The resiliency of an apple tree

or how on earth does this connect to Art ?

Who cares about a tree? I do. Our apple tree has been given a new lease on life .

The tree split dramatically in a heavy rainstorm a few weeks ago . It weighed heavy on me witnessing its apparent demise. It's a grand old apple tree and due to some seasonal anomaly produced far too many apples this season -abundant and overflowing and underdeveloped -weighing those poor old branches down in an unnatural way. A natural catastrophe waiting to unfold.

It had already suffered the indignity and loss of one major limb last summer ..The aftermath was unsettling ..the branch ripped from its base . That jagged bark like a wound .

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Our pig Winston happily worked his way under the felled branches seeking the bounty of apples beneath. He could be heard merrily grunting in a kind of gastronomic paradise. His already mighty girth expanding daily with apple overdose..collapsing in a kind of apple drunk state to snooze in the sun after each nosh.

Two days ago two capable tree climbers severed that broken branch (I couldn’t watch!) and worked their magic to try to save the tree. After the chainsaws aggressive whine was over and the mulcher/chipper turned off I took a peek to see what might have remained of the tree -if anything . ((They had advised us that they would try and save it..) Low and behold there was standing an almost bonsai like apple tree ! With a curved trunk- yet still majestic stance.. The tree guys seemed to think it had enough resources to live and hopefully thrive again someday . Such a tenacious determined survivor this tree is. Time will tell..and my fingers are crossed that no more heavy storms will impede this wonder from along life . Its roots are strong.

How are your roots serving you ?

There have been times like everyone that I don’t feel so strong and robust..yet I understand I still wish to grow and thrive . Experiencing a few losses of late of friends and acquaintances has given me pause.

I do try to think about where I fit in the world as an artist who at times feels my age and perhaps doesn’t completely embrace the ageless badge. Overall I feel my roots keep me firmly planted in the path I have chosen . I bend and break a little like all of us and then start to mend again. The resurrection of my tree and hope for its extended life helps me to have a little faith.

Winston and the Roos post- apple -over- consumption

Here is a little video of my backyard influences of late …weed,wildflower,flow. Enjoy!

Heather