On a routine winter day, the brown and bare branches of winter fade into my existence. I barely notice trees, not being particularly fond of sticks decorating the sky. And then one day, it happens. My neighbor, Heidi, mentions the fact that I haven't added to my tree blog since Thanksgiving. (I am happy to know she checks up on me!) I get a couple of really nice e-mails from New Zealand and Germany and Woodbridge (also cool that strangers from around the world and a town next door are also looking in), and suddenly the trees start calling my name.

"Come out and look at us! We're not just sticks! We have color and shape and texture!"

And I slow down, eyes open wide in the low morning sunshine, my head spinning with awe. The beauty of nature has completely taken over my morning.

My friend, Bob, will call occasionally and instead of saying "How are you?" he says, "Best thing?" Oh what a great question. Always gets me thinking about the things I appreciate, and I find that it's often hard to choose the one BEST thing.

Bob, if you were to ask today, I would tell you my best thing is a bud on the linden tree that called my name.

Heidi in the house down the street, writes: I would have 'nagged' sooner but I know how busy you've been. Thanks for the new pic!
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Photograph of the week.