Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Trees in Winter


All winter I have been trying to get out and photograph trees. There is just something about the courage of trees in winter. There they stand, stripped of all that gave them food, in waning light, enduring snow and wind and biting cold, the kind that makes sandpaper seem warm and fuzzy. To me, they are hope. They have done this hard thing countless times and survived, even thrived and grown, and the hard times only drive their roots deeper, stouten their limbs, make them stronger and tougher and more ready than ever to face what comes. There is much to learn from a tree. And then there is the stark and spare beauty they reveal, always at twilight.



(Yes, those are eagles out there).

5 comments:

The Littlest Moons said...

So beautiful! Thank you, you have such a gift.

Shanana said...

Gorgeous! The top picture looks like something out of Narnia!
--Shana
P.S. We finally got a blog going at:
vancleaves.blogspot.com

Travis said...

Brett,

I must say that you have a remarkable talent for photography. I truly enjoy playing with light myself and know enough to know that i have so much yet to learn. I can't help but smile as you so eloquently depict what it is to be a father. The highs and lows and the little things our children say and do that just make you want to eat em up.

Travis

Rooster said...

Brett,
I have spent many sunsets in the marsh hunting geese. It's always cool to see the eagles sitting there in those cottonwoods. I feel like the grey winter sky here in MD has taken a tole on my spirits. Can't wait for spring. I'd love to see a comparitive picture of that orchard in April. Drew

Candice said...

What amazing pictures. That looks like a pretty good spot to set up camp, er, a subdivision! Obviously, the reason we haven't had that conversation is because it goes without saying. We would build the house with our own hands if it meant the Baileys would come live next to us. We miss all five of you.
TMI= Too Much Information, an abbreviation I believe was coined by Michael Scott from "The Office". Are you guys "Office" fans?
Don't get too settled in... we are on the lookout for The Place- we'll let you know when we find it.