This is a picture of "Hope" - the tree we brought home last Winter. Lovely, isn't she? For those of you who don't recall - we were shopping at Lowe's and there was a whole section of Norfolk tropical pines. I found this particular one which had diamond dust on her branches, I swear it's true - diamond dust. She was the only one. I spoke with a sales associate about planting her outside realizing how large she would eventually become. I was told that in this area - with New England weather she could only live inside. Given the size of our home we didn't think she would fit. We left Hope at the store. All night I was restless as if I had left a child behind. By morning I had named her "Hope" and my husband knew he had to go back and get her. And so he did. Since then, people have given us items that mean 'hope' to them and I hang them on her diamond dust covered branches. I keep a lovely book on the table near her where I write down who gave what to hang on her and the meaning. It is a lovely and growing tradition - she is a tree filled with HOPE. Over time she has redefined her "look". she has thinned out in the middle and has stretched out her diamond dust branches from side to side as if she is reaching out to hug and be hugged. Here is a picture of how she has redefined her "look". Lovely, huh? :-)
As you can see she is stretched from side to side. I have spent several weeks weeding out the dried branches from her center and also I spray her every day with a cool mist. She is thriving. That is a good recipe for a good life - weed out the dried up stuff and keep moist and cool!!! :-)
I would also like to ask folks if they want to send something for me to hang on 'Hope' that represents you and what hope means. I would be thrilled if any of you did.
Given the levity of the post before this one I felt it important to lighten the mood.!! I hope this proved effective.
Here's to "Hope"
Love Gail
peace.......
22 comments:
Good Morning Gail,
Being a student of language and taken to the intent of words, I often look to the letters of each word and the meaning they have to the defined whole. Each letter of HOPE has revealed itself, and so:
H - to Honor
O - the Omnipresent
P - the Potential
E - ever Eternal.
In recognition, in gratitude, in praise,
Rose Marie
I would love to send something for your tree of Hope! Just email me where to send it! And give me a little time to think about exactly what I'd like to represent my idea of hope for your tree.
What a sweet idea!
And I didn't think your last post was dark, I just thought some dark feelings might crop up later (that was just my experience though and I shouldn't have projected, but I can only go by my own feelings and experiences because that's all I know). And even if it was dark as you say, so what? It's your blog! It's your life! Your blog is not for our entertainment, it's not to lighten our moods, it's your life. And I love reading you!
Okay, here I go being 'preachy' again! I don't mean to be, really. I'll stop now.
Love your tree!
Love,
Eileen
Hi Eileen-
Thank you for your lovely words to me and you can be as "preachy" as you want, when ever you want! :-)
And you are right, the previous post was not dark at all, I know. It was a deep truth that was perceived in many ways as it 'touched' people's lives. I think that's what truth does. And I am honored that you like reading my blog. :-)
I will go over to your place and give you my address so you can send a long something for "Hope" - the tree.
Love to you
Gail
peace.....
Hi ROse Marie-
I am humbled by your words to me about "Hope". Thank you for all that you are and share of yourself with me. Such a gift!
Love to you
Gail
peace.....
Gail, I deleted your address (after copying it)! My sister would have a fit if she saw that I let your address stay out there in blogland for all to see! She is constantly reminding me about the dangers and perils of blogging and putting too much information 'out there'!
She also cautions me about the kids' pictures, but my granddaughter was doing modeling for magazines for awhile, how much more 'out there' can your face get?!
Anyway, I just wanted you to know.
Thanks for giving me the address and I'll be thinking and looking and sending soon!
Love, me
wow, what a lovely idea :)
Hi Iktomi-
So glad you liked it!! :-)
Love to you
Gail
peace
@EILEEN- Phew, thanks, I should have mentioned that when I commented for you to delete the comment. Glad your sister is on the ball.
I look forward to whatever you send and whenver you send it.
Love you
Gail
peace.....
I acknowledge how meaningful the tree is for you. :) I hope you're having a good day.
My girlfriend has two plants she is caring for, with the hope that if she can keep them alive, she can then move to a pet.
Hi Kevin-
That is so cool about your girl friend. recall tht being said by Steve Buschemy in the movie 28 Days. He was the rehab-counselor and was speaking about relationships and when to start one after being in recovery. He said that for the first year in recovery get a plant, if you don't kill it then get a pet, if you keep them both alive for 2 years then think about a relationship. Goodmovie.
Nice to see you Kev.
Love Gail
peace.....
Hi Gail, oh I am so happy to read your post and see your tree of hope. It is so pretty, are you sure you want it end up looking like a Christmas Tree????? I will send something that represents me and like Eileen I am not sure what that may be yet....but when I think of something appropiate I will send it okay. (E-mail me your address...use our blogger's gmail account so it will be priviate)
Really enjoyed your post....have a great weekend....:-) Hugs
Hi Bernie-
I am so glad you like "HOPE'S" theme. :-) I have no idea what my 'blogger-email' is though. Eileen has my address now so maybe she could send it to you or you can let me know where to find my 'blogger-email' and I will send you my address. Let me know, ok?
Love to you Bernie
have a great weekend -
Gail
peace and HOPE
Your hope tree is a nice idea...I once left our Christmas tree up in the lower level family room when the grandkids were younger...we decorated it differently for every holiday...and made up a few holidays...it was an artificial tree of course...The grandkids loved it anyway.
Hi Wanda-
I often say to her, "Hope" that is, - that some days she has a big job to do! :-)
And nice idea how you kept the Christmas tree active with other holidays - I am sure your grand kids loved it.
love and peace
Gail
I've been thinking about you and Hope all day. I still don't have anything fitting to hang on that tree - except all my own hopes. They're kind of like fairy dust.
Hi Trish-
I like the idea of your hopes being like fairy dust, and so for now, "Hope's" sparkling branches with diamond dust will represent your hopes.
Love you girl
Gail
peace.....
What a nice idea. Hope is something that we all need in life.
Have a great day.
Hi Anne (Choices)
So nice to see you. :-)
Love Gail
peace.....
Good Morning Gail, Eileen sent me your address and I will be sending something for your Hope tree when I can think of something suitable for it.....Luv you
Hi Bernie-
I am SO happy. I will hang what you send and write it in the book with love and care.
Love Gail
peace.....
Hello Gail
It is indeed a lovely tree!
I so love trees so this post made me quite happy!
May your tree "Hope" continue to grow & flourish and add joy to your days!
Have a wonderful sunday!
Hi Margie-
SO glad you like "Hope" - the tree. She is changing and growing and flourishing.
I hope you had a lovely Sunday too.
Love Gail
peace.....
Aaaahhhhh.... I love the tree Gail! Conifers are my favorite tree! I can see why you wanted it so badly! I will crochet something special for your tree! That's for pointing me in the right direction!
Love Di
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