17 Comments
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Susan Mulder's avatar

Ah, I took you a long to run my errands and you sweet words and soft voice soothedy spirit along the way. My trees are resting in a February drowse from too much cold and too little light, but soon, I hope, I can meet with them again💚

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Laura B.'s avatar

I love running errands with you.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

what a beautiful picture of you, friend ...

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Laura B.'s avatar

Thank you, Linda! Must be all that fresh air lending a happy aura!

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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

"Forest bathing" agrees with you! 💚

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Laura B.'s avatar

Thank you, friend 😊. It does make me feel young again!

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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

This was delightful. Those Belden Lane quotes are wonderful. Trees hold a special place in my heart. I like to be with them and just listen and feel. I tend to "hear" a tree with, as Rumi says, with the ears of my heart. Another of my very favorite writers says of trees that they bespeak a generosity of spirit (Annie Dillard). That is always true. Thanks for the mention! 💚

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Laura B.'s avatar

My pleasure, Julie. I loved Heartwood so and because it is obvious it is written from such a place of deep love for trees. Rumi and Annie? We are in good company.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Laura. I took some time away from the city with my siblings and cousin. We were surrounded by lush trees and breathing fresh air. Your writing was timely and brought me back to that place.

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Laura B.'s avatar

You’ve been in my thoughts, Stella. I pray the time with family was a gift in the grieving. I’m glad the trees could give you some of their song to comfort too.

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Simply Soul Searching Karen :)'s avatar

I have always appreciated trees... as a child, we loved climbing our neighbor's cherry trees, perching on a sturdy branch, savoring the sweet and tart fruit, then spitting the pits onto the ground. Your words deepen my appreciation into reverence. Thank you again for your beautiful thoughts.

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Laura B.'s avatar

I love imagining you climbing those cherry trees, Karen! Kids don’t do nearly enough tree-climbing these days, do they? This has me thinking about the many things lost in that simple loss.

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April Bumgardner's avatar

Sunlight and trees are a beautiful backdrop for you. That is a lovely photo of you!

Something about the Deut. and Revelation passages remind me of Atticus Finch’s lesson of never killing a mockingbird. Or more precisely, the other way around.

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Laura B.'s avatar

Thank you, April. The fresh air makes me so happy. Lovely observation about Atticus and those passages. I need to re-read Ravished by Beauty…but first I hope to refresh on all things Christian Wiman before April!

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Ada Boggess's avatar

Beautiful, Laura! I love to talk to trees, flowers, birds, and all the creatures that surround my home! When you were born, God brought a very special human being into our world.

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Laura B.'s avatar

Thank you, Ada. Takes one to know one … ☺️

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Katie Andraski's avatar

This is so beautifully written. Thank you. I lived trees that way too.

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