Winter's Tree

Today I'm going to dedicate my story to a tree. Yup, one tree. One amazingly wonderful tree! I've seen this tree maybe a hundred times before, but this time there was just something special about it. Maybe it's the snow that's gently laying on the branches. It just seems to have an inner glow that calls to me.

This tree sits quietly by itself at the front of Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve. I've taken pictures of it before, but this time it just popped out at me when I got out of my truck. I had to take a few more pictures of this tree this time. I usually just glance at it and head for the hiking trail.

Then when I got home, as I glanced through my pictures, this one photo seemed to almost beg for me to show it to the whole world. Well, who am I to turn down such a passionate request? I'm sure you can guess what I did next, since the picture is right here in front of you.

And since I already teased you with the one photo at the top, I decided that I should be generous and show you some of the other photos of this tree. I guess now you can choose for yourself which one you like the best. I don't think the tree would mind, as long as you choose at least one of them.

You know, I never planned to write a post about this tree, it seems as if it was all the tree's idea. Sure, I purposely took the pictures, but only because the tree called out to me in one of the sweetest voices I've ever heard. Then as I gazed at the pictures on my computer screen, I heard the echo of that voice again, calling to me, pleading to be seen.

I've done what you asked, tree. I hope others can hear your voice as well as I do. I guess not all things hibernate this time of year, because you belong to winter, and winter belongs to you. I'm glad you are so willing to share it in the best way with me this year.

And now I'm sharing winter with all of you. It's a good one this time.