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Rebecca C.'s avatar

Resonant, as ever. I’m reading the Hidden Life of Trees now. Highly recommend.

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Lisa Jensen's avatar

I LOVE THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES!!!

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Rebecca C.'s avatar

Of course you do!

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Debra Schweitzer's avatar

Your writing - amazing

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Lisa Jensen's avatar

Thanks, sweetheart!

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Keith Aron's avatar

This is a beautiful post, Lisa. I'm feeling supported today by all the evidence of life outside my window: the tender green of spring, the circling turkey vultures, robins pecking in the grass, even the stinkbugs somehow making their way through my screens.

Before I moved into my new home, some of the best grieving I did was walking in a favorite park in my (now previous) neighborhood, leaning my cheek against the scratchy bark of the tall pines, feeling them holding me as I felt the anticipatory loss of their company. I really can't think of any sturdier source of support than those majestic, wise arboreal wizards. However, as I unpacked books after my move, I felt fortified at the sight of those beloved books that have been with me through thick and thin for decades of life. I heard my mother's voice, repeating what her father told her: "you will always have a friend in a book." So true.

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Lisa Jensen's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this, Keith! I hope you’ll soon find new tree pals where you live. About a year ago, I moved almost all of my books into my bedroom. Now when I wake up in the morning, I can turn way to see a wall of beloved books or the other way to see my friend the Silver Maple. It’s a nice way to start each day!

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Priscilla Stuckey's avatar

What is helping me connect? Why, your words right here! A moment to breathe, and thank all the trees I've leaned on. Thanks too for the David Whyte poem, one I didn't know. His accounting of the supporters made me smile: "You must note / the way the soap dish enables you, / or the window latch grants you freedom." Obviously my own list of supporters isn't long enough! :-)

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Lisa Jensen's avatar

Thank you so much, Priscilla! I love that poem, too. Once we begin including soap dishes and window latches among our supporters, the list becomes very long, eclectic, and amusing!

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Kara Norman's avatar

My children constantly support me, in ways that are such a mind-eff because care support is such a grind! But when I breathe and see what’s in front of me, the light in their eyes is so real and star-filled…I lapped up this love song to your tree (and those back bends!!) Honestly, I would not be sane without trees, they have caught and given back to me so many of my songs 💞💞 I am also trying to lean on books again for support. After a stressful move my mind has been unable to settle for long periods but I’m trying to work up its muscles again…

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Lisa Jensen's avatar

I love what you wrote - "when I breathe and see what's in front of me" - that's the essential, life-giving, and so-easy-to-forget part, isn't it?

Trees and books. I would be lost without them! Thank you for sharing your experiences, Kara!

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Michael Mohr's avatar

❤️👌

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