And you thought you had it rough!

Througout the years, I have planted a few trees. When I do, I try to follow the instructions on how big and deep the hole should be, how much soil conditioner is needed, and how often I should water.

Most of the trees survive and eventually grow up. One or two have not. I guess that's the odds.

On a walk in the mountains today, I saw a huge Pine tree that seemingly grew right out from the rock upon which it sat. The roots wrapped around like tenticles and held to the rock and to life tight.

I wondered what would be said if I asked the nursey about planting a seedling on top of a granite boulder. I doubt they would recommend it. Yet there in front of me was a living example that it could work.

Looking at the tree, I had two thoughts. Although I could see it worked once, the method may not be duplicatable for me. And, even if not traditional, sometimes the impossible happens if everything is just right.

In tackling my book projects, I sometimes want to buck conventional wisdom and do it my own way, avoid the hard parts and spell any word and tweak any grammar rule any way I damned well please.

Yeah, it might work but ultimately it might be harder than just following the proven methods. I must remember there are more rocks without trees than there are with.

But if you get it to work just that one time...

Food for Thought

I love Fall! The cool weather, the relaxed feel, and of course the Fall colors on the trees.
Leaving my office yesterday, I couldn't help but notice the brilliant color of the tree pictured with this entry.
And I had a thought.
Through the myriad of school papers my kids have done over the years, I have learned that red leaves mean that the tree was well fed at the time of the color change. The brighter the color, the better the year or better fed the tree had been.
Isn't that like us?
When it comes time to write a book, or create a speech, or when your thinking skills are called to task, the more food behind the thought the more brilliant you can be.
Reed a book, follow current events, watch life around you. Be inspired, constantly feeding the brain and cultivating your thoughts.
It's not just more interesting but you might end up being the beautiful one shining amongst the ordinary.

First Snow at the Lake

Tricky walking but a beautiful Saturday morning walk with the Mrs. sans kids.