"The Old Maple" by Bill Byrne

Too many years have past by for this old tree, too many sunsets, and sun rises. Wind, lightning strikes and ice storms have taken their toll. Now, in her final days, we find the old maple has to many dead branches and suffocating vines. It is time....she must come down.Like all living things, her time has come to an end.

I struggled with every vine, every dead branch and every movement as I climbed. Was she fighting me in protest, or had I bitten off more than I could chew. Oh, I've cut down a few trees, and trimmed dead branches 75 feet from the ground. But this, this was different. A house on one side, shed on the other, and healthy trees all around. None of which could be sacrificed, and none could be damaged. Three days I challenged this tree, a limb here and there.

Finally I knew it was time, I would have to climb up and take off the top section of the tree. This section of the tree was about fifteen feet long, twenty inches wide and six or seven hundred pounds. The words of my mentor, Abe Winters, were going through my head. I broke that rule, and that, and then another. After struggling again and again, I made the cut. Down came the top section, just like I planned it. Then it was time to bring down the base of the tree, twice as big and heavy. We dropped it right between a flowerbed and another tree, bull's-eye.

At last, the old maple lay on the ground: sawdust, vines and wood surrounded me. An eerie silence came over me; I grieved momentarily, such a sad end to this old tree. But already the added sunlight now reaching the ground has sprung forth-new life. We all will some day step aside: I hope with more dignity, more fan fare. Growing up I watched old westerns; John Wayne and Clint Eastwood always wanted to go out in a blaze of bullets. Not with their gun in the holster, but on your feet shooting it out to the very end. No one wants to go out covered in moss and vines, dying one branch at a time.

So now I bid farewell to this old maple, and thanked her for her shade. I thanked her for a nesting place for the birds and forest animals, and a place to play for the children who have come this way.

TWILIGHT

VIEW-- TOP OF THREE SISTERS

















I totally loved the scene with Bella and Edward in the trees. I must say I would love to head off into the trees whenever I choose and climb them so effortlessly. Here is a part of their dialogue.






Bella: "This isn't real...this kind of stuff just doesn't exist."





Edward: "It does in my world...."






And, it does at EarthJoy. I feel this way every time we climb especially the Three Sister White Oaks that overlook AJ JOLLY park. In that moment nothing else matters, as I gaze at the largest lake in Campbell County from a unique and never before seen perspective I want to share it like Edward.

I AM A NUMBER 7 ON THE ENEAGRAM

Bill and I now understand one another. For a long time I didn't know why we fought on vacations! Now I get it. He is a six on the eneagram and I am a seven!

On vacation, safety comes first for him whereas I am all about the adventure and get me there fast! For example, we went to Cave Run and had two kayak's on top our Nissan. We were driving along the lake looking for the perfect pitch, when I saw this beautiful, serene looking lake. People were fishing from their kayaks. Here is how it went...

"Let's drive to that dock," I pointed. Bill drove slowly around the parking lot, hesitating to park.

"Just back up to the dock," I said enthusiastically. Bill pointed to the sign.."we need a permit." "No we don't." "Yes we do." "No, we don't" Then I remembered what was most important to him. He went on to explain about the fine and how it would ruin our day. We pulled out and went searching for the shop to buy the permit. Three stores and two hours later we were in the lake with a permit and we both felt much better.

Learning how to communicate compassionately with my husband and others is a great need for me. The enneagram class we went to was conducted by Maggie Hecker and far exceeded my expectations. It has helped me to understand Bill in other situations as well. How we are a great team for climbing trees with EarthJoy. His safety, with my enthusiasm draws a variety of customers.

I have also learned how to communicate with other different types on the enneagram especially 8's. I used to just avoid their bossy and overwhelming presence. I now know to just be honest and direct with them. I actually love them now!!

Contact Maggie Hecker or Deb Ooten at Conscious Living Center in Cincinnati, Ohio

Being in Nature

I have naturally been drawn to nature. It is where I feel most peaceful and connected. I am glad my mother would send us out during the summer months. I, my sister, and neighborhoods boys would enjoy an different adventure everyday! From exploring hippopotamus land, long abandoned wells, traveling miles to the candy store, dodging vicious dogs along the way and fishing in all the creek beds-time slipped away and we were free! I even used my creativity and rigged up bailing twine on our ten speed bikes to act as horse reins and woolah we had horses!

Now, at 42, I found these pleasures again. I am fortunate and lucky enough to do what I love and be paid. Did you ever think I would be able to climb trees for a career?? The quest for this marvelous job wasn't always easy. Through all the coaching and searching what always came up for me was what did I do as a child that was natural and easy? Not only did I lead adventures but I taught in my bedroom. My mom had set up these old school desks with the ink wells. Sure enough I was cutting out projects, dot to dots, puzzles providing them to my sister and neighbors. I loved grading them!

I love our new company EarthJoy. I get to create it just the way I want. I get to teach, grade papers, make up logos, take people on different adventures. I truly believe it is one of the things God wants from me.