Introducing, Welcome to my World, a blog challenge created by author Shirley Corder.
Once a week, Shirley will ask participants to write on a particular question that she will provide or a topic of their choice.
This is a splendid opportunity to get acquainted…and perhaps open our minds to alternative possibilities, so I hope you’ll share your thoughts in the comments.
This week’s question is: What do you see as you look out your window today?
I’ve title mine:
Deep Sighs Taken
My office window faces the perennial garden. It’s a lovely distraction of mature flora where cottontails emerge to nibble on the grasses, and nature’s winged creatures flutter. But it’s the ancient oak tree in the center of the garden that I’m most focused on these days.
I am writing a memoir that in part mentions its grandeur. The oak has been home to thousands of birds, a conversation piece, and a hideaway for a treehouse. I had found shelter beneath its expansive canopy while living with my husband and our two young sons in a fifth wheel. We housed our first flock of chicks under the shadow of oak leaves.
Now, years later, the tree appears strong and healthy. But borers have attacked it.
Deep sigh.
Have you ever sat in a beloved tree? Leaned against its trunk with a delightful book, picnicked with family beneath shaded limbs, or shed tears behind its receiving girth? If so, you know its value.
Trees teach us a great deal about growth, observing, purpose, and determination, delightful flavors of fresh-picked food, construction, design, safety, care, and wisdom. (You can read the latter in Proverbs 3:18.)
Genesis 2:9 says trees are “pleasing to the eye.”
Indeed, the majestic oak outside my office window is picturesque. But it’s more than that. It’s nature’s habitat, a symbol of the past, of present-day spiritual nourishment, and the future.
I can’t imagine glancing outside and not seeing the ancient oak. I pray a tree surgeon can heal it. That the oak will remain for many years, long after I publish my memoir.
Dianne Marie Andre 
Outstanding post
Thank you, Sudarshan Paliwal. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Yes I enjoyed
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What a beautiful post – and such a gorgeous tree. We once had a massive apricot tree that never bore fruit. But we refused to prune it as we so enjoyed its dense relaxing shade that covered a large portion of the back yard.
Since I don’t care for apricots, that would have made me very happy. Lol Thanks for stopping by, Shirley.
I absolutely understand your love for this tree! Growing up, we had a giant willow tree in our backyard which formed an inseparable part of our childhood. From playing for hours under the tree to spending the day reading in it’s branches. I really do hope your tree will overcomes this ordeal.
Thank you, Madeleine. We once had a weeping willow grove across from where the oak is. But they got invested with insects some years ago and had to be removed. It was such a peaceful place to read in the hammock. The minute I grabbed a blanket and a book, then opened the door, my dog would run to the hammock. He loved it under the willows.
Trees are such great metaphors! I love your descriptions they evoke memories of my beloved childhood trees! My grandfather also had chickens under the msasa tree! Oak trees have even greater depth of metaphors as they are such ancient trees and I hope your tree doctor can help preserve your tree.
Deryn, thanks for stopping in to support my ancient oak.
Just beautiful – I believe even God himself has His eye on this mighty sculpture of His. Hoping for healing!
Thank you, anonymous, for your encouragement.
That is a beautiful oak! Reading this post brought me back to my childhood. I was always up in my favorite walnut tree in the summer months. There was a perfect sitting branch, that has since been cut off, for the health of the tree. But it seems quite vacant now. What is it with trees? They stir such emotion. Thank you for this treasure Dianne!
We’ll have to cut a limb off, also for the health of the tree. It won’t look the same. I think trees stir emotions because they are home to so many creatures. Home is the best place to be, and visit like you did as a child.