If Green Leaves Could Touch the Sky

Before you begin reading...

With absolutely no thought or intention I found my home. After years of seeking comfort in others, I finally found it in myself. So whilst I love my little sliver of the great outdoors know it is not because it serves as a safety net against reality but a reminder of the sensitivity living things possess. This opened my eyes to the apathy that most people have for their surroundings. We should be more like plants and stay attentive.

The little gazebo was brought to life with the intention of being an outdoor common space to enjoy a cup of hot tea with friends and family after a long day. This dream never ended up coming to fruition but instead, it took its own shape. Our little gazebo was built in my grandmother's front yard surrounded by hundreds it seems at times of plants of all sorts. As a result, time passed and project after project came about around it but it stood bare waiting to be loved. My grandmother had ended up planting wisteria to ease the harsh sun during our summer months but many years would go by before it began taking on its final form that is seen today. The space would also slowly become a home for local wildlife seeking shelter from the elements. Every season we would find nest after nest of birds taking cover in the wisteria vines and planters. Yearly the same pair of Mourning doves come back to our yard in search of a new spot for their nest and we like to think they're family. This would also include a family of squirrels that enjoyed playing in the cool water of our fountains and lived up high in our backyard pine.

Surrounded by luscious greenery all my life it was only natural to turn to the outdoors when seeking solace. It all began with a Mulberry tree I fell in love with and decided to grow myself in our backyard. For months every afternoon, you could find me pulling weeds and caring for it. Quickly this would become a daily habit of mine regardless of the tree needing to be tended to or not. I continued for some time before I saw one afternoon what appeared to be a garden snake. I still love and care for our Mulberry tree but let's just say you can find me relaxing elsewhere.

My deep appreciation for our outdoor space all began with one afternoon while my person and I were having a discussion and decided to venture outdoors. I can still remember the cool breeze on that summer day and how everything would begin to change for me. Soon we would be spending most of our waking hours on those red benches either having some "quiet time" or longwinded conversations. My grandma would also join us for a few of these sessions enjoying our company and her beautiful plants.

The more time alone I spent outside the more I would come to realize how deeply connected we all are to the Earth and its inhabitants. I learned that life never stops moving regardless of what it seems like at times. The little gazebo served as a place to let go of the thoughts that bound me and explore every question I've ever had and for this, I'm forever grateful.

I discovered comfort doesn't come from a location or a space but being grounded in reality. The gazebo will forever be a space for my family and I to remember the importance of letting go of the things that hold us prisoners.

"Look deep, deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein