Ever since Lisa-Jo started this little series, I’ve been daring myself to take part in it. She invites us to set the clock for 5 minutes and “just write and not worry if it’s just right.” This weeks prompt is On Distance.
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A tree fell in our neighbors yard last week. The storm came unexpectedly, at least to me. It was 3 am when the kids woke us up, and even The Man whispered to me Let’s go downstairs. He sleeps through storms, never takes cover.
So the next morning when the sun came out and we walked outside to see what damage had been done, we saw the tree lay long across the cul-de-sac. And I remembered my thing for trees. They have seen so much, so many families living here, so many stories lived out beneath them. They hold within them secrets of community life, people who live so close to one another, yet so far from connection.
I love to see names carved in a tree. It’s probably bad for the tree, but it’s good for my soul: these people were here, so many years ago. Far away in time, but right here where my hand touches.
My sister and I spent years of our childhood on a tree beside our grandmothers house in southern Indiana. We loved that tree, that house. We loved to hang and sit from it’s branches and make soup from it’s berries. But that was a long time ago.
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Are you a writer in need of a jump start? Join us a Lisa-Jo’s place this morning. Dare yourself to write in freedom without worry about the outcome. It might do your heart a world of good.
I think you’ve got the beginnings of something good. I love your posts on art. Your blog is one of my favorites.
debbie bailey´s last [type] ..Information Overload
Hey Emily, popping over from Lisa-Jo’s this morning (though I read every post you write!)
I love trees, too. I know exactly what you mean, though I’ve never been able to put it into words like this. I’ve always grown up with massive trees, and would have a difficult time in a big city with few trees.
Thanks for this post this morning! It reminds me to give thanks for the old trees I see every day!
Monica´s last [type] ..Why Are we Surprised
WooHoo, I have been wondering when you would join in. LOVED reading this Emily! I love old tree’s and tend to focus more on them than on any other subject when I have camera in hand. Their beauty leaves me speechless.
Rambling Heather´s last [type] ..On Distance
I love this post – you ramble well! I just want to sit and keep listening to you. Can I do that? Can you write more than five minutes? Please?
Kelly Sauer´s last [type] ..A Restless Heart Breathe Deep- Empty
ok… REALLY great challenge! love it. and of course, you did a lovely job!
misty´s last [type] ..All Grown Up Now
I love you and your words. That is all.
I can only imagine what would come out of my mouth if I were to ramble for 5 minutes!
I have always loved trees too, especially the big, spread out oaks. I remember as a kid climbing trees, of course, but I also remember a big tree falling in our yard and it lie there for days. It was awesome to *build* forts and huts in those branches of the tree as it lay there…
Thanks for the memories!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..Does having less stuff make life easier
What a gorgeous post! There’s something so powerful and eternal about trees…
Cxx
Claire´s last [type] ..Five Minute Friday- On Distance
Pardon my language, but holy crap! You wrote that in 5 minutes!!! That would take me an entire day to write. Some of us do and some of us don’t…
Meg´s last [type] ..Oolala!
I love the picture you drew with the tree holding onto time, connecting one generation to another, one experience with another. Memories. I love history and the wonder of who and what – right here – a century ago. It’s fascinating. Nice post.
Theresa@HeavenlyGlimpses´s last [type] ..Five Minute Friday- On Distance
Your posts on art are so encouraging. so inspiring. i keep coming back to them. I love the idea, the practice of making art for art sake, without worry about judgement or an end product, or what others will think. just making art as art itself.
So many stories lived out, right there beneath the trees – love this thought. And I love Lisa-Jo’s place too
Jamie @ Six Bricks High´s last [type] ..Five Minute Friday- On Distance
Love those 5 minutes…
My daddy carved my initials and a heart in a Magnolia tree beside my grandparents home. The tree is gone and they are too, my daddy and my grandparents. The lady who lives there now indulges me so kindly…she lets me visit! It’s “The House that Built Me”.
That is so beautiful. And so sad, actually. And that song? Absolutely cannot listen to it without crying like a ridiculous baby. It came on while I was on the treadmill at the gym and I’m not kidding you, I cried then, too!
Emily´s last [type] ..five minute friday
Love your challenge, and as always, you did an amazing job!
Pattyann´s last [type] ..You Must Believe
I may have to try this one day! Loved this post!
Barbie´s last [type] ..Faithful Blogging
Love your 5 minutes and the picture you paint with your words…you are so good at that…and love Lisa-Jo’s prompts too
jenny´s last [type] ..Love Will Go The Distance
Delicious. Leaves me wanting much more.
Laura´s last [type] ..Q is for