Thanks for the sunny side growth info Caro (and to be less transactional, thanks for the beauty of the post in general!). I'd wondered about that but never learnt about it. There is another factor to growth ring spacings that I think that you'll love, as to me it has a martial art perspective... trees form 'reaction growth' in response to external forces applied upon them (e.g. prevailing wind, a leaning neighbour, side-heavy crown or other reason to lean). Softwoods build up compression wood (thicker rings on the 'downfall' side to push back against the lean) whereas hardwoods build up tension wood ( thicker rings to pull back the tree from the direction of fall).
I'm imagining a game of Buddhist wrestling between the wind and a tree. The tree learns its windy opponent, but a rare, different wind can overpower the same strong tree by using its strengths as weaknesses. All the training is used against it and it can prove fatal, unable to learn its new lesson.
Great thoughts both ... and then there are roots and that enormous sensitivity ... and too much treading ... or the flotation/displacement when the floods come ... too many years 'stress' and the tree can give-up on prospective recovery, I learned recently, (in part from lecture by Clive Davies, Newcastle Uni. UK).
Too many years since I shared that improvised hum and harmony ...
But co-ordinates and orientation are the beginnings of protection for wider than self, for what some might call 'our grove'?
Here is the good day alway to turn from the tight cul de sac, look to the sky and join arms with the great tree ... no exaggeration.
The sun? At its own noon in its singularity ... an original blessing ... and moonrise for poets and other harmony, and perhaps some wisdom for the pot?
What a glorious time you have had. As I read I could almost hear your hoots and chords echoing around stairwells and forests. The joy of it sings all the way here. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for the sunny side growth info Caro (and to be less transactional, thanks for the beauty of the post in general!). I'd wondered about that but never learnt about it. There is another factor to growth ring spacings that I think that you'll love, as to me it has a martial art perspective... trees form 'reaction growth' in response to external forces applied upon them (e.g. prevailing wind, a leaning neighbour, side-heavy crown or other reason to lean). Softwoods build up compression wood (thicker rings on the 'downfall' side to push back against the lean) whereas hardwoods build up tension wood ( thicker rings to pull back the tree from the direction of fall).
I'm imagining a game of Buddhist wrestling between the wind and a tree. The tree learns its windy opponent, but a rare, different wind can overpower the same strong tree by using its strengths as weaknesses. All the training is used against it and it can prove fatal, unable to learn its new lesson.
This is so great, Jack! I shall delve into that, and yes, a lot like T'ai Chi responses to stressors and pushes in what you say. Thanks so much.
Great thoughts both ... and then there are roots and that enormous sensitivity ... and too much treading ... or the flotation/displacement when the floods come ... too many years 'stress' and the tree can give-up on prospective recovery, I learned recently, (in part from lecture by Clive Davies, Newcastle Uni. UK).
I loved this, Caro! All of it!
We miss you Graham, how are you doing?
Great.
Too many years since I shared that improvised hum and harmony ...
But co-ordinates and orientation are the beginnings of protection for wider than self, for what some might call 'our grove'?
Here is the good day alway to turn from the tight cul de sac, look to the sky and join arms with the great tree ... no exaggeration.
The sun? At its own noon in its singularity ... an original blessing ... and moonrise for poets and other harmony, and perhaps some wisdom for the pot?
Am looking forward to next week. Thanks.
So nice to hear your perspectives on a NY state ground I walk on sometimes. And reminders of that delicious cornbread.
You were at Adam's too, right?
What a glorious time you have had. As I read I could almost hear your hoots and chords echoing around stairwells and forests. The joy of it sings all the way here. Thanks for sharing it.
As my mother would say, 'we had a hoot!'
😂🦉
What stories, Caro. Thank you.