I loved the pine tree outside my bedroom window. I watched it grow almost 20 feet and stand tall through all kinds of weather. When the oil tank was removed, my pine tree’s stability was compromised.
I’ll miss the way the snow rested on it’s branches and the way I felt protected by it’s presence. Below is one of my favorite photos of
My Pine Tree.
View our my window. © melabee m miller
According to the book, The History of Arbor Day, found on The Arbor Day Foundation website, the first Arbor Day was April 10, 1872 in Nebraska where over one million trees were planted. All thanks to J. Sterling Morton and his wife, pioneers who moved from Detroit to the Nebraska Territory in 1854. As the editor of a Nebraska newspaper, Morton advocated tree planting as much for his love of trees as for the need for windbreaks to keep soil in place, for fuel and building materials, and for shade from the sun.
As secretary of the Nebraska Territory, Morton proposed a tree planting holiday called “Arbor Day” in 1872 and in 1885 it was named a legal holiday in Nebraska. Since then National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. Some states have their own celebrations on a day that coincides with the best tree planting weather. For example, Florida and Louisiana celebrate on the third Friday in January.
Above are my photos of trees-care to guess which one is my favorite?
The days are shorter, the weather is cooler and orange becomes nature’s favorite color. It’s mine, too. What’s yours?
On almost every beach we visited in the Virgin Islands there were lounge chairs perfectly positioned to watch the water lapping the shoreline. Find your ideal spot this summer and let me know.
Today’s post brings us to Borgo San Fedele, a restored ancient parish church, near the village of Vagliagli in the middle of the Chianti. Vagliagli means “valley of the wild garlic”, which grows in the countryside. The workshop classes took place in the restored church.
At Borgo San Fedele, I heard the crunch of small stones under our sneakers and saw terraced flower and herb gardens, a pond with water lilies and very tall cypress trees. There was a distinctive scent of Linden Trees and the sound of deer barking. (Yes, it turns out small Italian deer bark like dogs.) It was unlike any other place I have ever been.
When I took a photography workshop in Italy years ago, it seemed familiar to me because I was photographing. Well, as familiar as photographing wheat at dawn in Tuscany can be.
I recently spent one week in Chianti attending a watercolor journaling workshop. This time felt different. I was learning new techniques and creating in new mediums. This process helped me to see my surroundings in new ways. I sat on benches and steps, leaned on walls and spent time looking, drawing and painting. I was recording it on paper right in front of me, but I couldn’t resist the urge to photograph. I’m not ready to share my drawings and paintings – yet. In future posts, you will see where I’ve been and what I’ve seen.
The workshop was taught by Sharon Pitts , an accomplished watercolor artist who teaches at the Yard School of Art at the Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey. It was facilitated by Il Chiostro at The Tuscan Renaissance Center in Borgo San Fedele in the heart of Chianti. The location and countryside were stunning and my fellow workshop artists were such a pleasure to work with. I’m grateful to have had such an inspiring experience.
Looking out the windows of the Naples hotel as seen in last month’s blog, I realized that every time I visit a new place or revisit a familiar one I am curious about what I can see through the windows-anywhere and everywhere-in private homes, museums, even restaurant restrooms. It keeps me oriented especially if I am returning to take photos, well, maybe not the restrooms. Peeking out shutters or drapes I might discover some interesting things and occasionally I’ll see a few gems like the three images below.
© melabee m miller Roof tiles, Duomo, Florence Italy
© melabee m miller Through the window at Island 3, Ellis Island
© melabee m miller Over rooftops in Sala Consilina, Italy
“If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade” says American writer, Tom Peters.
And, I couldn’t pass up this quote by comedian, Steven Wright…….. “Every so often, I like to go to the window, look up, and smile for a satellite picture.”
The holidays are upon us and, once again, I am looking at lights. This time it’s the wonderful assortment of lights decorating all sorts of things. Conventional…….
© melabee m miller Trees decorated with colored lights
……and not so conventional.
© melabee m miller Wall Street
© melabee miller Palm Tree with lights
Claude Monet said “It’s on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly.”
Enjoy the holidays!
Melabee
Melabee M Miller's Unique Blog 