Several years ago, I started a habit of picking a tree, bush, or garden spot to photograph on the first of each month. The idea was to record growth and change. And also to be able and go back and work into writing (when suitable) time of buds, blossoms, new leaves, and colored foliage.
In 2024, I selected a flowering tree near my home. Here’s the January photo.
Standing straight, this tree appears ready for the challenge of a new year. Will it face drought? Overabundant rain? A gentle spring? Or a freeze-thaw cycle severe enough to interfere with blossoms and leaves.
On the first of December, actually the final day of November, Mother Nature decorated the same tree with the first — and as of the date of this writing, only — snow of the season. Still standing tall, perhaps a little taller than January, the tree appears to welcome the snow. Time to rest without leaves. Let’s hope roots are deeper than the frost line will go this winter. After all — in St. Louis, winter weather varies from day to day as well as year to year.
Are you ready to dig deep and hold on tight through any winter storm? Are your branches sturdy enough to withstand a glaze of ice? Unlike this tree, standing in a solidary position, reach out to neighbors and friends when the cold wind blows or the rain and fog of daily life hide your future.
In the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, immigrants set out from Europe to make a new life in America. Join them on their journey and first several months of adventure and adjustment in their new home. More information at the link. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE
