In a miraculous way, he opened himself up to become a channel for story. He surrendered to it. Story unfolded through him, complete and beautiful from beginning to end. And when he started to think, he stopped.
This is a day to be Public, Intentional and Explicit allies of LGBTQ2SIA+ people. There is no end and no repeating pattern to people. Let’s affirm that. Let’s celebrate that by eating pie!
I don’t have a pine shed with burning coals or a cedar-lined sanctuary, but I spent a day in sauna, discovering the joy of rest and retreat.
On a snowy walk I met 3 trees. They led me to wonder, am I feeling jagged, toppled, or straight and strong?
Dogs, horses, and cookies, oh my! Oh, and book with my poetry in it.
Somerton Smith 
I am a Willow Tree, securely rooted while my branches are swaying in the gusty wind. Great question.
Oh, what a lovely image. I do love a willow tree. They are strong and flexible at the same time.
You took a walk and the trees spoke to you. Grand!
What kind of tree am I today? Well, earlier in the day I felt uprooted with a notification that I may have to begin again, possibly with a new ISBN number for my new book. Later, when I spoke to a specialist, she used the words “I don’t think there’s much harm done” when she spoke of the errors that may be rectified just by sending a new file. So, right now I’ll identify with a sturdy oak.
Great question, Arlene!
You are a sturdy oak that is bearing acorns! It is helpful to remember that trees live in community, with their roots intertwined, supporting each other.
Thanks for the reassurance, Arlene. You are a great support!
I think I am a budding maple, ready for the ice I’ve endured to nourish the potential in my new leaf-buds. Love the question and the answers.
Ooooh, I love your answer. In a previous post, I wrote about how, even on the coldest, darkest days of winter, when deciduous trees appear fully dead, there are buds. They are small and protected by thick scales, but they are there. https://somertonsmith.com/2022/02/15/being-rid-of-that-which-does-not-feed-us/
I’m sure there will be wonderful leaves appearing soon.
I love how you compared yourself to trees! This post made me very happy. It reminds me of a Ram Dass quote in which he compares humans to trees.
As I write this, I notice that the trees in my backyard have buds on their branches. That’s how I feel right now. I’ve been sluggish all winter, but I’m gradually waking up, just like the trees.❤️
Wonderful, thank you. Spring is a time for that feeling of re-birth. It’s all very energizing!
Yes, it is! ❤️