The Artistry of Aging
“It was never supposed to happen here. In fact I remember saying that to a friend who did not live here, the week before it hit. That we are protected by the Blue Ridge Mountains and are a known place for climate change refugees to relocate to. I was one of those in 2021 from the wild fires of N. California. Hurricaines and tornados simply don’t make it to this area. And then Helene…..”
“Tree character shows best in winter, when the camouflage of leaves has fallen away. All that remains is what’s strong enough to withstand hard weather, and that core strength is beautiful. Locally, oaks reveal themselves most. They’re closest to what I instinctively drew as a child. In my own growth, I discovered…..”
“If you’re going through a painful time in your life, know that it is never worthless. These tough times teach you to see possibilities that you would never have fathomed in the comfortable moments.”
“Gratitude and reciprocity are the currency of a gift economy, and they have the remarkable property of multiplying with every exchange, their energy concentrating as they pass from hand to hand, a truly renewable resource.” From “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer