March 12, 2011

Vernal Trees.

I love trees.
In any season, in any weather, any kind.
There is something majestic, impressive and almost comforting about this living architecture. Trees are never the same as they change through the seasons, yet they are always constant and always just simply there.

On numerous occasions I have found solace just by gazing at their luscious crowns, as they sway in the summer breeze. Often when everything around me crumbles, resolves or goes trough an unsettling transition, the presence of Birches just outside my windows or Chestnuts and Oaks lining my favorite trails seems to at all times put my mind at ease.

Last weekend, as the first glorious spring weather settled over southern Scandinavia I took a walk near my home, along my favorite natural path, where I often go to seek solitude and tranquility.
I was greeted by spring trees, in all their pristine austerity. Their bare branches, twisting and turning, like natural artwork rising above my head, the colour of earthy dark tones, appeared in such a strong contrast against the azure blue vernal sky, holding so much promise.

Seemingly dead and lifeless, I know that appearance can be so deceiving at times. So much life is preparing to push through, hidden and protected deep within the twigs, beneath the bark, away from the chill of the early spring air.

Glancing at the last traces of snow and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, as I stood in between the seasons, I suddenly knew in no uncertain terms that a change is on the way.

33 comments:

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful post with gorgeous pictures!!!!

Have a great weekend.

Dan said...

You write so beautifully Zuzana! Your descriptions of trees and the solace they give you is touching.
Dan
-x-

Brian Miller said...

these are gorgeous pics...yay...spring is coming...and i am so glad it is...i love trees as well...going out among them this morning for the maple syrup festival...mmm....

Unknown said...

I love trees also Zuzana. nice pics from the new camera. ?? we are finally seeing the yards here and getting warmer temps. woo hoo!! Spring is on the way!! soon the buds will be coming out and flowers popping up. I cannot wait. so tired of winter.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos today, Zuzana.

Bare trees always make me feel cold, but I do love being able to see the real shape of the tree when it loses it's leaves, all spindly and naked against the sky.

Unknown said...

Just gorgeous Zuzana! Oh how I wish I could walk in your neighborhood.. It's beautiful as is this post!
First crocus has bloomed in my garden as early this morning... A change is on the way for sure!

Boz Scenes is up for your enjoyment.. I think you'll like todays photo!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Deb

Gal Friday said...

Is the pinkish tinge of color on the tips of some of those trees...laef buds?!?!:-)
It really does seems at this time of year that the trees are poised for erupting into life, as if we can almost hear the roots underground opening up again in the thawing ground.
You have such a brilliant blue sky in those photos, and your trees are spectacular, even bare as they still are now.

Anonymous said...

Hurray for that wonderful sunny feeling that is spring in the air!

Although over here, we don't rejoice too much as it often snows towards the end of March or even at the beginning of April...

I am drawn to trees - especially old ones that have seen so much history come and go.

G said...

A great post. I share your love of trees, and am struck by how lovely your neighbourhood is. Can you tell us about the lovely black-and-white timbered, thatched-roof buildings?

Kath said...

yes I was interested in that building too, it looks very English ;-D
I too love trees, there is one very early blossoming tree I can see from my window, it looks like balls of cotton wool.
The skies look very blue, how beautiful.

Mike Perry said...

Such beautiful photos. Here in Cornwall, England the trees are awakening from their slumber and they give a positive element to these difficult worlwide times.

Bossy Betty said...

A beautiful, moving post. The tree's growth and beauty really is a metaphor for iife, isn't it?

adrielleroyale said...

Wow, what a fantastic display of beauty! I love how nature can soothe the soul - it's my belief that it was our Creator's intent to soothe through nature when he painted the earth and everything in it so that His presence could be felt everywhere we look. You have as usual captured the majesty of nature so very well!

I so appreciate your visits to my site, your encouragement and kindness always comes through like sunshine through the trees :)

tony said...

Yes, I Sometimes Think That Trees Have Souls.Seriously. They Sum Up All That Is Good In Nature.Perminate & Strong!
Have A Fine Weekend Zuzana

steviewren said...

What a wonderful day. Spring is so delightful. Everyday feels like a gift.

When I left work yesterday afternoon I was stuck by the blue of the sky. It was beautiful.

A Lady's Life said...

beautiful post as usual and the pictures are also very inspiring Thanks :)I too love to watch and lsten to the trees I am a tree hugger. lol

Hilary said...

Spring is so promising and I look forward to those first buds of leaves on our trees. Not yet, but soon. Lovely photos as always, my friend.

Myrna R. said...

Zuzana, what beauty surrounds you. It's little wonder you're inspired to write about it and to photograph it. I love the photos.

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Oh my those colors in the photos are VIBRANT and FULL of life and sunshine!
Gorgeous! The blue of the sky is breath taking!

Anonymous said...

Do you ever climb trees Zuzana? I do it all the time. When you climb a tree, it really feels like nobody can find you.

Ms.Chief loves wigwams! said...

Beautiful post Zuzana, as always & what stunning photographs. The colours are amazing, so vibrant you certainly know when to take the best photo's with gorgeous subjects. Mmmmm I understand wholly , the energy of trees is sooooo nourishing - so revitalising yet soothing. A sacred universe within, a one which often reflects our sacredness too . The one source air we breathe, convesion & utilise, the water we can't live without . . the sunshine & warmth which makes us all blossom :)
Our roots firmly planted into our homes, families & neighbourhood or branches open, reaching far & wide . welcoming - strong, flexible & ooh dear I could ramble on & on about trees . . their Soul, energy & power.
I don't often climb trees but we do have a tree who's trunk splits into 6, creating a hammock style seating area, oh to just rest upon the inherent strength the connectedness to our heaven & earth is awesome. I even take photo' of all the different types of bark & buds. Amazing . . absolutely phenomenal. Thank you for sharing a corner of your beautiful world into mine.

Rajesh said...

I also love trees. I love the way they branch out.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

I have to keep hope, that one of these day, I too will stand between the seasons. One of these days....

Even though we still have a lot of snow cover.

One of these days...

Anonymous said...

Your photos are magical! I love to look at the trees, too. I enjoy them in all seasons, but the bare branches seem to intrigue me the most. The blue color of the sky that day is amazing : )

Jahn 'n Style said...

breathtaking pictures!

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful photographs, Zuzana! The temperatures are in the high 40s here, and I'm looking for signs of Spring, but haven't found any yet. Soon, I hope, soon!
:)
Zuzu

Betsy Brock said...

Oh yes, they are beautiful! That blue sky is the perfect backdrop! Our trees haven't budded yet..they look quite dead and asleep like yours. Fun to think what is just beneath the surface, isn't it?

Digital Flower Pictures said...

I loved the pictures.

SandyCarlson said...

Spring comes beautifully to your part of the world. Glad to see the snow is fading, making way for spring flowers.

I find comfort in the trees, too. They are our friends.

Blogaire said...

You are a true lover of nature Zuzana. Wonderful photos and wonderful words!
I went to our National Botanic Gardens today and also admired the beauty of the huge variety of trees growing there. And you are right - change is on the way! Oh how we wait.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Such beautiful photos Zuzana, signs of spring are everywhere around you. The blue sky is incredible...

Have a wonderful day!

Jeanne
x

Claus said...

beautiful pictures! I love the bare trees against such blue sky!!
I've been researching what type of tree I want in my back patio. I've been wanting a palm tree, but the corner I want get too much shadow, and that wouldn't be good for it. Or would it? I want a tree for sure!, but don't know yet which would be good for that part of the house. The thought of the project, though, is really exciting!

Zuzana said...

Elizabeth, Dan, Brian, Doreen, Di, Deborah, Tina, ladyfi, BPG, Kath, Mike, Betty, adrielle, tony, Stevie, Lady, Hilary, Myrna, Jill, Robin, P, Rajesh, Amelia, LadyCat, Jahn, Zuzu, Betsy, DFP (welcome), Sandy, Blogaire, Jeanne and Claudia – so glad that I could share the first spring day with all of you.;)

As I grow older, I realize that so much beauty and enchantment lies in every season, in every kind of weather and in every month.
Being able to capture that beauty with the lens of my camera and with my words gives me infinite pleasure.

As always, thank you so much for all your kind visits and comments.

Xoxo
Zuzana