Long have they lived at Valabærjet and have given us a lot of gifts and pleasure during our time here. Both of them were some of the first things I noticed while moving here some 13 years ago: The apple tree and the rowan tree.
The Apple Tree is growing in the garden in front of the house, and is visible from the window in our kitchen. As grandiose as beautiful, she has a romantic and almost perfect shape. The very first time I saw her in full bloom was a moment of awe. It was like she was dressed with a crown of uncountable flowers, and the whole tree was buzzing with insects. As for the smell…How I wish you could experience it! It was like nectar. My nostrils vibrated and it was like my whole body rejoiced breathing in this incredible sweet and flavoured scent.
There are many ways and methods to practice meditation, but sitting there in the grass with the back resting on her trunk, that's what I would call meditation. Connected to the earth, bathing in her perfume, listening and seeing all the insects flying in and out of the tree, pollinating it (and at the same time getting what they need to survive), I have only one word: BEAUTIFUL!
Through the last 13 years, I wasn’t aware of her age, I just knew she was very old and prone to sickness. She has given us so much joy, serenity and fruits and we are very grateful for her gifts.
At the top of the field behind our house, we have a really old Rowan tree. Rowan trees are common in this part of the country and our little place is no exception, but this one is special. He has this ancient look, with moss and different Lichen growing all over him. This tree had an ideal location for building a fireplace and a «gapahuk», a simple shelter to sit in when the weather's bad, or if we just wanted to sleep by the fire. Here we could make food and enjoy an outdoor evening while watching the lake below, listening to the loons with their mythical howl.
This tree is a protector and gives us berries to harvest at the same time as he has an aura of well-being and tranquillity. There have been many good conversations over the years and The Rowan tree is a great listener and comforter.
I could not count the hours nor the time spent with these two trees, the Apple and the Rowan tree. But as the ravages of time have an impact, today, they have come to their end, or at least half of each. Both of them stood strong for a long time as the heavy snow loaded their branches during the winter.
In the end, they had to give up, as the warming weather made the snow excessively heavy. They could no longer hold the weight and both of them were split in two. One part of each tree is still standing there, strong and heartbroken. Half of their life is gone, ripped away from the trunk. These halves now lay down to the ground, yet they still are connected at the base of the standing part.
It was with sadness that we saw this happen, almost like an old friend passing. From being a fruitful and flourishing part of the garden and surroundings, they are now lying, slowly letting go to become nourishment for the next generations.
Talking about nourishment, it is a thrill to see that both the rabbits and moose almost daily come to feast on the branches now lying on the ground.
As the grief of the loss vanishes and let creativity take grasp, this makes us see what the trunks and branches that we will «save» before the rest composts or is eaten away, can be transformed into and be used for. All of it for the joy future memories will give us.
So, thank You Apple tree, thank you Rowan tree, for all the pleasures and beauty given us through the years here at Valabærjet. Thank You, we will sing your songlines through future history.
Morten
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