Photos Copyright: Maggie May
When a friend asked me if I would like to go to Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire for a day trip, I jumped at the idea.
I had been once before in the Autumn time when the trees were all reds and yellows and copper colours and leaves crunched underfoot. On that occasion I had gone as a school helper and the small group of children that I was given to look after, were a lively bunch and ran off in all directions. There hadn't been any time at all to soak up the beauty of the surroundings. I was far too busy catching up with them and making sure that I didn't lose anybody.
This time, being June, there was a completely different feel to the place and there were rhododendrons in bloom and everything looked bright green. I went armed with my camera and D and I stopped many times to take pictures and gaze at the beauty of the place, noticing the contrasts of light and shade on the many different colours of green and quite often on the coppery red colour of Japanese Maples.
We went armed with all sorts of equipment to stave off the rain because it had been forecast and the sky looked somewhat over cast at times.
However, as the day progressed, it became obvious that we were going to be lucky with the weather.
The grounds are quite vast and were once owned by a private family but have now been opened to the public.
D and I walked a good few hours and it was wonderful to see the beauty of the place and to be part of it for a fair sized chunk of the day. We ate our sandwiches and drank our drinks before walking some more and going back home.
Whilst looking at the wonderful array of beautiful trees, I started to think how sturdy they are and how long they must have been standing there. A good few were much older than my 68 years. What a story they could tell if only they could speak. All the changes that had happened and different people that they must have seen, if they were able to see over the years.
I also started to think about their roots.
The roots on all the big trees must go down very deeply and spread out widely.
People also need to make roots in their lives. We need to be firmly rooted in our friendships and our beliefs, anchoring ourselves down so that we would withstand all but the most ferocious storm. Spreading out our friendships and sharing our beliefs.
All these striking differences in the structure and the colour and the leaves, makes me think how wonderful it is that we are all so different and yet we are all part of the same *forest.*
*The trees of the Lord are well watered.* Psalm 104 v 16 NIV
34 comments:
Wow. that's an incredible forest. It looks so very fairy tale like.
I am truly amazed by some of these pictures. The massive roots. The beauty.
Maggie...a beautiful comparison...love your analogies of roots and leaves in nature to people....very powerful, Maggie.
These photographs are beautiful, and I'm glad that you were able to go when you weren't a chaperone...so that you could soak in the beauty of the arboretum.
Thank you for taking me with you on your trip through Westonbirt Arboretum.
Love,
Jackie
Maggie some people just have a knack to take fantastic photos and you my friend are one of them. I love the lush greens and I so agree with you, we need to be rooted in the 3 F's, family, friends and faith.....also being close to nature and all the seasons make for a very contented life. Be well my friend....:-)Hugs
What a beautiful post Maggie. Like always - you say it perfectly.
I love trees. The Big Blue Barn is surrounded by massive trees. You can see them from the highway as you drive up to our little town and they are the tallest trees in the area they are so old. The town was built around this original farm and its trees.
There is something that feels very enduring about large trees even though at some time they will fall.
On those really rough days - I love to look out at my trees - and I am only a custodian of them for a little while - and watch the birds who have made the trees their home. They feel safe in them and around them - and so do I.
I love what you said about spreading out our roots, and friendship. You're so RIGHT !!
The photographs are just beautiful.
Thank you. I needed this today.
Those are gorgeous photographs, Maggie. You do a good job. I'm afraid I do very poorly on friends, family and faith. I have very little. It doesn't bode well for me.
Hugs!
Beautiful sights, Maggie. Glad you took us along on this visit to the Arboretum. Your commentary was wise indeed. Hope you are feeling better and stronger.
I've been a few times to Westonbirt, but always in the autumn. I must try some other times of year. It's always been freezing cold, whenever I've been. I'm glad that you had a good time and I loved your analogy.
Lovely photos Maggie...and very wise words too xxx
That's full of lovely sentiments Maggie, it made me think.
Great pics of incredible trees, I never think to go there unless it is autumn.
(Had you down as late 50's)
:)
Yes a beautiful place indeed. I have been there once and it was in Autumn but I take your point that now would be a good time to visit as well. Great photographs. Luv Eddie
What a beautiful place and a wonderful reminder to remember our root. And to take time to see and hear what the forest has to say.
Lovely
Hugs
SueAnn
What gorgeous photos of a beautiful place! AND I love your thoughts about relationships...so very true...and such a wonderful reminder. You've been in my thoughts a lot lately...I am still rejoicing with you...and want you to know that not a day goes by that I don't think of and pray for you!! Love you so very much, dearest Maggie!! Always, Janine XO
Great thoughts Maggie and so true. It's funny isn't it how a visit to a place like the arboretum gives you pause for thought. I have only once visited Westonbirt and that was in the autumn - we have some lovely photos too. A x
How true about a storm having the ability to tear our roots from the ground. I am glad you are deeply planted, Maggie!
xoAmy
I like the comparisons you make Maggie and the photos are wonderful. :)
Terrific analogy about the roots and trees and people! If only people could put down roots and befriend all the others around themselves in the process too! If only!
What a lovely post, Maggie May, and beautiful photos to accompany it. There is something about old trees that makes one feel philosophic, I think. To think of all the changes they've seen and the storms they have weathered. Yes, roots are the most important of all to keep you standing upright in the midst of what life sends you.
Maggie, I needed this walk among the trees. Thank you. And your reflections on "making roots" are wise. Yes, we have to make those connections. So important.
Nice though, Maggie, about us all being intertwined underneath it all. Swell photos, too. I could go for a nice walk in the woods right about now, myself. Maybe this weekend.
What beautiful scenes! They lift one's spirit.
I just found you through Rosaria's blog. When I read your profile, I felt an instant connection. I'm a grandmother also. And a full time caregiver of a disabled daughter. At age 70 I'm about to get my first novel published! Good things happen, sad things happen as we get older. We face health problems such as yours, among other challenges. Good wishes to you!!
What a beautiful place. June has been good to us, too--plenty of rain and sunshine to bring out all of the greens. I enjoyed your reflections.
amazing post..so true about the trees and the roots...what amazing stories they could tell!!so glad you had a wonderful day!
Just stopping by to let you know that you are in my thoughts!! And to send you my love!! ~Janine XO
There's an award for you over at mine, if you'd like it Maggie:
http://ayak-turkishdelight.blogspot.com/2010/06/awards.html
You photos are always so beautiful. I loves trees and I often think of their big strong roots. I love your comparison of roots, strong roots to people in our lives. I have always thought of friends and family as sheltering trees, held up by strong roots. Those trees/ roots need to be nurtured and cared for, just like our loved one. Faith, family and friends, it really is what life is all about.
Thank you for sharing your amazing photos.
XXXXX
Beautiful photos and sentiments, Maggie. I like how you think.
Congrats on your POTW Maggie!!
Hugs
SueAnn
This is a lovely post and your photos are just beautiful. Congratulations on being chosen as on of Hilary's Posts of the Week.
I loved the analogies... what wonderful comparisons you have made.
Congrats on your POTW!!! :)
What a love group of pictures! Congratulations on the post of the week mention over at Hilary's blog, it was well deserved.
I enjoyed your thoughts on roots, by the way. We do indeed need them in a life.
There is something awe-inspiring about woods. The sentinels to the passage of time, the evidence of how long they have stood, and hopefully will stand.
What a perfect post - beautiful pictures and beautiful thoughts too! I felt so peaceful reading this.
Hope you are well. Love & best wishes,
Maria
What a marvellous post, Maggie. Keep well and keep strong! Hugs Hadriana xx
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