loving art, science and creative kids

 Trees fascinate me, but this one in particular caught my imagination. It is full of life and reminds me of my journey through life with its many curved pathways and diversions. I keep its picture on my desktop to marvel at how it appears simultaneously wild and serene.  It’s unorthodox. Nothing about it is understandable, but everything about it flows into a cohesive whole that provides summer shade, perches for birds, a structure for children to test their climbing skills, and a place for lovers to read poetry while marveling at nature’s beauty.

  This tree is old and gnarled having had to twist and turn to accommodate itself to unsuspecting ups and downs. If you look closely you will see ir has endured many wounds, yet they healed over time and allowed the tree to continue to grow strong. It reaches out for light yet hovers near the ground within reach of all who chose to learn from its wisdom. I imagine its roots growing deep, allowing it to communicate to the other organic organisms living nearby. 

The Santiam Pass painting to the left depicts one of many devastating burns occurring all too often throughout the planet.  It is what the landscape resembles in the Jefferson National Forest, Oregon after fire burned 40,418 acres.  It took 2,300 fire personnel and $38 million to contain the damage. Unfortunately this scenario a common one throughout the globe. 

  The  painting to the right is of the Pearl District in Portland, and is representative of  cities that have eliminated  forests to make way for paved streets  and high rise apartments. Dwellers unwittingly replaced fresh clean air with dirt and pollution that blackens their lungs.

Malheur Sunset depicts eastern Oregon where trees provide places for song birds to rest from their daily search for food and water. Unfortunately, this wildlife reserve suffers from drought and the number of migrating birds stopping to water along their way north have diminished. 

  The Tree, to the right is  a 3 D rendition of a rich Pennsylvania landscape. It  demonstrates what can be when farmers take care of their land rather than strip it dry. The tree and surrounding farmland supported generations of Amish families who farm organically. Trees create oxygen for them to breathe deeply without fear of being poisoned and carry away carbon dioxide and other toxins that might ruin their lungs.

Each of us is responsible for nurturing the earth. By caring for one little seedling we can overcome centuries of destruction caused by generations of people who have put the earth in crisis mode. Let’s take care of the land and protect a green earth.