Winter Trees

Category: Miscellaneous | Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 10:03 am

There's one thing I do like about winter. And it's that it makes all the other seasons so more attractive.
Without it, there would be no preferences.
A friend of mine, who I was at art college with, used to comment on how much more interesting trees are in their skeletal form, than when in leaf.
I know what he means, but I'm not sure.
Trees without leaves are like a party without food and wine. Just a bare table.
The table might be a richly grained, highly polished example of craftsmanship - but until it's laden with goodies it's not actually doing anything practical.
For me, a tree looks more majestic with its cloak of leaves.
It's also so much more practical, pumping out masses of oxygen for us while we sleep, and providing inviting dappled shade when we need to retire from the sun's glare.
Therefore my own preference is for rich leafy boughs rather than the empty ones.
Now, getting deeper into February - probably Britain's bleakest, most undesirable month - I look out of my window at the bare cold trees in the near distance, and wonder what can I possibly write for my blog today that will help cheer me up.
Each branch out there is a damp vantage point for cold fluffed up passing birds seeking winter food.
I have to console myself with the thought that this is necessary to make the Spring, Summer and Autumn that much more special.
And there have been some excellent woodland strolls.
With the necessary protection of trainers (a thorn in the foot isn't a good idea), I used to enjoy this special time in the drowsily warm summer woods of Surrey - or when a vast sea of bluebells carpets the woodland floor in the late Spring. I believe this is the real world of the true naturist. Sun, sea and sand isn't everything - seeking the dappled glades deep in the countryside, surrounded by corn fields, hedgerows and wild beauty, is just as welcoming.
This will sound corny, but I show deep respect to Mother Nature on equal terms, stealing nothing, and leaving nothing...except footprints.
I'm hesitant about inserting another of my 'pot bellied pinup' pics here as it won't be to everyone's interest, but anyone with a genuine interest in naturism can PM me if they want, for a link to a (censored) photo album. It's something and nothing. I'll leave the choice open.

There have been many times I've admired a particular wild plant, thinking that would look good in my garden. Maybe a lush fern, primrose or wild orchid.
But no. It's meant to be exactly where it is. That's why I come here. To see it in all its glory.

It appalls me how some folk treat the natural world as a handy tip. Coke cans, plastic bags and all the rubbish they can't be bothered to take home. This is all strewn about in their 'Who gives a toss?' attitude. It makes no sense.
They go to enjoy the outdoor scenery and then destruct it.
It makes my blood boil.

Last edited: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:52 am

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pondlady wrote on Thu Feb 08, 2007 1:36 pm:

I love the architecture of the winter tree. It stands there in its starkness as if to remind us that it, too, must sleep before starting work again tomorrow. My eyes see beauty in the patterns and the strength.
We shall not soon have an earth to destroy. We will have done so. The earth will continue on, but without the organism that contributes to its imminent demise. The earth is a living organism that we are a part of and we are strangling ourselves.

muddybob wrote on Thu Feb 08, 2007 4:31 pm:

I've heard the expression "clothes make the man" many a time. I just don't know what to make of a man with out them!
I keep telling myself that winter is just as long as any other season and it helps me through the dark months. Of course I'm no longing to take my clothes off out there either. That could be dangerous if Bob the horse got a little nippy as he is prone to do! Lady Godiva I am not.

muddy

Desert Rat wrote on Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:46 pm:

Good thoughts and fine writing. Very fine blogging.

Gardenstew wrote on Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:47 pm:

Having something denied from you for a period so that you can appreciate it again is a curious and strange necessity I think many are missing in today's world (I talk mainly of media and entertainment). When it comes to nature though you have no choice but to grin and bear it and pine after the rewards of spring. And when they do return oh what a rush!

Keep on blogging Pete!

devonpete wrote on Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:59 pm:

I'm with you on that one Gardenstew...'must have it now' shoppaholism. I still run a steam gramophone with enjoyment and would be sad to have it disappear even for a month. I've been guilty to some extent in the past of rushing out and buying a gizmo that I could have lived quite easily without.
I hope I'm not quite so gullible now.
Muddybob has made an interesting observation. I certainly know the saying 'Clothes make the man', and it's OK not to know what to make of one who doesn't have any, as there's nothing much left to make of it anyway.
I have to stress that I can turn out as smart at a social gathering as any other.
I think the saying refers mainly to meticulous attention in his choice of wardrobe - something a naturist can easily bypass.
All I know is that I tried it out of curiosity years ago, and realised from then on that
it is so liberating not having to hide all the time shamefully behind togs if, and this is the important bit, if it isn't necessary.

muddybob wrote on Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:54 pm:

Yes Pete, I know that expression refers to wardrobe choices. I was having a bit of a joke. If everyone were the same what a dull world this would be. I hope I did not imply any disaproval because there is none whatsoever.

muddy

devonpete wrote on Fri Feb 09, 2007 7:13 pm:

Hi Muddybob...no problems - no disapproval perceived. I can only apologise if I tend to want to share too much of my lifestyle 'eccentricities' in my blogging...
but as you so rightly say, if we were all the same, welcome to Dullsville.