"Stand tall and proud..."

© Ilan Shamir, www.yourtruenature.com 

here's the full text of "Advice from a Tree"

Live for the Love of it,

Sasha A. Palmer (aka Happy)

Going Nuts: How to Repair a Split Branch

Last summer I noticed that my beloved Red bud was in need of some TLC: its branching off bough had a large crack in it. I knew it had to be fixed. So I googled "how to fix a split branch."

I would've never guessed that you can repair a broken tree branch with nuts and bolts, but apparently it's a common practice. Here's what my husband and I did:

• drilled holes--as close to the split as possible--through both branches growing out of the bough 
• hammered a threaded rod through the holes
• put washers and nuts on both ends of the threaded rod
• tightened up the nuts with an adjustable wrench
• trimmed the ends of the threaded rod using a saw
• hung a wind-chime on one end
• hoped for the best

I'm very happy to report the mended bough is doing fine, and the Red bud's blooming nicely.

So if you ever need to repair a broken branch, try bolting it together -- it just might work.

Live for the Love of it,

Sasha A. Palmer (aka Happy)

White on Blue: March Skies

March azure skies stand tall

tree blossoms drift by --

fake clouds

Live for the Love of it,

Sasha A. Palmer (aka Happy)

Buds and Curls: A Perfect Day Outdoors

A gorgeous day in Baltimore, MD.
When I look at my Redbud from a distance, it already wears a hint of that stunning magenta it'll don soon.

Gave Ralphie a much needed spring haircut today.

It means three hours of "dog and his human" bonding time spent outside. Results: human's aching back and "three bags full" of dog's fur.

As I was cutting Ralphie's hair, I came across this perfect curl on his ear. Had to take a picture. 

Isn't it beautiful? :) 

Live for the Love of it,

Sasha A. Palmer (aka Happy)

Empty Nest: Tree Branches and Buds

branches cradle the sky

buds grow fast and leave  

the nest 

Live for the Love of it,
Sasha A. Palmer (aka Happy)

Redbud Tree (an attempt at a sijo poem)

REDBUD TREE

The tender purple buds unfold, becoming leaves of rich scarlet.

My life unfolds before my eyes, the fleeting youth has vanished.

The Sun and truth can burn, I take comfort in the shade of years.

Live for the Love of it,

The Happy Amateur

written for dVerse

image credit:

http://lawnpatiobarn.wordpress.com/2011/05/01/eastern-redbud-cercis-canadensis/