O Christmas Tree were you always so ho hum?
Still in Florida.
Dad is a little bit better. But so many questions.
In periods of uncertainty, constancy is always welcome.
In my life tonight, stability is represented by that little Christmas tree pictured above.
It sits in the middle of a small lake (some might say pond) in front of the house I grew up in. Ever since I can remember, there has been a lighted tree on the lake this time of year.
When I was young, the entire neighborhood would gather on a Saturday morning. Adults would decorate the tree. Then a rope would be attached to the float and us children-folk would walk along the bank.
We pulled and walked and pulled and walked in a sort of tug-of-war with that danged floating tree.
As we tugged on our semi-circle journey around the pond, the tree would glide toward the lake’s center.
It looks so much bigger in person tonight than this silly iPhone photo.
Wanting to get the best picture, I walked all the way to the water’s edge and snapped the image.
Poo.
It looked so small.
I then stretched my arms into the darkness straight out at the tree as far as I could and clicked again.
Poo.
Still most unimpressive.
No you never can go home.
I stood there looking at that tree.
Hoping to fill a void — just a teensy bit.
The tree was out on the lake for another Christmas but it didn’t feel the same as it did those long ago Saturday mornings.
In fact, it hasn’t felt the same for a while.
Maybe the tree isn’t as tall, the lights as bright or the water as clear as it used to be?
Or maybe it’s just me who’s changed?
Linking up with Greta @Gfunkied and Julie @Mamamash for another Wednesday’s iPPP.
I think the tree is very lovely, it looks great. A (little) beacon in the night.
And it’s still big in your heart, that’s all that counts.
It’s always nice to have a constant, something to lean on when things are rough.
I hope you’re holding up down there in Florida and I wish you all the best.
I agree with Kerstin. I think that what is important is the memory you have of that tree- what it meant to you way back then not necessarily what it or how it seems today. So much of life was magical a long time ago- I try not to let it get me down that the magic isn’t necessarily there anymore. Or maybe I am still searching to find it?
Cameras can only capture light and dark, not soul and memories.
Wishing you much strength and peace down in Florida.
You remind me of when I go back to see my parents, still in the house where I grew up. And I take my kids to play at the same playground I used to go across the way, but you’re right. It’s not the same. And neither am I.
Lovely words.
I love the little tree. I get it, though. You can’t go home.
Sending good thoughts to you and your dad.
I know how you feel, exactly. But it is a beautiful picture, even if it’s not how you’d like it to be. Wishing for you peace and strength right now, Jamie.
Hi Jamie,
Hope you are ok because you haven’t posted something new in a few days and you always seem to post.
Just worrying about you my blogger friend! Have a great weekend.
xo tiffani