Photos and text by Barb Jenks Triffon
"How did it get so late so soon? It's night before its afternoon. December is here before its June.
My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" ~ Dr. Seuss
My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" ~ Dr. Seuss
Well it’s finally here and, true to form, December arrived in its usual scratchy/itchy fashion.
And, as it stamped its huge, icy footprint upon the landscape, I wondered if nature not only sensed this season's gathering cold and darkness, but also the festive (if not frenzied) mood associated with this month's religious and cultural holidays.
I suppose if you believe in the "interconnectedness" of the universe, it makes sense that the seismic, atmospheric ripples caused by Christmas and Hanukah should be as palpable to Mother Nature as they are to the billions of people worldwide who celebrate them.
As a child, I happily embraced this interpendence of all life forms, and also assigned some very human thoughts and feelings to them. Having a limited range of references or experiences, I think most kids do that.
Ex: A broken tree branch made me wonder if the damaged tree was in pain, while the last rose of the season blooming in our garden triggered my admiration for its strength and bravery. And so it was in my childhood. (Be Forewarned: The universe always finds and recognizes that kind of compassion - as do all the stray and hurt animals within a 10-mile radius.)
And, as it stamped its huge, icy footprint upon the landscape, I wondered if nature not only sensed this season's gathering cold and darkness, but also the festive (if not frenzied) mood associated with this month's religious and cultural holidays.
I suppose if you believe in the "interconnectedness" of the universe, it makes sense that the seismic, atmospheric ripples caused by Christmas and Hanukah should be as palpable to Mother Nature as they are to the billions of people worldwide who celebrate them.
As a child, I happily embraced this interpendence of all life forms, and also assigned some very human thoughts and feelings to them. Having a limited range of references or experiences, I think most kids do that.
Ex: A broken tree branch made me wonder if the damaged tree was in pain, while the last rose of the season blooming in our garden triggered my admiration for its strength and bravery. And so it was in my childhood. (Be Forewarned: The universe always finds and recognizes that kind of compassion - as do all the stray and hurt animals within a 10-mile radius.)
Fast Forward to Adulthood: Thankfully, I still believe in the “oneness” of all things – though I rarely declare it in big public forums like this blog. (Getting older can make you fearless.)
"Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better," ~ Albert Einstein
"Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better," ~ Albert Einstein
Nevertheless, as I stood among the stoic, old trees within Jeffrey Woods this December pondering BIG thoughts of
And what splendid gifts they were!
Whether it was the shimmering stars sparkling through a black spider web of overhead branches, a wispy crescent moon dripping silver orbs of moon dust from her curved lips or the wind’s willowy whisper telling a story to the frigid night air - Jeffrey Woods generously shared her priceless gifts.
And, while I couldn’t actually decide if I was forcing myself to see these gifts or if nature inherently knew it was the right month to give them up, it didn’t seem to matter anymore.
Sometimes, it’s just not a good idea to question the gifts or the gift giver.
LITTLE significance, I became deeply aware of the gifts within a December woods. And what splendid gifts they were!
Whether it was the shimmering stars sparkling through a black spider web of overhead branches, a wispy crescent moon dripping silver orbs of moon dust from her curved lips or the wind’s willowy whisper telling a story to the frigid night air - Jeffrey Woods generously shared her priceless gifts.
And, while I couldn’t actually decide if I was forcing myself to see these gifts or if nature inherently knew it was the right month to give them up, it didn’t seem to matter anymore.
Sometimes, it’s just not a good idea to question the gifts or the gift giver.
Whether you visit Jeffrey Woods or any other wooded area this December, be sure to enjoy the gifts of the season that are waiting and wanting to be opened:
- Families of deer huddled together foraging for food.
- Vivid red cardinals flitting back-and-forth from frozen ground to stately evergreens.
- The fragrant breath of giant pines and the soft footfalls on their dropped needles.
- The frozen, yet welcoming solitude of a winter forest.
- An invigorating cold that burns your nose and your toes, but makes you feel so alive.
- December's shape-shifting shadows that cast chilling spells within a barren landscape.
- A surreal connection to a life force so much bigger than yourself.
- A variety of footprints creating a written history of what happened before you arrived.
- Being the first visitor in the woods after a snowfall. (This has no comparison).
These are just a few December gifts from Jeffrey Woods. To share your memories or experiences, email me and I will gladly post at the end of this blog. State whether or not you want your name published with your post. Posts will only be accepted through December 31.Many Thanks.
In A Nutshell: Enjoy a small remembrance of Jeffrey Woods with an acorn necklace from In A Nutshell, a direct sale, online business using acorns tops gathered from Jeffrey Woods during walks that inspire Jeffrey Woods' blogs.
For more information visit ~
Website: www.inanutshellcollective.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InANutshellCollective
For more information visit ~
Website: www.inanutshellcollective.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InANutshellCollective