We see trees. What more do we need?
Maira Kalman
Here is 2019. The new beginning is a special time of the year.
Darker days are good news for nerds and introverts allowing us maximum time to read and journal. I’ve been mooching about with spider diagrams and wanting to grasp every attractive idea that flies past my head. But beware the flirtatious idea! It takes time to find the right idea, at the right time, so I’m being cautious and conducting interviews with these ideas to find out more about them!
Trees are standing tall and strong around me. I know that much. They both burrow down into the earth and reach up into the sky. Powerful yet yielding. They are surely communicating and in a relationship with each other, and in some way, we are part of their world.
Then by coincidence this month I was browsing the Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. It seems that science has now proven that trees have a vibrant intelligence which allows them to communicate, make decisions and look after each other. Trees are able to assess weather conditions as to if they should flower, or leaf. They can send moisture to younger saplings in their tree families. They communicate through their root systems and can warn each other about impending trespassers or a storm that might be on the horizon.
This is the kind of information that stops me in my tracks with excitement. How the forest tunes in and is more alive than we understand, that the trees actually notice our presence? It kind of makes sense to me and I hope to some of you as well. Because the older I get the more I think we are not meant to be here on this planet in such numbers. That maybe our contribution to the planet is a very negative one and is felt by the other species.
Talking to trees has given me an idea for my word of the year 2019. It is also inspired by Sharon Blackie whose books The Enchanted Life and If Women Rose Rooted I have been reading over the last while. I first quoted her this time last year. Here…….
It’s the word “Rooted.”
Rooted is about strength. Withstanding the turmoil yet at the same time reaching out to the wider world. It’s a grounded connection; earthed, stable, enmeshed and deep. You can be rooted to the spot in amazement! It’s also a great word for rummaging. And even the word for an animal with it’s snout in the earth rooting for worms!
It’s going to be a year of challenges for many of us. Staying strong in the westerly gales, like these rooted friends, will be a good place to start.
Dear Catherine,
Oh ! welcoming a new year with such a word and images ! it sounds like a deep breath and arms wide open to the forthcoming journey. Thank you.
Life of trees is indeed fascinating and I was awed by the many hidden marvels of the book too.
Let’s enjoy the new year !
Hi Amelie! How great to hear from you. I seem to have lost contact with lots of blogging friends but part of 2019 will be renewing all that for me. Need that inspiration! 2018 wasn’t a great year so yes, let’s enjoy 2019 xx
I just want to crawl into that third image. I love trees in winter…all mighty and barren….so majestic. I love that quote from last year…I made a note of it to read it every few weeks as a reminder how powerful we really are! Love your word you picked too. Perfect. Yes, a tough year ahead…but having these soulful welcoming places to come to really will help. Sending love across the pond…xo
Yessss! Powerful indeed. I need every bit of every powerful image and icon I can muster!! And also looking forward to connecting with the tribe of women bloggers of our age over the next year. So much wisdom to share. xx
Love this Cath. Rooted is a powerful word to tuck down your jumper. Mine is S t r e t c h – relating to mind, body and soul. Here’s to 2019 and all it may gift.
O I love that….streeeeeeeeeeeeeetch…….can I stretch alongside you!!
It was fun seeing the graphic images of the trees, then reading about your muse with “spider diagrams” . I immediately reflected on the trees thinking they mimic spider diagrams, although less structured (which is what makes the trees so much fun). Trees are much more fluid in their “branching” compared to the structure of the spider web. One’s life can mirror the structure of a tree more than a spiders’ perfect form…moving out from the center to a wider area, depending upon the space it occupies. Life can mimic a tree much more with it’s grounding in the earth from seed to its many branches, some smaller and some larger, showing the pattern of our own lives. We may have one main branch going up like a conical tree or multiple variation of branches, representing the paths that we take in our life. Each branch reflects a decision, some we made for ourselves and some made for us. I identify with an old oak tree myself! https://www.flickr.com/photos/metigoshi/24128898420/in/album-72157663558745766/
An old oak is a powerful tree!! I’m talking to all sorts and even hanging around with saplings!! Long may they thrive and endure…..
Rooted is a wonderful word for the year. I’ll be thinking of that the next time I pass the trees on my daily walk. Thank you.
Thanks Grace. Chuffed to hear that from a brilliant wordsmith such as yourself!
Such mysterious and magical photos. I’ve been studying the winter look of trees, the way they are stripped down to the bone. Funny I would land on that word…
I haven’t read the hidden life of trees, but I heard the topic of tree societies and how they communicate and take care of each other on a podcast. I was struck that they are much more sophisticated and generous than humans are. I do love the word rooted and use such imagery frequently when I’m feeling scattered and overwhelmed to settle myself down.
Good luck with your idea interviews!
Yes dem bones again!! Their skeletal nature added to their seeming vulnerability in winter is really feeding my soul right now. But they are sooooo strong and there’s more to them than meets the eye. Like us! Onwards, rooted and powerful!! x
I really share your love for the old trees, such wonderful photos you took of these, so your new word makes perfect sense!
Hi Susan! Yes their presence is giving me great strength at the moment. Even though they are naked and vulnerable, I just wonder at their skeletal structure. Aren’t they very co-operative posers too, always obliging this photographer anyway!! Happy New Year to you and Himself xx