If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees. ~Hal Borland, American author
I woke up to snow on Wednesday morning!
Just a dusting — maybe an inch — but perfect for getting in the holiday spirit.
Actually, this Southern gal prefers sunshiny days, with temps in the 70s, though Central Illinois isn’t famous for that in mid-December.
Still, looking on the bright side, it didn’t stick around long.
And before it took off, I glanced out a window and caught sight of this tiny tree.
No taller than the length of my hand yet looking for all the world like it was saying, “See? I can be a Christmas tree, too!!”
Hang in there, Wee One — perhaps one day you might.
I got to wondering how something like this had sprung up seemingly overnight.
I didn’t plant it. I don’t recall seeing it over the summer months.
Yet there it was: healthy, tiny, and full of life.
And yes — Christmas Joy.
Part of me was tempted to hunt for a tiny red bow to adorn its branches, affirming in my clumsy way that even tiny trees are valuable.
But it was doing just fine without my intervention.
There’s a lesson here, I’m sure.
Even the smallest among us can teach us about strength, patience, and persistence.
Attributes we’ll need as we travel our path in life.
Now you might call this a weed (and perhaps it is), but I prefer to see it as an evergreen.
A gift.
Beautiful and perfect in its miniature state.
We’ll see what it looks like come Spring.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
It’s a baby tree! What’s interesting about plants like this is that even when there’s no activity visible above ground, they’re working below ground to establish their roots. I was fascinated to learn that longleaf pines look like a clump of grass for a couple of years; they only begin to gain some height after they have good roots. Who knows what this little one’s up to?
Thanks so much for confirming my suspicions, Linda. Do birds plant fir trees? That’s the only thing I can guess because I sure didn’t put it there — in a ground cover of rocks! If it still looks healthy come Spring, I’ll probably consider replanting it in a better location (though I guess there’s something to be said for it choosing its own domicile!)
I greatly enjoyed this as you delivered a smile to me this morning. I think it’s a great idea to adorn the little one with a small red bow – so please consider it.
Delighted to have made you smile, Frank! The poor thing is so tiny, I’m afraid a red bow might bend it completely over. Maybe if I can find a really tiny one….
Maybe some made from red thread.
Great idea — it would probably appreciate anything festive!
🙂
Debbie, I LOVED this post!
“There’s a lesson here, I’m sure.
Even the smallest among us can teach us about strength, patience, and persistence.
Attributes we’ll need as we travel our path in life.
Now you might call this a weed (and perhaps it is), but I prefer to see it as an evergreen.
A gift.”
*thunderous applause*
That was beautiful! And I agree!
This is such a perfect example and wonderful lesson on how we can choose “perceive” things.
Thank you, my friend! For sharing your outlook; particularly during this challenging time.
Have a faaaabulous weekend! X
P.S. It snowed here too yesterday. We got a TON of snowfall. And of course, you know me, I was out there twirling in it and trying to catch snowflakes with my tongue. LOL!
Ron, I know you and I share a deep love for trees, so I thought you’d enjoy seeing this wee one! Isn’t it the cutest thing? So tiny, with those perfect branches and itty-bitty needles!
And I knew your area was going to get some snow, thanks to reports on The Weather Channel. I can see you in my mind, twirling with your arms outstretched and enjoying every last snowflake! Hope you had a day off so you could frolic in it — and maybe take some photos to share with us??! xx
I loved this post, Debbie. You are so right about the tree’s determination.
When the snow melted this afternoon, I realized this tiny tree had decided to put down roots amid some landscaping rocks! Yes, determination is a great word for all of us.
Lovely post, Debbie – very thoughtful! Brave little tree – I hope it grows up to be big and strong.
Thank you, FF — me, too! I almost felt like covering it with a tiny blanket … but then I figured it probably needed “toughening up”!!
I see it as an evergreen, too, Debbie. A tiny tree teaching all of us life lessons. Thanks for inspiring us today–both of you!
Thank YOU, Kathy — glad you enjoyed it!
A very sweet find, Debbie. A gift for Christmas!
Isn’t it odd how Nature gives us gifts every day, if only we’re attuned to receiving them?!!
I ‘forest-bathe’ every day for that reason. Today was splendid walking through our recent snow… a winter wonderland!
I love your wee little sapling of joy! As Hal Borland advised, you welcomed the company of this tiny evergreen. With a bit of patience maybe you will get to see it grow up. A sweet Christmas blessings for you, Debbie. 🎄
It is indeed — thank you, Barbara! I’ll be interested to see what it does over a long Illinois winter.
I have read Hal Borland and really like his writing! Neat to come across another blogger who has read him.
Thank you, Laurie — I’m honored to have you stop by here (and will pop over to your blog home soon, promise!)
My pleasure! I see a lot of mutual blogging friends in the comment section. A really lovely chain that goes not only across the country but around the world.
Connecting hearts and lives that might never have found one another!!
Yes, yes! Also, I was drawn to the picture of the Sheltie with you. We had two wonderful Shelties who are gone, and how I miss them.
So you know how special they are! My Dallas went OTRB as the Pandemic began, and I miss him every single day. I’m sorry for your loss, Laurie, but I’m glad to hear we share this bond!
I sure do. So sorry about Dallas. Liam’s been gone for two years, and how I miss him. Shelties are indeed so special. I love how lively, alert, vigilant, and intelligent they are. Always ready for a lark, our Liam was. He barked a lot, as Shelties do, but that never bothered me. Before Liam, we had Seamus, another Sheltie. You can see how much we like Irish names.
They sound like sweeties, and I feel how much you miss them. Irish names are perfect!
Thanks for bringing me hope this day and the sign of brighter days ahead. It has been a long, dark winter here.
Oh, Pat, yes! It HAS been a long haul, hasn’t it? I don’t know of anybody who’s had a wonderful year. Way different from all those holiday greetings we exchanged last Christmas season. Hang in there, my friend!
A lovely gift from nature, Debbie. I wonder if you’ve read the “Advice From A Tree ” poem by Ilan Shamir?
I hadn’t actually, but I Googled it and found it delightful. Thanks for pointing it out to me, Natalie!
Loved this post Debbie. Gave me a sense of hope. Much needed right now! Thanks you.
Gave me a lot of hope, too, Pat! Thanks for telling me my tiny tree helped your mood!
Pingback: Wordless Wednesday — Ice – Musings by an ND Domer's Mom
Pingback: Growth and Changes – Musings by an ND Domer's Mom