I really enjoyed this. Stuck indoors just now after complications during cataract surgery, and walking virtually through your posts. The chêne reminded me of the sycamore at Hadrian's Wall, which was cut down - vandalised - recently. From the outpouring of anger there seems to be a deep human connection to the "lone tree" in the landscape. There were also people saying "why don't we value all nature more, and not just when an Instagram-pretty tree is lost?". Very true.
Really fascinating to read about your research. Such an important area. I feel sorry that my own research didn't make any contribution to nature or humankind. "Memory and Imagination in the works of Proust and Flaubert" hasn't improved anyone's life 😂
I’m really enjoying seeing your thoughtful comments pop up Linda, thank you! I hope your recovery progresses soon.
That is such an interesting parallel and good point about the iconic/charismatic trees vs the forest, so to speak. It reminds me of how much easier it is to care about an individual’s plight, goFundMe etc then more sweeping, difficult to comprehend general suffering. Especially if you have a personal relationship with or projection of self on a given tree or person.
P.S. I loved that video! Those two poplar(?) trees were huge!, and that pan over the section of mountian-range was certainly an eye-opening perspective on the general setting of Grenoble.
Another great essay! That first picture was good for showing the distance from town, and for helping to illustrate the uniqueness of the stand-alone position of the tree. Also the next picture, showing a little slip of a village seemingly at the far, far end of the avenue. It's nice to know that there is still a living culture in its 'natural' setting. I'm also heartened to know there is long-range planning going into the future of the countryside. It's sad to see it just go as parcels to the highest bidder.
Bonjour Anne! Quel plaisir de te lire! Le vénérable chêne de Vernon.. une vraie merveille de la nature. Merci pour tes pensées, très poétique et envoûtante.
I really enjoyed this. Stuck indoors just now after complications during cataract surgery, and walking virtually through your posts. The chêne reminded me of the sycamore at Hadrian's Wall, which was cut down - vandalised - recently. From the outpouring of anger there seems to be a deep human connection to the "lone tree" in the landscape. There were also people saying "why don't we value all nature more, and not just when an Instagram-pretty tree is lost?". Very true.
Really fascinating to read about your research. Such an important area. I feel sorry that my own research didn't make any contribution to nature or humankind. "Memory and Imagination in the works of Proust and Flaubert" hasn't improved anyone's life 😂
I want to read Memory and imagination in the works of Flaubert and Proust!
I’m really enjoying seeing your thoughtful comments pop up Linda, thank you! I hope your recovery progresses soon.
That is such an interesting parallel and good point about the iconic/charismatic trees vs the forest, so to speak. It reminds me of how much easier it is to care about an individual’s plight, goFundMe etc then more sweeping, difficult to comprehend general suffering. Especially if you have a personal relationship with or projection of self on a given tree or person.
P.S. I loved that video! Those two poplar(?) trees were huge!, and that pan over the section of mountian-range was certainly an eye-opening perspective on the general setting of Grenoble.
Another great essay! That first picture was good for showing the distance from town, and for helping to illustrate the uniqueness of the stand-alone position of the tree. Also the next picture, showing a little slip of a village seemingly at the far, far end of the avenue. It's nice to know that there is still a living culture in its 'natural' setting. I'm also heartened to know there is long-range planning going into the future of the countryside. It's sad to see it just go as parcels to the highest bidder.
Bonjour Anne! Quel plaisir de te lire! Le vénérable chêne de Vernon.. une vraie merveille de la nature. Merci pour tes pensées, très poétique et envoûtante.