Monday, May 18, 2009

On the farm where I was raised, there stood 2 of the largest oak trees I have ever seen. Both are sadly gone now.

I posted an image of the other oak a couple of months ago. This particular tree gave shade and shelter to our horses and other's livestock for centuries before we came to the land. The photo was taken with film in 1965 with my first small camera. I am in the process of scanning in my old photos because time has begun to deteriorate the film.

I am certain that my fascination with trees and nature came from these early days growing up with the horses on our small family horse farm.

14 comments:

Heather said...

There is a warmth in this photo, Dan...I can see that it is an older one, because of that warmth. Like looking back at my days, growing up and seeing those pictures...it brings a warmth that I hope my boys will see when they're grown, looking back at the photos I've taken.

I like this :o).

And thank you so much for your caring, Dan...your feelings shared yesterday as you commented on my wavely emotions :o). I appreciate you.

Heather said...

Oh, how I would love to be sitting there - under that tree, surrounded by horses. This photo reminds me of my boyfriend's property. It's always so peaceful. While he's sold the majority of his land and all of his cattle, there is still a barn, several rolling acres and about 8 horses. I always love lazy weekends there.

Dan Felstead said...

Heather,
After seeing your "homeplace" with all the maples, the bonfires and the interaction between you and Ray with the kids...don't worry...they will have very fond memories.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Alabama Heather....
You are right...there is nothing better than to be able to take off on a horse on a lazy summer afternoon and head out with no agenda or plan for the rest of the day...what happens...just happens. Those days of freedom with no responsibilities don't come as often anymore. I miss them.

Dan

DawnTreader said...

I love big trees. This one looks fantastic.

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Dawn Treader...I am sure they have big oaks in Sweden??

Dan

OliveStreetStudio said...

what a fantastic photograph...it immediately caught my eye. The size of that Oak - sad to read it is gone.

Dan Felstead said...

Olive Street...
The farm I was raised on was 40 acres and on one fence line was another oak about the same size as this one. My Dad measured the circumference of the oak one time and it was 28 feet in circumference! When the oak died, he had to get a logger with super heavy equipment in just to cut it up and transport if off the property.

Dan

The Muse said...

Trees have always held an allure for me..i too have childhood memories of a tree...mine are of a giant apple tree :)

Sorry to hear that your trees are gone...

But I am pleased that those warm feelings can be rekindled in your art/shots...:)

Also thank you for bringing back a warm though of the past.

Cynthia L. H. said...

Dan,
So glad that you could "save" this Oak in a photo.
Lovely,
C

Dan Felstead said...

Muse...
I wonder what it is about things like trees and childhood memories? So many people have these warm memories of that special tree when growing up.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Cynthia,

Great way to look at it..even thought the tress are gone, I can still enjoy them though a photograph.

Dan

DawnTreader said...

Yes Dan, we do have oak trees in Sweden. I don't think I ever saw one quite as tall as the one in your picture, though. Around where I grew up the most common trees were birch, fir and pine.

Dan Felstead said...

Dawn Treader...

I have made several trips up north here in the states into Canada and Alaska. Up there the Birches are prevalent as well and they are beautiful trees.

Dan