Winter peace...

They are beautiful in their peace, they are wise in their silence.

They will stand after we are dust.  They teach us, and we tend them.

Galeain ip Altiem MacDunelmor

In our backyard stands a picture of strength and patience.   In graceful elegance, she stands strong...day after day...a silent reminder of the just how fragile and fleeting life is.  As I stood in the chill of this winter morning, I could hear the echoes of laughter from our grandchildren that climb this old friend in summer....see the gold of the Monarchs that flutter amongst the fall colored leaves....see  the pink of the blossoms that burst from her gnarled branches in spring...and  the smiles on the faces of the families and couples I've photographed wrapped in the leaves from her arms.     She shades us from the bake of late summer sunshine....and shelters us from the winter winds and snow.  Long after I'm gone, she'll still stand there.....holding within her branches the memories that have filled our lives with joy. 

Simple joys on a peaceful morning with a silent friend in my own backyard.