Tree Reflections

It is only a week ago, but it feel so much longer after the week I have had with work and the dentist, or maybe it is the fact it hasn’t stopped raining. Still water makes for great reflections, and an abundance of rain makes it easy to stay indoors and look back on last month’s #TreeSquares. So why not join me by pouring a very large cup of something and enjoy the next half hour or so chatting to your fellow squarers.

And where better than to start but with our fabulous Tree Squarers who gave us music for every tree thereby enabling us to hear as well as see the life of a tree
I was fascinated by the beaver tree and also by the trees holding on, and I simply adored your tree nostalgia
You’ve often shared with us your best trees, as well beautiful surprises and frequently taken us on adventures
No wonder it has felt as though we have been touched by the sun with all your wonderful tree surprises

In total there were ninety seven squarers in July, of which around thirty five squared daily. Quite extraordinary, and also such an honour for me. In this post there are eighty (ish) different squarers, of which four were not in the last gallery. I’ve highlighted them in bold in the next room.

Square themes are always in the eye of the beholder, and July’s trees helped us look at things from a different perspective
We’ve looked over the wall, peered very closely at the screen and moved very slowly in the trees
No wonder we joined the sheep with their philosophical pondering in the light and shadows of trees
And been creative with square dances and delicious puff pastry trees

July seemed to fly past, but then time often does in a Squares month. I am in awe of those of you in the blogging community who run challenges every month. Just how do you control time?!

Talking of time passing some of us are already in the midst of winter enjoying the stark contrasts, whilst others enjoy trips down the river in summer
You would need all the time in the world to get onto this island and to spot wildlife in the canopies
Perhaps time is best managed by staying up late and sharing your lunch breaks with the wren
Whatever your time trick though, I am going to remember July for the framing of trees and the celebration of tree art and nature

I was delighted how the theme of trees turned out, and there were so many unusual interpretations. I have tried to gather some of the more unusual ones in the next room.

Such as peeks through the fence at extraordinary carvings and gnomes swinging in a tree
We’ve also peered magnificently through trees, enjoyed mini trees and discovered some very arty stumps
And there have been aptly named swallows, some marvellous driftwood and the most unusual tea party I ever saw in a tree
What a month July trees has been, there’s even been a supplementary collection. Talking of leftovers here are a few of my tree squares that didn’t make it into the final cut.

As you may have surmised by the break for bonus squares, we are about half way round the gallery now. This might be a good time to take a short break and cut yourself another piece of cake to go with your gallery cup of tea or coffee. Or maybe where you are it is time for a brandy or wine!

If you don’t have any cake here’s a bakery or maybe you’ve got a nut and want a squirrel seat instead.
We visited some fabulous gardens in July, enjoyed geometry lessons and experienced some splendid palm love
You’ve amazed me with your light flares, spoilt us with the weird and wonderful and taken us on history tours as well as to some lovely forests
It has been a month for picnics under incredible trees and for tree travels around the world

Do hope you took a moment to refill your coffee cup, as it would mean so much if you were able to visit at least two squarers in every room. However don’t worry if you cannot visit every room today, the gallery will still be here tomorrow and the day after that!

Assuming of course the wind does not blow us all away, but I am sure it won’t as there is always sunshine and a glorious sky somewhere for squarers
As well as giants in the neighbourhood, the occasional deserted beach, and rats in birds of paradise!
There are also beautiful views to appreciate, combinations to enjoy, and more wonderful skies to reach for

The October theme has already been decided and I plan to announce it in a week or two. The theme is something that absolutely everyone will be able to contribute to, whether with new shots or favourites from the archives. I can’t wait to tell you all, we have though a few more trees to enjoy first.

Let’s get back to trees with an explore in the distance before taking a terrifying glimpse on our future if CO₂ gas levels continue to rise
Let’s hope this is the decade we finally address climate change and enable trees to continue to look beautiful and fill our landscapes as far as we can see
In fact I think we should plant more trees, after all they enhance every street, brighten every holiday and are also such fun for us, whatever our age, to climb

This is the first of two galleries I have planned to look back at all your amazing trees. It contains everyone who squared at least one in the second half of July. My second gallery will follow next week and will focus on those who squared on the final day of #TreeSquare. I hope to see you all there, for now though here’s our final room of this gallery.

This room is a time for reflection, for rainbows and for the last rays of sun
And I am hoping that July may inspire you this month to plant a tree, to find the middle of the forest, or to count beyond three!
Before you head off though I would like you to join me in a round of applause for these three who accompanied quotes and poetry with every tree – thanks to them we have found whole worlds, shared friendship and have done far far more than simply hang on.