Once upon a time there was a very, very old tree in a lovely suburban neighborhood. It towered magesticaly above its friends, welcomed the four seasons year after year, and provided occasional shade for its owners.
This beautiful tree lived a good life, but sadly it’s time was drawing near. You see, the tree and its friends had grown too big, and it’s owners thought it was time to say goodbye.
The tree was bereft. Oh no! What’s to become of me, thought the tree. I’ve spent so many wonderful years as a steward of this land, it lamented, and as the loggers cut it into pieces, it was sad to think it would be reduced to little more than mulch.
Then something miraculous happened. A lovely lady was interested in a piece of the tree. Can it be, thought the tree? She’s asking if she can have a piece of me delivered to her home. She thinks I’m pretty! Oh joyous day! Maybe there’s hope for me after all.
And so it was. A piece of the tree was carefully placed in a truck, and brought to the lady’s yard where it was strategically placed amongst the lovely flowers and flowering shrubs. I wonder what she has in mind, thought the tree? I’m just a piece of wood after all.
And then it happened. Two MORE lovely ladies came one day. They had all sorts of odd looking things with them…brushes and paint and a pretty picture of a pansy. Now I get it! They’re going to make me look like a flower!
In no time at all, the tree was all spiffed up and ready for its new life.
And the tree smiled and thought…’I’m home’.
The End
In other news…
Speaking of home, I can’t wait to get there! I’ve been sick nearly the entire time, and am still not 100% by any means. By the time this is published, we will be on our way home. I understand the temps will be in the 80’s, which sounds downright chilly to me right about now.
I will have a few pics, though not nearly as many as I’d hoped. Most of my time has been spent in bed, and that doesn’t make for very interesting photo ops. 😉
Olympia says
A BIG well done to you all!!! What a great outcome of a genious idea!
Hope you are getting better dear Doreen, take some rest and care of yourself.
Love,
Olympia
Lesley Walker says
What a wonderful idea. I love it. blessings
Sharene Wassell says
So glad we could give this tree a beautiful ending! I had been looking for the perfect stump for two years, there were many “drive bys” looking at yards where tree work was happening. It’s pretty rare to find one in a flower shape, but if you get lucky enough to find one, then undertake the project of moving it, the possibilities are many. And how lucky was I to have two talented artist friends who worked together so easily to create this unique piece of garden art! It’s causing quite a stir in my neighborhood! Thank you, Doreen for personifying this story!!
Love, Sharene, proud owner of this forever pansy
Julie says
Hello Doreen, wow what a great idea to paint a pansy flower on the tree stump! 🙂
So sorry to hear that you did not feel well for your Singapore trip. I hope you will rest up and take it easy when you return home. I bet you miss your home as you have been traveling so much. Take care and enjoy the holiday.
Hugs, Julie xo
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Oh my gosh Doreen…this is amazing…what a most fantastic idea and what a beautiful job they did!…And I am so sorry that you had to cut your trip short…I hope you are feeling better!!!!
Cecilia says
Wow, they did a beautiful job on that tree stump! It’s gorgeous.
I’m so sorry you have been ill during your trip. I can’t think of much that is more miserable than that. 🙁
Hope the trip home isn’t too uncomfortable and you will be feeling much better before too long. Hugs,
Cecilia
Jemma says
Hello Doreen,
First off, I am glad that you are on your way home and I am just so sorry that you have been so sick.
No more traveling for you, this year!
What a fabulous idea to turn this tree stump into a pansy! I love it when this sort of creativity takes over.
Welcome home, my friend.
xx
Jemma
Feral Turtle says
Sorry to hear you have been so sick Doreen. I hope you are feeling better now. That is an incredibly beautiful pansy!!! It is the perfect tribute to your old tree!
Pinky says
First of all, I am so sorry you still aren’t feeling great:( This is a genius idea!! They did an amazing job, it looks awesome! Welcome home soon, sorry you had to cut the trip early.
Marsha says
What a unique idea. I love pansies and this would make a lovely piece placed in a garden. Or it could be preserved for the outdoors and mounted as a table top. Beautiful. Doreen, I hope you will be feeling better soon and welcome home. Looking forward to seeing more pictures of your trip.
Karen says
I wish I had thought of something like this when we had our tree removed 3 years ago. It’s lovely! Sorry you are still not feeling well. Have a safe trip home 🙂
Cindi says
Oh! I hate when they have to cut down trees but what a terrific way for it to have another life!
Thanks for sharing.
I’m so sorry to read that you are still not a 100%.
I hope the cooler weather helps.
Take care of yourself.
XOXOXOXO
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
What a lovely story about the tree and where part of it ended up with a whole new life! How inspiring! Was it your tree or do you know where it once stood? So sorry you’ve been so sick.. how disappointing when you’re on a trip. Seems like whenever my sister travelled, she always not sick! foreign germs I guess. Take care when you get home and get some R and R. Marilyn
tammy j says
a beautiful post. you know how I feel about trees.
a fitting tribute to a life well lived!
and
dearest little bean…
it’s time you got well.
I hope you didn’t manage to get some native strange bug.
how’s THAT for saying something uplifting and positive?
oh tammy. I despair.
be well doreen! come home soon! God speed! XOXOXO♥
Amy says
Doreen, I feel so sad that you were sick for so much of your trip 🙁 Wishing you a safe journey home, and 100% good health once you’re home. Now, about that stump…it would have been pretty, even left unpainted, with it’s beautiful shape, but WOW, it is GORGEOUS now that it is painted! Welcome home!
Debbie - MountainMama says
Love that pansy!! I have a wood slab in my garage just waiting for a project….hmmmm….
Safe travels, my friend. I sure hope you feel better once you get home to your own space!
Xo
Dewena says
Brilliant idea! I’m so in love with this. Not so in love, however, with knowing how ill you’ve been. I’m so sorry, Doreen, but please follow up at home with medical care. And just plain take care of yourself, give yourself time to heal properly.
Love to you,
Dewena
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, this is so interesting. To turn a tree stump into a work of art is magical. How pretty this painting of the flower is, and the bold purple and yellow colors are spectacular to show the beauty of a pansy. That’s too bad you haven’t really been able to enjoy your trip because of the cold you’ve had. Return home safely, and I look forward to seeing any pictures that you’ve taken on your adventure.
~Sheri
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
The shape of that tree was perfect for that!! What an amazing job too. Just clever and so beautiful! Ultimate recycling. 😉
I’m so bummed to hear that you’ve felt so awful so long!! You poor Honey – what a horrible way to spend a trip and especially when it was your chance for family time. Prayers for a safe journey home and to be 100% healthy for a LONG time now!!
xoxo
Kim says
You know your lovely pansy should be entered as the largest in the Guinness World Record book! This is such a create way to preserve the memories of this tree.
So….sorry you have been so ill, Doreen. I pray you have a quick recovery. Being in your own home will make a world of difference.
AnnMarie says
That is the most fabulous pansy I have ever seen. That tree piece is gorgeous on it’s own. What a treasure to have. I am so sorry you have been sick the whole time away! I hope being home helps you get well very soon.
Jan Kibbe says
Hi Doreen,
Sorry to hear you are still under the weather!
Have you ever read the children’s book, “The Giving Tree,” by Shel Silverstein? It is a beautiful story of a tree.
Hope to see you soon.
Jan Kibbe
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
What a beautiful and ingenious thing to create from the tree!! Amazing! Here’s hoping that you get better soon 🙂
handmade by amalia says
Brilliant! I love stories and creative ideas.
Sending you a virtual cup of lemon-ginger tea.
Amalia
xo
Emily says
It makes me sad to read this, a beautiful tree has to be cut. The second time I’ve read about one being cut today. I know when they get big they pose a danger and have to be cut. What a brilliant idea, the tree will be appreciated and admired , that makes me happy. Just beautiful.
I did read your last post Doreen, while you were sitting in your room. So sorry you were so sick while you were away. Goodness, I know you were miserable and couldn’t enjoy your trip!
kelly says
Oh my! I have never seen anything like that large flower shaped piece of wood painted like that. It’s beautiful! That is so unique too. I can’t get over how well it’s painted too. I’m so sorry that you’ve been sick. I hope that you’re feeling better by now. I’m finally feeling better since my doctor called in some Prednisone for me. It has knocked my inflammation levels way down and I finally feel human again! I will discuss my long term treatment plans with him on 6/10 when I see him again.
Benita says
What a great story and the tree turned out absolutely beautiful! Safe travels to you and hope you feel better soon!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
That was such a lovely story about the tree. Anything that can be repurposed or upcycled has my vote of confidence. And those are such sweet ladies. Now for you, I guess you need to get home pronto. Hopefully, once home you will feel better when you are in your familiar surroundings. Hoping for a speedy feel well.
Vicky Hunt says
What a neat idea! The shape of that tree certainly did look like a flower. How cool! And I liked the little story too…:)