The other day I was walking the dog on the opposite side of the street. We haven’t walked over there since last December, when I tripped on a raised sidewalk section, fell, and broke my hand. But on this day, I decided to walk on the wild side, and it was there I noticed a lot of small branches of oak leaves lying on the grass. Now our whole street is lined with gigantic 75-year old oak trees, and this wouldn’t normally be unusual, but this oak was different than all the others. It’s leaves were large and beautiful. I thought maybe the leaves had fallen from the rain earlier in the day, but as we were standing there, another small branch fell right beside me. I assume the squirrels were cutting branches and making a nest high above me.
Anyways, I couldn’t resist picking up the leaves and hauling them home. The branches had virtually no stem on them, but I was determined to make an arrangement and get them in water. They were to beautiful not to save in some way.
Because the branch stems were just stubs, in order to keep them in a vase, I had to use a rubber band to bind them all together. This allowed the stems to virtually float in the water, with the sides of the vase holding up the leaves.
I’ve lived in my neighborhood for 30 years, and I’m not sure why I’ve never noticed this oak and its beautiful leaves before. I suppose it’s probably because the lowest branches are at least 40 feet off the ground.
The leaves, in their full summer splendor, made the loveliest bouquet I think I’ve ever made.
I found myself mesmerized by its simple, yet stunning beauty. How much I miss for never really looking. Reminded me of the Bible verse where God makes the point numerous times, in both the Old and New Testaments, “they have eyes, but do not see”. I have determined I need to slow down, open my eyes, and consciously practice being more observant.
They are wonderful, Cindy. I like the way you displayed them with the small birds (resting on candlesticks?) in front of the vase.
Thank you Kris! For whatever reason, they captured my full attention and surprised me with their beauty. The only thing that could have made them better was to have acorns with them. But it is way too early for that.
Really lovely Cindy!
Thank you Cathy!
It’s lovely, Cindy, and I completely relate to what you say about the need to slow down and take in our surroundings mode mindfully. There are such wonders, right on our doorsteps, literally, that we miss for never looking, never pausing. Now that you have made acquaintance with your beautiful “neighbour” you may indeed feel compelled to pay attention to it throughout the seasons, notice how those beautiful leaves change, wait for those acorns. And I can already imagine you making another beautiful arrangement with the oak leaves in their full autumn glory!
Thank you Kathy! How I would love to have some branches for a fall display with acorns, but since the trees are 75 years old, all the branches are so far above my head, one could never reach them. Since the dog seems to want to walk on that side of the street, I’ll just have to admire them from underneath.
Thank you Kathy! How I would love to have some branches for a fall display with acorns, but since the trees are 75 years old, all the branches are so far above my head, one could never reach them. Since the dog seems to want to walk on that side of the street, I’ll just have to admire them from underneath.