And thank YOU, PQP, for loving trees and the whole of the living world as you do. You have taken some of my very favorite photos of trees in fact. Because you SEE them. <3
Thank you for reading and letting yourself be transported Lauren. And for your own vital work and voice on behalf of the Plant Council. Grateful to have you as a reader here, and to be a reader in your own sphere!
Stephanie, your rooted, radiant words are such a tapestry of tender remembrance. I could even feel that reassuring pulse of the mycorrhizal network in your sentences, the breath of ancient Cedars in your cadence. Thank you so much for voicing what so often goes unheard: the sentience of trees, the sacredness of language, and the quiet miracle of restoration through listening.
I love this post ... the photos, the quotes, and most especially your tribute to Kibwezi and the ancestral care-givers of Clatsop County. That moved me deeply. In your writing, I hear the brogue of being ... and I’m grateful to be among those still learning to listen.
And in pure synchronicity, I believe I may have answered your question ... well, at least in part ... with my latest tree-themed post. It’s a deep offering from the forest floor, where story and tree oghams entwine. The trees are speaking, and I’m listening too. 💚🙏🌳
Your comment means the world to me, Deborah, as does the synchronicity of our shared themes this week. 🌳❤You truly listen to the speaking living world with rabbit ears, and inspire others to do the same. Perhaps it's never mattered more! Infinitely grateful for your keen senses and voice.
Totally heart warming heart healing story. Yesterday I had a long time ailing apple tree fully removed. I had an unusual item dug out of the ground and transplanted to that space. I had to ask the landscaper what it was. He said an Elm, likely Siberian. I feel so proud I hope the transplant takes, and this is planted for future home owners, as these trees are determined survivors! I have been thrilled to start really seeing all the very tall trees in my Albuquerque, NM neighborhood on my daily dog walks. I've mentioned before, I cry when I see trees abruptly removed, even when I see they need a long delayed pruning and tending to.
I've cried too, Georgena, and so appreciate thinking about you out on your daily dog walks celebrating the trees you encounter...as well as tending to those who are ailing and at the end of the lives. Oh a Siberian Elm! I too dearly hope the transplant takes and I'm already visualizing the myriad creatures who will enjoy her canopy of shade and protection. Thank you for listening as you do. <3
Thank you for this piece, Stephanie! I especially loved the story of restoration of the Kibwezi Forest in Kenya, and would love to know more about how the Sheldrake Wildlife Trust and the Kenyan Forest Service restored the springs and the forest. I checked out the links in your essay, but they don't give any details. Do you know if there is anything written about the restoration of Kibwezi and the springs? Blessings to you and thank you for your voice and your heart!
Isn't it incredible Susan??!! Here is a bit more about Umani Springs and SWT's amazing work there, written two years ago: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news/updates/ten-years-umani-springs They are doing such incredible work across Kenya, saving countless species and landscapes and helping humans too. Thank you equally for your voice, and for your presence here as a reader and listener! <3
Thanks! I'll check that out. I'm curious because my SIL is in Tanzania for three months teaching English at a rural school, and when she finishes her volunteer stint there, she and my brother will be traveling and birdwatching, and if they get over toward Nairobi, I know they would be interested in seeing the springs and the forest.
Wonderful essay! I am reminded of one of the books I bought a few years ago (gorgeous hardcover, illustrated) about trees communicating. I also have the longer version with all the text. One of the best books I've ever read. His work changed the way I think about everything outdoors. I highly recommend "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben -- if you have not read it :-) Thanks for posting this glorious piece.
Yes, that book changed my life too. Incredible, right??? It's a wisdom we are not taught and it really changes everything, fundamentally. Thank you for loving Trees and living the truth that we are all one. Also, I just adore your name "Waving From a Distance." Every time I see it here, I smile and think to myself: "Now THAT'S a poem!" <3
Thx Stephanie...if I could spend 100% of my live outdoors, I would. Camping, hiking, breathing, sharing adventures in words ... c'est la vie. I do not live in an era or place where such a thing is possible anymore :-)
I so so get it. The beautiful thing is that Mama Earth's beauty is literally EVERYWHERE. Cracks in the pavement in a parking lot, maple trees on city sidewalks, clouds in the sky, birds perched on light poles looking down on freeways. I'm actually writing a future essay about this, because most of us don't live in or near true wilderness anymore. May the beauty find you where you are today, she's looking for you and sees you when you see her. <3
Powerful words. Thank you for this very important essay, Stephanie. I love Robin Wall Kimmerer's books. It feels like it is not just my thoughts that are resonating with these truths, but also (or especially) my soul.
So well said Christine. Soul indeed!!! Her books are medicine, leading us to healing truths that are unchanging. So grateful to have you here as a reader and as a writer encouraging all of us to "follow our wild." <3
With you every step of the way - giving voice to those who communicate in a language we don't necessarily hear or understand. Helping those who cannot help themselves. Defending them from our relentless greed and our selfish ways.
Exactly Brian. I know you get it. You wrote the words on my heart here! And the stunning photos you take capture your understanding of these multiple languages.
I love that Kibwezi is your hometown!! ❤️What a truly special place in the world. Kenya has done such important work preserving vital habitat and wildlife species, a model for others to follow. Thank you for reading, and for your own unique writing and perspective.
Things are not as they seem! The earth is alive and there is a whole world of wonder out there.
We herbalists are a strange bunch, talking to plants and listening as they talk to us. If you want to learn more about plant communication and delve into herbal philosophy (which is on another level) you would appreciate Stephen H Buhner's book "The Lost Language of Plants." He has been a real inspiration to me.
Adding this to my list Alissa! And not strange at all. It is the wisdom of the world that was forgotten by too many! Love that you nurture and nourish this everywhere you go. <3
Deeply important, Stephanie, and such a wonderful companion piece to my own ode to water. We can be custodians and nurturers of the natural world - even as it nurtures us - or we can be destroyers.
So well put Dave, and I will be reading your magnetic ode to water many times over. Your sage words above make me think of the author Daniel Quinn who coined the two as "leavers" or "takers." You are so right that only one of the choices has a future. May we choose nurturing again and again. Grateful to share this love of our planet!
This moved me so deeply, Paul. Jiffy!!! What memories you have. And the notion that trees remember us, just as we remember them. I truly believe this. And their memories are long. So happy to have found you here!
I sure do, my best friend's home surrounded by old trees and beloved cats. We spent hours together reveling in the peace of both. As John O'Donohue put it perfectly, these are the "treasure-houses of memory," aren't they??
Hi there. Oh the John Lewis quote about anchor eternal love in your heart and spread its goodness”. May those words shine bright every day in every way. Amen
Thank you for this masterpiece! It gives me great hope. The photos are breathtaking!
And thank YOU, PQP, for loving trees and the whole of the living world as you do. You have taken some of my very favorite photos of trees in fact. Because you SEE them. <3
This is such a lovely piece—and your images help us to arrive to where your article transports us. Thanks Stephanie!
Thank you for reading and letting yourself be transported Lauren. And for your own vital work and voice on behalf of the Plant Council. Grateful to have you as a reader here, and to be a reader in your own sphere!
Stephanie, your rooted, radiant words are such a tapestry of tender remembrance. I could even feel that reassuring pulse of the mycorrhizal network in your sentences, the breath of ancient Cedars in your cadence. Thank you so much for voicing what so often goes unheard: the sentience of trees, the sacredness of language, and the quiet miracle of restoration through listening.
I love this post ... the photos, the quotes, and most especially your tribute to Kibwezi and the ancestral care-givers of Clatsop County. That moved me deeply. In your writing, I hear the brogue of being ... and I’m grateful to be among those still learning to listen.
And in pure synchronicity, I believe I may have answered your question ... well, at least in part ... with my latest tree-themed post. It’s a deep offering from the forest floor, where story and tree oghams entwine. The trees are speaking, and I’m listening too. 💚🙏🌳
Your comment means the world to me, Deborah, as does the synchronicity of our shared themes this week. 🌳❤You truly listen to the speaking living world with rabbit ears, and inspire others to do the same. Perhaps it's never mattered more! Infinitely grateful for your keen senses and voice.
Totally heart warming heart healing story. Yesterday I had a long time ailing apple tree fully removed. I had an unusual item dug out of the ground and transplanted to that space. I had to ask the landscaper what it was. He said an Elm, likely Siberian. I feel so proud I hope the transplant takes, and this is planted for future home owners, as these trees are determined survivors! I have been thrilled to start really seeing all the very tall trees in my Albuquerque, NM neighborhood on my daily dog walks. I've mentioned before, I cry when I see trees abruptly removed, even when I see they need a long delayed pruning and tending to.
I've cried too, Georgena, and so appreciate thinking about you out on your daily dog walks celebrating the trees you encounter...as well as tending to those who are ailing and at the end of the lives. Oh a Siberian Elm! I too dearly hope the transplant takes and I'm already visualizing the myriad creatures who will enjoy her canopy of shade and protection. Thank you for listening as you do. <3
It's no wonder to me that trees play such a powerful part in the story of mankind in the garden of Eden. They represent life!
Thank you for this, dear Stephanie!
You put it beautifully, dear auntie! Thank you for your love of the garden of Eden, it heals my heart and gives me hope. <3
Thank you for this piece, Stephanie! I especially loved the story of restoration of the Kibwezi Forest in Kenya, and would love to know more about how the Sheldrake Wildlife Trust and the Kenyan Forest Service restored the springs and the forest. I checked out the links in your essay, but they don't give any details. Do you know if there is anything written about the restoration of Kibwezi and the springs? Blessings to you and thank you for your voice and your heart!
Isn't it incredible Susan??!! Here is a bit more about Umani Springs and SWT's amazing work there, written two years ago: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news/updates/ten-years-umani-springs They are doing such incredible work across Kenya, saving countless species and landscapes and helping humans too. Thank you equally for your voice, and for your presence here as a reader and listener! <3
Thanks! I'll check that out. I'm curious because my SIL is in Tanzania for three months teaching English at a rural school, and when she finishes her volunteer stint there, she and my brother will be traveling and birdwatching, and if they get over toward Nairobi, I know they would be interested in seeing the springs and the forest.
I can't recommend Sheldrick highly enough. They are literally changing the world, and modeling how to do that for all of us. Kibwezi isn't in Nairobi but they do have a facility in Nairobi which has public viewings. You can send your SIL this link to find out more: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/nursery-visit?utm_medium=social&utm_source=campsite.bio&utm_campaign=Visit+Our+Nairobi+Nursery I hope she can get there!!! And all visits support their vital work. So grateful you commented here Susan. <3
Wonderful essay! I am reminded of one of the books I bought a few years ago (gorgeous hardcover, illustrated) about trees communicating. I also have the longer version with all the text. One of the best books I've ever read. His work changed the way I think about everything outdoors. I highly recommend "The Hidden Life of Trees" by Peter Wohlleben -- if you have not read it :-) Thanks for posting this glorious piece.
Yes, that book changed my life too. Incredible, right??? It's a wisdom we are not taught and it really changes everything, fundamentally. Thank you for loving Trees and living the truth that we are all one. Also, I just adore your name "Waving From a Distance." Every time I see it here, I smile and think to myself: "Now THAT'S a poem!" <3
Thx Stephanie...if I could spend 100% of my live outdoors, I would. Camping, hiking, breathing, sharing adventures in words ... c'est la vie. I do not live in an era or place where such a thing is possible anymore :-)
I so so get it. The beautiful thing is that Mama Earth's beauty is literally EVERYWHERE. Cracks in the pavement in a parking lot, maple trees on city sidewalks, clouds in the sky, birds perched on light poles looking down on freeways. I'm actually writing a future essay about this, because most of us don't live in or near true wilderness anymore. May the beauty find you where you are today, she's looking for you and sees you when you see her. <3
Yep, every walk I take!
Powerful words. Thank you for this very important essay, Stephanie. I love Robin Wall Kimmerer's books. It feels like it is not just my thoughts that are resonating with these truths, but also (or especially) my soul.
So well said Christine. Soul indeed!!! Her books are medicine, leading us to healing truths that are unchanging. So grateful to have you here as a reader and as a writer encouraging all of us to "follow our wild." <3
With you every step of the way - giving voice to those who communicate in a language we don't necessarily hear or understand. Helping those who cannot help themselves. Defending them from our relentless greed and our selfish ways.
Exactly Brian. I know you get it. You wrote the words on my heart here! And the stunning photos you take capture your understanding of these multiple languages.
Beautifully written Stephanie ❤️...I loved the Kibwezi restoration part. Kibwezi is in my hometown
I love that Kibwezi is your hometown!! ❤️What a truly special place in the world. Kenya has done such important work preserving vital habitat and wildlife species, a model for others to follow. Thank you for reading, and for your own unique writing and perspective.
I really appreciate your story about Kenya’s nature. It’s refreshing to see our country’s beauty told with such passion and care. Thank you. 🙏💚
Things are not as they seem! The earth is alive and there is a whole world of wonder out there.
We herbalists are a strange bunch, talking to plants and listening as they talk to us. If you want to learn more about plant communication and delve into herbal philosophy (which is on another level) you would appreciate Stephen H Buhner's book "The Lost Language of Plants." He has been a real inspiration to me.
Adding this to my list Alissa! And not strange at all. It is the wisdom of the world that was forgotten by too many! Love that you nurture and nourish this everywhere you go. <3
Deeply important, Stephanie, and such a wonderful companion piece to my own ode to water. We can be custodians and nurturers of the natural world - even as it nurtures us - or we can be destroyers.
Only one of those choices has a future.
Best Wishes - Dave
So well put Dave, and I will be reading your magnetic ode to water many times over. Your sage words above make me think of the author Daniel Quinn who coined the two as "leavers" or "takers." You are so right that only one of the choices has a future. May we choose nurturing again and again. Grateful to share this love of our planet!
Wonderful, my friend. If most men can become as nurturing as most women, we will be on the right path...
I will be honoured to share it with you.
Best Wishes - Dave
What a beautiful and soultouching piece this is Stephanie, thank you 🙏🏻 For a tree lover this is a real reflective read. Loved the photographs 🌬🦋
Thank you for loving trees and the precious too often unseen beauties of life Simona. <3
It's in my soul. Thank You 🙏🏻
Free speech Tree Speech treat!
AWEsome pics, quotes, good news read*
Learn from “being a” tree~
...
Trees commune-icate~
Sentient spirits sacred souls*
Inanimate NOT!
...
Mighty ‘shroom we-web.
Life-affirming language works.
May our words be perch.
Your words ARE perch, every day in every way. Thank you always Marisol.🐦🦆🪶🐦⬛🩵
Sometimes I think the trees remember us. Their roots grow around our childhood secrets, their branches cradle the laughter we once left behind.
You might like my post:
Please Like and subscribe!
https://open.substack.com/pub/paulwbmarsden/p/among-the-trees-of-my-childhood-remembering?r=206izj&utm_medium=ios
This moved me so deeply, Paul. Jiffy!!! What memories you have. And the notion that trees remember us, just as we remember them. I truly believe this. And their memories are long. So happy to have found you here!
Thank you so much Stephanie. I always go back in my mind to those happy days! Have you got a favourite childhood place?
I sure do, my best friend's home surrounded by old trees and beloved cats. We spent hours together reveling in the peace of both. As John O'Donohue put it perfectly, these are the "treasure-houses of memory," aren't they??
Hi there. Oh the John Lewis quote about anchor eternal love in your heart and spread its goodness”. May those words shine bright every day in every way. Amen
I love that you honed in on his beautiful words Mark. Amen indeed!!! <3