.s. for those who haven’t checked out Samantha’s blog, you should. She always makes me laugh.)

    Sue – Exactly! That’s why I’m drawn to the trees that you make.

    Lori – Thanks!

    Lady fi – I don’t know why I’ve wasted so much time but I’m making up for it now.

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