Duking It Out With A Pine Tree

 

I love the smell of Pine Trees. There’s something about the scent that reaffirms my appreciation of the forest and the one who created it.  We enjoy being surrounded by what seems like an infinite number of Pines.

-------------     It didn't used to be that way though.     -------------

 

In chapter fourteen of my book, Meet Me In The Mountains, I share a personal story about a particular pesky Hawaiian Pine tree that I vehemently hated. Yes, I know “hated” is a strong word, but the word fits. The story takes place in the city of Chandler, Arizona where I lived from 1981 to 2006. The pine tree was originally planted by the developer of the community in a common grassy area just behind our white wrought iron backyard fence. I say pesky, because of what the tree would shed certain times of the year. During the spring and summer months, thousands of pine needles would blow off the tree and fall freely into our backyard. A chaotic mess of dried thin curses.

Most weekends, I would be found cleaning, pruning, planting, upgrading and beautifying our back and front yards. I counted and compared the time I spent working in the yards as the same as going to an indoor gym. After all, I was bending, pulling, lifting, stretching and walking.

In doing yard work, I am fulfilled by the care-taking of plants and continuous desire to create an enjoyable and relaxing outdoor oasis for family and friends.

Unfortunately, this particular Hawaiian Pine tree stole countless hours from me because of the time it took to vacuum the needles up.  I often made deals with God begging Him to kill the menacing tree by way of a lightening bolt. I reminded God how perfect the timing was because of the frequent monsoon storms during that time of year. I also reminded him that I had the faith of half a mustard seed and truly believed in his power to annihilate the conifer . Unfortunately my prayer and plea over the years was never answered. In fact, after all those years, the pine tree still stands. I do not live there anymore and don’t envy the new owners of the house for what they have to suffer with.

So where am I going with this?

Believe it or not, I now live among thousands and thousands of pine trees. And humorously, my husband and I live in a small town named, “PINE.”  I am not as particular about retrieving each and every pine needle that falls here at Breath of Life Retreat House, but you will still find me vacuuming them up with my yard vac as best I can, especially during their twice a year falling.

Without looking for any acknowledgement or praise, it just so happened that recently, we were asked to be one of six properties on tour for our landscaping, water features and garden area. So this Saturday, Breath of Life Retreat House will be open to an outdoor tour. What will you see?  An abundance of Ponderosa Pines in all directions along with multiple seating areas and swings throughout the back and front yards, various flowers and a variety of plants. Rock planters, statuary and beautiful views.

In addition we have a very talented artist named Bertica Garcia Dubus who will be selling her oil paintings, prints and note cards. Here is a link to see some of her work.

http://www.bertica-art.com

Critics have described her style as realistic in nature, and her paintings as figurative works that tell a story with warmth and feeling.

We invite you to come up to beautiful Pine  (yes God does have a sense of humor with me) and tour the property. There are five other properties on tour also and if you live in the Phoenix or surrounding areas, you might want to drive up and make a day of it.  I will be selling and signing books in addition to some inspirational and scriptural calligraphy. You will also find wind chimes, bird houses and other gift items to purchase.

Tickets for the Garden Tour can be purchased for $5 at Ace Hardware, the Payson and Pine public libraries, the Rim Country Regional Chamber of Commerce, Payson Jewelers, Plant Fair Nursery, Sweet Nostalgia and participating homes on tour. One ticket gets you access to tour each of the six properties. The description and location of the homes are below on the green paper.