The trees of Washington DC have presence all year round. They define the landscape in early spring when they're in bloom, looking like so many poofy white and pink clouds. In summer the lush leaf canopy of dark green creates pools of shade that are noticeably cooler than areas exposed to direct sunlight. In fall they are gorgeous in all their gold and red finery. But even in winter when they're buck naked, they have incredible presence made more dramatic by the shadows they cast. Only the monuments and federal buildings like the Capitol and the White House have as vivid a presence as our trees.
When I think of New York, I think of the presence of that city's famous skyscrapers, and the incredible presence of people (because there are so many, always out and about it seems). In the western U.S., the Rocky Mountains provide a majestic backdrop. At the coasts, the ocean is the mighty presence.
Having been chosen as a blog of note this week is giving me a sense of what it means to have presence. Being this visible is kind of nerve wracking, I'll admit. To all of you who have visited and commented, please accept my apologies if I haven't responded. I'm not used to standing under a spotlight. It's kind of freaky! Good, oh yeah, but ... freaky! I wonder if the trees feel like this sometimes?
26 comments:
Prose like poetry, you write beautifully. No pressure, just do your thing. Even if one day you rise and write a great stinky fart, the next wind that comes along will surely blow it away.
This is an awesome photo. I just started working in DC temporarily. I've been a Virginia resident all my life, but there's something about driving down Pennsylvania Ave and seeing the Capitol building in my side view mirror that is just so surreal!
I love the way the naked trees in winter add texture to the sky. Happy New Year!
Beautifully said and congratulations on being named a Blog of Note!
Glad I can say I knew you when, even if I only discovered your blog a few days before the rush.
Well-deserved notariety, but please don't change a think about this blog or how you approach it except maybe to take a few extra bows, okay? 'Cuz otherwise I'll have to kick your butt, and I know you've seen the kind of boots I favor. Nancy Sinatra's boots were made for walkin', but I assure you, mine were made for butt kickin'!
A beautiful photo!
You're so funny Reya. I hope you're having a wonderful wintry weekend. Stay toasty!
Hammer? Never mind the boots - I believe ass kicking is written into your DNA. Don't worry! I do NOT want an ass kickin' by the likes of you, darlin.
Butternut - Thanks ... I think!
Robert I wish it was wintry here ... it's not! Oh well.
Another Fantastic Post! I live in rural Virginia; I recently moved from Kansas and the beauty even here amazes me.
That's a great shot.....they must be setting up everything 4 the 20th....
Hope the weather holds, especially since the repubs seem to not want to stay in town ; (
Cheers!
Just breathe and be. I am feeling very inspired by your blog and those great photos. Do not place undo pressure on yourself, just be your brilliant self. See....no pressure.
Wow, you're a Blog of Note! And I agree - why throw out the Christmas lights with the tree?
Great pictures..we lived in Northern VA..my husband worked in Georgetown...great city...sandy toes
beautiful. they dont even look dead as most trees do when they are bare. gorgeous photos!
Beautiful DC pix!
Are you feeling the "oblogation"? :D Your great blog certainly deserves to be in the spotlight!!
Beautiful photo's, on all your blogs! When I looked at them, I felt my own creativity come alive in me. The trees, the streets, the reflections of the minds eye. Thank you.
your shots are amazing! :)
I am exactly saying like what "butternut squash(!!)" says- prose like poetry. Not only the writings, but also the pictures are gorgious. WIll you mind if I save a few of them? I wish I could be there to enjoy scenes.
I tend to notice the trees more in winter without their showy clothing. You can see the true majestic structure of the whole tree, the way its branches grow, how different it is from the tree right next to it.
All things that tend to get lost when they are clothed in green.
[I see you are moderating your comments. Wise choice! I have people leaving crap comments with links to their commercial sites all the time.]
Gentle - you're welcome to any of the images here. They're also available on photobucket. Borrow with abandon, and thank you all so much for your encouragement and for enjoying the blog.
Washington DC is a beautiful city. All I have to do is push the button on my camera. Thanks, ya'll.
i loved the trees in DC when I was there
i hope to see them again some time, in a different season?
That Is A Lovely Photo. I Was In Washington DC For My Summer Holidays Last Year And It Is A Beautifuil City.
Beautiful shot of the Capitol. It is, as you observed in an earlier post, so nice to have it back, connected seamlessly to East Capitol Street and the rest of the Hill.
One of the things I love about your photography and writing is the presence of trees. They show up as themselves.
2seconds during,i thought this picture was taken in champs elysée avenue in Paris,the same landscape.
Heum,my comments is very interesting,i know that ;)
Reya, I so agree with you that geography defines certain places. I've never been to DC, but that's all going to change in May when my daughter graduates from college. I'll be flying out from Michigan to her commencement.
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