Oak

Frosty morning.

The Oak tree is one of the most loved trees in the world, and with good reason. It’s a symbol of strength, morale, resistance and knowledge.  Throughout history, the Oak has been represented in different mythologies and sometimes linked to powerful gods (in Greek mythology it was a symbol of Zeus, the God of Thunder.) The oak is considered a cosmic storehouse of wisdom embodied in its towering strength. It grows slowly, but surely at its own rate. Oak is often associated with honor, nobility, and wisdom as well thanks to its size and longevity.  Oaks are known to easily surpass 300 years of age making it a powerful life-affirming symbol. 

~ from the Bios Urn website

The old oak tree here on the ranch.

Today’s #12daysofnatureomens find were the frosted oak leaves scattered across the lawn when I went to watch the sunrise this morning.  It’s interesting that the oak is associated with the seventh month of the Celtic calendar (because it is my nature omen for July of this year, our seventh month).  The Celts also associated the oak with hospitality.  If interested, you can find a whole page of information about the Oak here.

I forgot to mention yesterday that nature’s omens do not have to be animals.  It can be a plant, a leaf, a rock, a tree, something about the weather, or something you noticed about the landscape.  Whatever speaks to you will do.  What it represents or the meaning can be up to you, too.  (See yesterday’s post if you’re not sure what this is about.)

Out near the water’s edge.  (Jane’s Island State Park)

M and I took our first hike of 2020 this morning.  We went out to Jane’s Island State Park.  I didn’t find out until later that Maryland state parks have an event that comes with the hashtag #firstdayhikes (or #firstdayhikes2020).  It’s a ranger-guided hike.  That will teach me to start paying attention to the park calendars.  I often miss stuff like that due to a lack of attention.

First hike of the year with my favorite hiking partner.

I took more than a few photos which I hope to share with you soon.  In the meantime, another Happy New Year to you and yours!  Please join me to watch the sunset this evening.  I think I’ll go out to the Point, but it depends on what the tide is doing.  We had a super high tide yesterday and I was unable to get to any of the usual spots.  Sunset is scheduled for 4:53 PM.  It’s chilly today (44°F and windy right now).  It’s best to bundle up since it’s colder near the water.

Be good, be kind, be love.  ♥

Along the way.

A few of the 10,000 reasons to be happy:  1,211)  A lovely hike on the first day of the new year.  Seems to me that’s a great way to get the year started.  1,212)  Lovely weather for hiking.  Cool, but sunny.  1,213)  The scents in the woods.  Pine, cedar, decomposing leaves, and fresh air.  1,214)  My favorite hiking partner.  1,215)  The sunlight and long shadows in the woods, and the sparkle of sunshine on the water.

Sunshine with breakfast.