Birch Trees are Sacred
We live by the sea, we have lots of oaks, many maples, half a dozen ash trees, we have pines and spruce. I’ve cut many of the species above and never had to hold a discussion about why or should we. Our house is central to the neighborhood. If anyone has asked permission to remove a tree the answer almost always has been yes…except when it’s a birch. We discuss, we debate, it sometimes takes years. Yes, they are pretty, but it seems like there is something else. Even when a birch is blocking our view on our property, we debate. It seems like a birch has a soul.
Our affinity for this tree surprises me. We have a stand of birches that is in the very center of our ocean view. In a span of 30 years they block no one else’s view. I’ve trimmed, thinned, topped, I’ve cut them back twice all the way to the ground, only to have them leap back to the sun and sky. I am more thoughtful and patient with birch trees than I am with my own children.
I will admit, I don’t fully understand why I should struggle so with this tree. Yes it is beautiful, yes it is dramatically different than any other tree, yes it’s white when other trees are brown, and yet I honor and celebrate this tree above all others.
If, if, if there are other birch tree lovers out there, you may be mystically drawn to our birch tree series. If you have an answer to my birch tree mystery I’d love to hear from you. – R.H.P.
Thick raised frame in silver. Sky antique-blackened. Leaves on trees made from tiny, dust-sized, dust-like particles of pure gold nuggets panned from mountain streams. Fallen leaves the same. Each piece is a majestic one-of-a-kind. If it’s ever done again, because it’s all handmade, similar? Yes. Identical? Never.
