Pulling Earth #11
It’s been a busy week. The final rush heading into the holidays. Everyone around me feeling the uptick in activity and the strain it brings. I need this sketch. Thankfully, our Christmas tree transforms our home – the room is washed in golden light, the familiar objects taking on a cosy feel. Also, the cat has another place to go for water. I sit down and focus on our Fraser fir.
Looking directly at the end of a branch, I start to draw. Each end has a characteristic bulge of twig growth. The needles are flat and roundish, and remind me of an aloe vera plant. Thousands of miniature aloe arms emerging. They protrude from all sides, but then reach up. The bottom leaves curl to see more sunlight. I start breathing deeply in hopes of pulling in the conifer scent. It’s hard to make out. I’m still carrying the weight of a week halfway done, but its hold is diminishing. With every move of the pencil, a few more threads loosing. Pulling earth into the season.