What a moving piece this is. The tree looks venerable and battle worn and a remarkable survivor. I look forward to seeing him again in May.
Like you my posts here haven't taken the anticipated route but that is part of the joy, I think? Having a regular deadline certainly concentrates the mind and has brought such unexpected pleasure. I look forward to seeing more of your studio work too.
Thank you Deborah ! I agree my writing has taken me in a bit of an unplanned for direction. I find the « deviation » enriching. Looking forward to your next post !
The ancient trees are quite protected over here. Even though a venerable oak, contemporary of Louis XIV, was quite damaged a few years ago by some fools who’ve decided to make a fire in its hollowed out trunk…
I'm from Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. I'm not from here orginally and I think people see old trees as a lawsuit if it falls. This area has a more recent history of wood as a resource to make a product or sell. Maybe they think there are so many trees who cares? Old trees may look dangerous in that they could fall on your home in a storm.
We still have electrical wires above ground and old trees are a threat to the power lines. I'm always sad when when I see them cutting down ancient trees instead if supporting and preserving them. People don't see them as a living being maybe more like grass.
You transported me to Paris Dacha. It is fascinating to read an insider’s view of the garden which surpasses anything one might experience as a visitor to Paris. A side line is that you reminded me a painting I made of a figure sitting on a bench in one of the parks in Paris. I think it was the Tuileries in the 90s. It had lots of trees with bare earth between them. Thank you.
It’s been many years since I visited Paris and what I remember, as I walked and walked, was a distinct lack of green spaces and benches. This, of course, forced me to sit in, and outside, cafes, which was a great pleasure. So, I’m glad to know more about these special places, Dacha. When I make my next visit, I’ll refer back to your posts so I can enjoy these sights. I hope the very old tree is still there!
It’s very interesting to me because having spent my childhood in Moscow and then a few vacations in Beyrouth (my kids’ dad is Lebanese)- Paris seemed a green paradise.
There was a lot of effort put in in the past few years to make the capital « greener », reduce the pollution (much to the car owners dismay) etc. That said I’ve always had a weakness for English gardens - Kew is my happy place.
It would be lovely to see you if you make the trip across the channel :)
Yes, indeed, I'll let you know if/when I get over there. And of course the response to green space depends entirely on what you have seen and experienced before. London is blessed with lots of small pockets as well as the larger parks.
Wonderful, Dacha. A tree I will visit, when I get back to Paris again…
Old trees are miraculous - instantiated time. They make you pause, slow down, consider. They tell us something beyond words, even though, as a Poet, it is words I seek to describe them….
What a moving piece this is. The tree looks venerable and battle worn and a remarkable survivor. I look forward to seeing him again in May.
Like you my posts here haven't taken the anticipated route but that is part of the joy, I think? Having a regular deadline certainly concentrates the mind and has brought such unexpected pleasure. I look forward to seeing more of your studio work too.
Thank you Deborah ! I agree my writing has taken me in a bit of an unplanned for direction. I find the « deviation » enriching. Looking forward to your next post !
It's so wonderful to hear that Paris values their venerable tree beings. Where I live they look for any excuse to cut an ancient city tree down.
The ancient trees are quite protected over here. Even though a venerable oak, contemporary of Louis XIV, was quite damaged a few years ago by some fools who’ve decided to make a fire in its hollowed out trunk…
Where are you from- I’m curious ?
I'm from Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. I'm not from here orginally and I think people see old trees as a lawsuit if it falls. This area has a more recent history of wood as a resource to make a product or sell. Maybe they think there are so many trees who cares? Old trees may look dangerous in that they could fall on your home in a storm.
We still have electrical wires above ground and old trees are a threat to the power lines. I'm always sad when when I see them cutting down ancient trees instead if supporting and preserving them. People don't see them as a living being maybe more like grass.
You transported me to Paris Dacha. It is fascinating to read an insider’s view of the garden which surpasses anything one might experience as a visitor to Paris. A side line is that you reminded me a painting I made of a figure sitting on a bench in one of the parks in Paris. I think it was the Tuileries in the 90s. It had lots of trees with bare earth between them. Thank you.
Oh how wonderful Barbara !
Yes, Tuileries has this particularly graphic- almost like piano keys - way in which the trees are planted.
I would love to see the painting !
Ahh that’s so good. I’ll take a photo of it to share with you.
It’s been many years since I visited Paris and what I remember, as I walked and walked, was a distinct lack of green spaces and benches. This, of course, forced me to sit in, and outside, cafes, which was a great pleasure. So, I’m glad to know more about these special places, Dacha. When I make my next visit, I’ll refer back to your posts so I can enjoy these sights. I hope the very old tree is still there!
Thank you Yasmin!
It’s very interesting to me because having spent my childhood in Moscow and then a few vacations in Beyrouth (my kids’ dad is Lebanese)- Paris seemed a green paradise.
There was a lot of effort put in in the past few years to make the capital « greener », reduce the pollution (much to the car owners dismay) etc. That said I’ve always had a weakness for English gardens - Kew is my happy place.
It would be lovely to see you if you make the trip across the channel :)
Yes, indeed, I'll let you know if/when I get over there. And of course the response to green space depends entirely on what you have seen and experienced before. London is blessed with lots of small pockets as well as the larger parks.
Looking forward to the video clip of the creche. I love your posts
Thank you so much Susan!
I’ve posted it on Notes- will try and find the link.
Wonderful, Dacha. A tree I will visit, when I get back to Paris again…
Old trees are miraculous - instantiated time. They make you pause, slow down, consider. They tell us something beyond words, even though, as a Poet, it is words I seek to describe them….
Have you tried to sketch the tree?
Best Wishes from Australia - Dave :)