The Weeping Willow Does Not Cry

For whatever reason, I'm not really sure why, I love weeping willow trees.  I always have.  Trees in general are a huge source of inspiration.  The way the breeze carries away the leaves, sending the branches back and forth.  With each season's change, a tree becomes a new sight--a new adventure.  When the sunlight shines on it and the wind blows its branches carelessly, it's almost as if it is human, telling it's own unique story.  The colors of the leaves are breathtaking.  There are so many kinds of awesome trees. I sound like a crazy person going on and on about them, but I really do find them magnificent.  

Someone once told me they found it depressing that the weeping willow is my favorite tree. Then I thought to myself, have you ever looked at a willow tree? I mean, really just stopped and taken in the way the branches dance in the wind. When I have a home of my own someday, I hope there is a willow tree.  Growing up, I can remember this particular weeping willow in a yard that I drove past on the way to school almost every day.  Now when I pass, I see that it is growing older and producing less leaves year after year.  While this may be sad for some, it is hopeful for me.  It gave me a sense of joy, peace and humbleness over the years. That's something I can't explain. 

The tree that sits at the corner of my front yard is a tree I have always adored. I love to sit on the rock underneath it and watch the cars go by. I found a new delight in the tree about a block from where I live in Stillwater now.  I'm not sure what kind it is, but it overlooks a pond, and the way the sunlight hits it is just pure perfection! I enjoy relaxing underneath these trees, thinking, praying, humming to myself, wondering at the people passing by, reading, or just enjoying nature at its finest. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is, sometimes it's the small things in life that make you smile.  That awful day you had is turned around completely with familiarity and a glimmer of hope and promise. For me, weeping willows and the gracefulness and architecture of trees are a special and matchless gift. Do you have something that you can relate to this? Maybe it just all started with Lion King and Rafik's tree!

Take a look at the snow-covered trees now, spring weather is on its way in about a week! :)