on to more beautiful topics by (me!) ~tops
when sexy and i were deciding what tree to plant in our front yard.. i immediately suggested what i personally found to be the single most beautiful tree at alden lane nursery
now, of course, competition is fierce.. i mean, the 300, 400 year old valley oaks throughout the nursery.. gorgeous!
but, it was when i was walking, specifically, through the rows, and rows of different trees.. getting a closer look at their leaves, learning for the first (and only) time, really, the names of trees.. common names, botanical/scientific..
and, i did not memorize or lock in the names of so many trees.. just enjoyed reading a little, looking..
but,
when my eyes landed on the row of ginkgos: FULL STOP.
and i had, HAD! to feel several of their leaves with my hands.. the texture! they look so pretty, dainty, feminine, if you will.. but, when you actually feel a ginkgo leaf.. very sturdy! and all pin-strippy..
in that beautiful fan shape. and how they group together.. and the depth of the green..
even write now, when i go to water our ginkgo.. i look at it with such admiration.. and i've already written about how fascinated i am with its history.. as a living fossil.
and as has happened with many different trees now.. (mimosa, for example) after i become intimately acquainted with one.. and learn its name.. i have this feeling that it is all happening for the very first time, but then..
oh! i've been surrounded by that tree my entire life! on campuses, in different neighborhoods and parks.. along freeways.. along hike/bike/walking trails
but i'm just now getting to really notice and see and enjoy and appreciate..
and the other tree that falls in that category.. and came very close to being our front yard tree:
the chinese pistache, or.. pistacia chinensis, if you want sound all fancy
the reason we ultimately decided on the ginkgo, is because so many chinese pistache already populate our neighborhood
and what a glory that is!
when i asked at alden lane, which tree changes color the most dramatically
"chinese pistache."
and it is this very time of year.. the leaves are in transition.. and we may see one tree with just the tiniest hint of yellow.. another with more yellow, and some bright red.. another with dark, light green and golden.. and some with their entire canopy on fire!
the contrast itself.. the beauty of the transition process; we cannot, i don't think, quantify the benefits; how much internal pleasure it provides to us during our walks, drives, biking, hiking
but, if we could...
it would be a pretty big number.
just staring at a chinese pistache, getting a closer look, taking a picture or 12...
i am happier. my immune system strengthened. my mood elevated. my curiosity peaked. my gratitude increases. my attitude improves. my spiritual connection deepens. i am all write with the world
it might also increase my I.Q., E.Q., G.Q, -help me exercise and make better decisions.. it might cure cancer.. prevent any number of diseases... the list goes on..
you get my point.
"Thank You! God -for trees." hallelujah & amen.
posted by SANDRA HARRISON KAY @ 6:11 AM
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