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Friday 9 November 2018

Au naturel

The last few years, having paused to observe trees, I am in awe of their lives through the seasons. This time of year, when the deciduous variety find themselves naked against the impending cold and snow, trunks, exposed branches and twigs have their time in the sun. Trees stand against everything nature offers over the next six months, frost, wind, ice and snow. The elements may change their appearance but not their essence.


I often notice the trunks of birch trees, their white exteriors stand out in the forest. This one, on the side of Hackeney Road looks like it’s endured hard times. The trunk is gnarled in spite of its youth.





In Tyne Valley, three trees of the same species are devoid of leaves but still show a hint of red. The twigs form a filamentous wall in front of the house.





Walking between the raindrops one day last week, my husband and I ventured to the boardwalk in the late afternoon. It was a gray day and the moody sky and the late afternoon light accentuated the finest, most delicate twigs. 





We stopped to admire the layers of gray from sea to sky, with the band of light breaking through. How different the same scene will look with a blue sky. Regardless of the background, the tree draws attention.


Finally, a sunset along the boardwalk highlights young trees against the dimming light.





While their clothing is gone now, trees have much for us to enjoy during late fall and winter.

36 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

You deserve honour for "filamentous."

Tabor said...

LOve my trees and those outside my yard. They change with the seasons and allow me to stop time with my camera.

William Kendall said...

That sunset shot is a stunner.

Mage said...

I love your trees. I don't love mine.

Silver in AZ said...

What a glorious commentary for trees. Thanks for pointing out what we mortal humans take for granted!

Bill said...

Those trees are quite impressive, Marie. I love trees that have lost their covers for the winter. My favorite is the fourth photo with the sea in the backgrund.

Elephant's Child said...

Gorgeous photos. I am a big fan of the elegance of naked trees and the lacy filigree of those branches against the sky.

Anas Khan said...

Oh this looks amazing.
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DJan said...

Love it! Had to look up "filamentous" and was also impressed. And the pictures are also lovely. :-)

Anonymous said...

Now we can see their "inner beauty" in a way! Andrea

Debbie said...

pretty descriptions of the trees, many people don't notice or appreciate their beauty. really nice images the last one especially!!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the tree are loosing their leaves here now. I think the bare tree can look pretty, I love the birch trees. Lovely capture of the sunset. Happy Saturday, enjoy your day and weekend!

Rhodesia said...

Your trees are way ahead of ours. Here they are only just atarting to change colour. Happy weekend Diane

Shammickite said...

When the leaves have gone, you can really appreciate the beautiful shapes of the trees.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I couldn't agree more Marie. There is something incredibly special about seeing the bare skeleton of a tree. Summers are so mild in Perth when the deciduous trees lose their leaves it's the only way we know it actually is winter 😊

Ginnie Hart said...

My absolute favorite time to see trees, Marie, is NOW. They are the ultimate poems, naked or clothed, which never lose their beauty. Like you, the birch trees always grab my attention, probably more than any others. Btw, in case I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE the way you write!

Catarina said...

Beautiful trees!!! The sunset pic is gorgeous. And the leafless trees add to its beauty.

Marie Smith said...

Lol. I’ve used it since my university days.

Marie Smith said...

Trees are amazing!

Marie Smith said...

It was a magical time of day!

Marie Smith said...

The palms have their own charm!

Marie Smith said...

I love their strength, SW.

Marie Smith said...

That was a special view that evening, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

I love the term filigree as it applies to trees, Ec.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, AI.

Marie Smith said...

I learned filamentous years ago and have always used it, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

I so agree, Andrea. Great point.

Marie Smith said...

It was a pretty setting that evening for the last photo, Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Eileen. We are further ahead with leaf loss for sure!

Marie Smith said...

You have a lot of autumn left, Diane. We are having snow tomorrow.

Marie Smith said...

You sure can, Shammi. As Andrea mentioned, you can see their inner beauty when the leaves are gone.

Marie Smith said...

Winter is much harsher here, Grace, as you know. I envy your winters!

Marie Smith said...

Thank uou for the comment about my writing, Ginnie. I appreciate it!

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Catarina.

jenny_o said...

Like EC, I am a big fan of lacy, leafless, deciduous trees! You have caught some beautiful ones here.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you, Jenny.