During the first stop of the ride, this tree stump offered me a place to prop my foot and re-tie the laces on my boot. After removing my foot from the stump, I looked at the rings that mark the passage of years, and thought of all the gifts we receive from trees.
They beautify our lives, protect our earth, and offer us shelter.
They benefit us ecologically, spiritually, and commercially.
Proud to be a tree hugger!
Monochromia 
Happy tree-hugging Laurie! So many wonderful lines, swirls, cracks, tones, texture and life in this simple, elegant frame.
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You described it so well, Patti! Thanks for the words that fit the image
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Very nice! This is an excellent graphic photograph that would probably look great as a large print.
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Thanks Mike. I appreciate you saying so … and someday, I’ll learn the best way to print 🙂
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Stunning shot. 😀
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Thank you so much! I just visited your blog and really like your images of ferns.
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Wonderful photo Laurie, and I also like what you’ve written! 🙂
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Thank you, Elina. I’ve a feeling you’re a tree hugger, too (is that a term used in your country?)
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I’m not sure if we have the term tree hugger but there is a belief that when hugging trees you get energy from them. 🙂
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Amazing the places we can find beauty! Lovely patterns in this old stump that you captured perfectly, Laurie! The leaf? The pièce de résistance!
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Thank you, Stacy! The leaf was such a big part of it for me, and I’m so glad that you saw and commented on it!
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Reblogged this on The Visual Chronicle and commented:
Love black and white images ? Visit Monochromia – https://groupexpo.wordpress.com
Photo by Laurie !
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It’s as if making a statement. Life goes on! Beautiful.
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Thank you Emilio … life and nature do indeed go on!
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This is great Laurie 🙂 I love the way you captured the growth rings and the tiny leaf. Outstanding job.
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Thanks for your constant encouragement and support! and for the reblog, too!
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Makes a nice graphic image with lots of patterns and contrasts .The little leaf really makes it.
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I am so very glad that you mentioned that little leaf. How serendipitous that it was there! I too feel like that leaf made the photo. Thank you so much!
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Yay! Me too 🙂
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Kindred spirits, we are!
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Love this.
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Thank you! I just took a short tour of your blog and rather than commenting both places, I’ll just tell you here that although I saw a few posts, your photography is intriquing and your focus on end of life / spirituality is, I’m sure, a benefit to your clients.
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