Do you have any obsessions?

     Do you find anything completely mesmerizing? Does sitting back to watch the sunset wash the world in color draw you into a trance? Does the moon in all its phases, casting its subtle power across our world, bewitch you? Does the beauty of nature in its diversity fascinate you?  Some find the beach, a child at play, or the art and architecture of the city their paragon. I admit all of the objects (and occurrences) hold a certain allure. Nature in its power captivates me. However, there is something about a tree. 

     I find trees inspirational. To me trees, and the human form, are life's most beautiful creations. My art and my stories are filled with them both metaphorically and physically. Like the muscles of our bodies, the wood of a tree curves and bends into beautiful shapes. They captivate my mind, my heart, and my obsessions. 

    In my childhood nightmares, trees were the saviors. Granted, my nightmares were about being chased by an alligator and that tree I climbed into saved me, my cat, and my horse. Yes, I pulled my horse up into the tree with me. Why alligators? Because they were a real danger on our bridle paths, or at least I perceived them to be. Alligators were the unpredictable, unstoppable force, and the trees lifted me up (as I climbed them, not magically). A tree was how I rescued myself. 

     Trees are above all stable and helpful. They prevent erosion, and protect from the elements. They purify our air. They provide food at times. I couldn’t survive off the mango tree in my yard, but she does feed the squirrels well. One of the persuading factors in choosing the house I live in now is the giant oak in the back yard. The first thing we did was put a swing on one of its branches, and to this day, even though my kids are grown that swing is well used.  

     Trees provide peace. My walks are tree lined. Their shade and the quiet rustle of the breeze in their leaves provides me with such tranquility. I come home from those walks feeling energized and refreshed (even on the hot sweaty days). I also sit and read or write under them. I am a bonafide tree hugger, especially when there aren’t too many ants on it.
     
     I took this photograph in Central Florida where my father and his family lived. Spanish moss hangs from the trees there, adding to its charm. What visual forms mesmerize you?