I have a large wonderful family. At the same time, Christmas day is often about taking a long walk and visiting with the arbutus trees. Like my family, they are quirky, intelligent, talented, fun and precious to me. Early in January and the first part of February I expect to be focusing my attention, canvas and brushes on these beauty. So today I set about doing a few photography sketches.
Notice how they have found enough support to secure themselves over the bare sandstone rocks.
In this soft warm south exposure winter sunlight my eyes scale their length.
I walk along the ridges on the backs of the large stone surfaces marveling at how they have made space for each other.
The leaning and reaching for the sun is so pronounced in the character of an arbutus tree grove.
I sense that these beautiful trees understand belonging in a most comfortable and companionable way.
These are my Christmas Trees, naturally decorated and lightly lit with sunshine.
What is putting a glow on your Christmas Day?
© 2014 Terrill Welch, All rights reserved.
Liberal usage granted with written permission. See “About” for details.
Creative Potager – Visit with painter and photographer Terrill Welch
From Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada
For gallery and purchase information about Terrill’s photographs and paintings go to http://terrillwelchartist.com
Creative Potager 
I would be in a space of awe walking among these trees! Wonderful !
This is exactly how I feel Jeff. There is a sense of home when amongst these trees that is like being with admired great aunts and uncles.
Terrill — I wish that humans shared the same good sense as the Arbutus Trees: “…understand belonging in a most comfortable and companionable way.”
The glow on our Christmas day was Skyping with our son who is 1,700 miles away. It was wonderful!
I agree Laurie. To me they are a pretty clever lot.
How gorgeous! I’m always inspired by your pictures (photos and paintings) of Mayne Island.
Thank you and glad you were able drop in Ed.
Thank you for sharing those lovely, inspiring photos. As I viewed the images, I was reminded of one of my favourite quotes — it’s from a country song — ‘I’m strong enough to bend’.
What is putting a glow to my holidays?
Friends (like you, Terrill) and family — especially my husband. I asked my husband to help me make a podcast. And I’m so proud of what we created together. http://authorleannedyck.blogspot.ca/2014/12/podcast-ancient-tune-short-story-read.html
(I hope you don’t mind me including the link, Terrill.)
Thank you Leanne for leaving the link to your story and good cheer! What a treat. I won’t say anything more so that others can enjoy the story for themselves.
Thank you, Terrill. : )