It was love at first sight as you know. The house with its porch and its tree had me at hello.
The tree that the original owners planted in 1922 has been here for 91 years.
I have been here for 8 of them.
I have treasured this tree. I have loved looking out of the windows and seeing its beauty. I have loved the shade it has provided. I have loved capturing the magical light that has danced through its leaves with my lens.
But most of all I have loved getting to know all of the squirrels and birds who have called this tree home. A heavenly haven it has been for all of them indeed.
Today we must say goodbye to the tree. For everything there is a season and its time in the sun is done.
While I know in my mind that this is true it is going to take a while for my heart to listen.
Goodbye beautiful tree. I will never forget you.
Hi Kimberly,
I'm new to your blog...what a beauty! I'm a shutterbug too, and we have an orphan gosling right now. You can see him (or her) at www.sweetrun.blogspot.com
It seems we have a lot in common! I also had to say goodbye to a beloved old tree: http://sweetrun.blogspot.com/2011/10/fond-farewell.html
Looking forward to enjoying your blog. Your photography is wonderful!
Posted by: Nancy V in Virginia | 05/10/2013 at 07:32 AM
I had to say goodbye to our weeping willow tree last year. It was devastating, so much so, that I had to leave for the day. I couldn't watch it being taken down. Thinking of you and your tree.
Posted by: Claudia | 05/10/2013 at 08:11 AM
We had to go through this same thing 10 years ago. We bought our house because of the beautiful tree in the front yard. The house was built around it. It was estimated to be 350 years old and was the fifth biggest tree in our county. We loved it - our kids had a tire swing in it and my husband used to take naps with the kids under it. It had some damage to it when we first moved in and had telephone poles propping up part of it and it had cables in the upper branches. Over the years it started to shift and the cables began popping and we knew it was time to let it go because we were worried a branch would fall on the kids. I used to wake up in the morning and when I opened my eyes the first thing I thought of was losing the tree. It was quite an ordeal getting it down - we had to block off the street because the crane was so big. We had a happy ending because we got 2 new trees that were fairly big from an oak tree farm that was going out of business for a good price and the trees are really big now. So I will think of you and your tree and hope that it is not too traumatic for you. There are lots of tree farms over your way. That is what helped me the most - getting bigger trees to plant instead of having to go to a regular nursery and get a small tree.
Posted by: Jenny L. | 05/10/2013 at 08:29 AM
Hugs to you, Kim, and hugs to a gorgeous tree that has proudly watched over Daisy Cottage for 91 years. We had to say goodbye to a beautiful oak by our house just a couple of years ago. Major parts of it were hollow and we couldn't risk it falling on our house. Oh, how I missed that tree. Like Jenny L., I hope you are able to find another fabulous tree to nurture and love.
Posted by: G from Ga | 05/10/2013 at 09:47 AM
oh my goodness.....
at least you will always keep fond memories of your good times with this beautiful tree......
im sorry..........
Posted by: linda | 05/10/2013 at 12:21 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful tree....can you replant in the same spot?
My parents' yard had many beautiful old trees until a storm came through last July....we were all sad to see that destruction.
Posted by: Judy L. | 05/10/2013 at 03:45 PM
Hi Kim
Was just thinking about you today and thought I'd stop by and say hello. Hope all is well with you and your family. Our daughter is getting married in October, so I am busy with that. Sometimes I miss the days when our little blogging community felt like a small town. Now it's more like a big city!
((HHUGS)) Rhondi
Posted by: Rhondi | 05/10/2013 at 05:42 PM
Oh I forgot to mention how sad it is to lose a tree. A tree is like an old friend who is always there so when it has to come down its always a sad day. Goodbye dear tree.
Posted by: Rhondi | 05/10/2013 at 05:43 PM
I feel the same way about trees. They have such a grandeur and add so much to our world. I hope you find comfort in these beautiful photos. Redbud trees grow rapidly in Indiana. I hope you find another tree that will bring people joy for many years to come.
Posted by: Beth K. | 05/10/2013 at 07:10 PM
So sorry Kim I know you love that tree and so do I with all that wonderful moss hanging from it. A tree is like an old friend. Remember the good times had while she was around!! (((Hugs))) xox
Posted by: Trish | 05/11/2013 at 06:07 AM
Is there any way you can repurpose some of the wood from the tree? Maybe a cutting board or a table if the pieces are big enough. Maybe a bench or two? That way it could live on forever. Sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Sandy | 05/12/2013 at 09:22 PM
I'm so sorry Kim. That is such a very big thing. I have a friend that lost her big tree that she loved to a storm last fall and it was terribly upsetting for her. I know I've waited my whole life to live in a place with lots of trees and I cherish them so much!
Posted by: Jen@thecottagenest | 05/13/2013 at 10:59 AM
Sweet Kim,
I feel your sorrow about this magnificent tree and your deep love for it. Trees are such special beings in our lives. Give that tree a big hug and express your gratitude for all the beauty and healing it has shared so generously with you. You have honored it with your photographs, your words, and your care for it. Its amazing spirit will live in your heart. . . .and now ours.
Posted by: Pamela | 05/16/2013 at 10:48 AM