Wednesday, April 23, 2008

an ode to Lori's tree


This is the time of year when I always start rethinking my lifelong loyalty to autumn as my favorite time of year. I never completely change my mind because the relief of autumn after an exhaustingly humid Missouri summer is just too awesome and too long anticipated. The crackly leaves, the crisp air - love it.

But like I said - I'm in rethinking phase at the moment. Just look at this tree. It sits proudly at Lori's house down the street, and I can see it from my office window. That's fancy work-at-home talk for back porch patio doors that are broken and no longer open. But I forgive them for it now that they give this as a view. I even forgive the child who opened the door too fast and too hard too many times until it jammed forever in one final angry protest. Magnolia trees in spring have to be one of the most beautiful things EVER. Just look at one for 2 seconds - just drive by it for goodness sake, and see if your troubles don't melt like lemon drops. Which is my only complaint. Their glory is so fleeting. The blooms don't last nearly long enough. I know several houses in town that have them, and I always take those roads on purpose this time of year. But somehow I never noticed before that I could see Lori's from my very own window. It's so hard to be afraid or to feel hate, in this world that usually makes both of those things so easy, when it gives us trees like this. Thank God for spring.

11 comments:

Felicity said...

Spring IS my favorite, so I totally get this post. You would die for the purple phlox spilling over the edge of my front garden right now.

Anonymous said...

One of the things Mother and I used to do after she would finish a dialysis treatment, and felt AWFUL, was drive around and see the "color" weather in spring or fall. One of our favorites was a magnolia tree on a certain street, and we always slowed down to get a really good look, another was a HUGE lilac bush, that is you slowed down, had all the windows open in the car, and the wind was in the right direction, you could SMELL lilac for a loooooong time. Yes I know EXACTLY what you mean!
Andrea C

Karen said...

Spring and Autumn, they really have their beauty.

Anonymous said...

ahhhh love that Seren....what beautiful colors!!!!
You know I had to sing when I read "troubles melt like lemon drops" right?
:)
Luv
Tiff

Serenity said...

Well, Tiff, I was hoping someone would! I should have known I could count on you.

Ink Flinger said...

I didn't sing, but Israel Kamakawiwo'ole started singing in my head. (He did the version used in 50 First Dates, you know.)

I used to dislike spring (the mud, the storms, the approach of hot weather), but I love it now. I do wish I could have the lovely magnolias and redbuds without the mud and tornados, though. I'm hard to please.

AmyB. said...

I love the mud!!!! Hee,hee...

I love the flowers too, I finally got some tulips planted under my front window. Even though my allergies are nuts right now (pollen) I have all the windows open and am enjoying every breath of fresh air, between sniffles that is. :-)

Serenity said...

Yes! The mud. I just went for a walk with Jake and realized that is probably the clincher for me. Autumn is generally dry.

andrea t said...

I'm in love with spring (I actually get a bit giddy) and I agree about the tulip trees, so beautiful. We found one a few rows up from our apartment and took some pictures.
As for mud, you should look into getting some cool rainboots, they'll change your whole outlook on mud and rain. They make some fabulous ones now that are like wearing art on your feet. For an idea on what's out there here's a link. http://www.wellieart.co.uk/
Target also sells some pretty cute ones at a more affordable price.

Laughing Brown Eyes said...

I just saw that you commented on my blog :) I thought it would send me a notification or something. That tree is beautiful! Spring is my most favorite time of the year.

Anonymous said...

I love Spring! It's renewal after a dormant winter. I love the splashes of color after the bland colors of winter. Even the dandelions make me smile. Oh, and I love to see the first robins; especially the fat ones because I wonder where they've been eating!!