Green Tree

There is something about trees, especially when the trunk lies on the ground and the branches rise from it. It is also very green and I reckon pixies or elves might visit it at night. Very Tolkien-ish!

Faces in the Trees 3

As I walked away from Iford Manor, I turned around and saw another tree watching me. I seem to have a knack for catching them unawares. So surprised is this one, it is open-mouthed with astonishment. Either that, or I am not a pretty sight . . . !

Goggle-eyed Tree

It is amazing how quickly the nation's trees have spread the word about he who stares at bark and . . . actually talks to them. This young tree was goggle-eyed with amazement when it realised it was me. I tried to have a conversation, but it kept on giggling!. It must have been nervous. Remember to take the time to talk to trees. They will respond. So tonight's question is: Do you talk to trees?

Happy Tree

I am in Stratford-upon-Avon today - Shakespeare country. Coincidentally, I am related to the Shakespeare Family. In the 1800's there were two brothers. The first, William Shakespeare Manton moved with his family to America. The other, John Shakespeare Manton stayed in England and many years later I appeared! But I stray from the subject in hand. During a coffee break at the conference I am attending I noticed some trees outside. Here is the first which impressed me no end with its happy smiling face!

Tree 5 - Catching them unawares

Of course, there comes a time when you turn round unexpectedly and come face-to-face with a tree watching you closely. This tree was wide-eyed with surprise when it realised I had caught it with both eyes open! I had been too quick and it had not had time to close its eyes. Mind you, the sight of my face with its look of amazement and open mouth must have come as a real shock to it, too. Once we had got over the surprise, we enjoyed a friendly giggle. He had seen the grumpy tree looming over me earlier on, but didn't have time to warn me!

Tree 4 - A Warning!

Of course, sometimes you have to be a bit careful when communing with trees. Once in a while you come across a grumpy tree. I looked up just in time to see this old tree about to grab me, but I managed to grab a shot before jumping out the way! I seem to remember hearing several tales about non-believers and sceptics leaning against old oaks and being subsumed into the bark. Not a nice way to go, but people should remember trees have feelings and deserve a lot more respect - especially the grumpy ones . . .

Tree 3 - A sleeping dog preserved

While in the grounds of Mottram Hall, I walked round and round the trees. Something told me to push my way through rhododendron bushes where I found this sleeping dog. It briefly opened its eye as I started to photograph it. Moments later, without a word, it was gone!

Tree 2 - Elephantine

There is something about this creature that reminds me of a very sad and very elderly elephant. They always say that 'an elephant never forgets' and the melancholy reflected in its eye makes me feel very sad.

Tree 1 - Primeval

This scaley, dinosaur-like creature I found slightly intimidating, but it proved quite friendly. We were able to have a good, long chat before darkness fell.