and it’s not even Christmas!
My brother the vagabond decided to clean out his storage space, getting rid of books among other things. Knowing I was writing a book about trees and forests, he thought of me. I get it. We just did the same – winnowed down storage and some books had to go, whether to sell to the Strand in New York City or to donate to the local PTSA. It’s hard to part with books you love if you’re a writer, or a reader.
I take a walk with my writer friend Barbara to clear my head. Exquisite waterfront park in charming Irvington, New York.
Right by the Hudson.
On the other side, the southbound train.
Everything picturesque.
Do you have a friend you walk with? Nice to speak of things that matter, and also things that don’t matter so much. The holidays, recipes, health challenges, problems, possibilities, writing. Books. Some of the books my brother gave me are famous, like Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods. Others not so much.
But still sure to be fascinating. So many tree books on the shelf already!
So many trees in the park. Dazzling zelkovas with their rain-drop jewelry.
Honey locust, always over the top with its textured bark.
Gorgeous plant life all around.
We pass one tree after the next, talking, talking.
Good to look down once in a while as well as up.
As the weather changes, it’s good to come home to a book. To give a book – it doesn’t have to be about trees. My brother’s book, The Jazz Masters: Setting the Record Straight, would be a nice choice for a Christmas present. He interviewed the finest musicians, now elderly, and got some fascinating stories.
Most of the trees in this park have dedications inscribed at the base.
One is still available.
As if it were a library. Reserve yours today.
Jean Zimmerman 