Monday 5 September 2011

I love the way tree branches slowly wave in the moments before rain.   They are almost like very bendy people moving in slow motion.  Suddenly the rain arrives and mists my view of the golf links, enshrouding the green distance that only moments before was somehow detailed by the impending shower, made sharper- clearer and brought miraculously nearer.  We have a massive fir-tree outside, too near to the house's alas, so at some point soon it will have to be dispatched and I shall be so sad.  After a rainfall he droops with a thousand diamonds, his branches softly wave in the breeze, gently holding their reflective cargo, hypnotic and soothing when you lie a-bed unwell.

We have so much rain, always.  So that everywhere, green abounds, even here in the suburbs of the town.  I remember once arriving back here for a visit when we lived in Abu Dhabi, sitting on an airport transit-bus being driven from one Terminal to another and being dazzled by such overwhelming greenness.  Abu Dhabi... must be nearly 35 years since I lived there.  My thoughts move swiftly to other places and return always..always to my favourite, New York, and Bryant Park.  The NY Times predicted years ago it could become one of the city's most attractive breathing spots. Fulfilling that prediction it has become a haven, nestling amongst the skyscrapers of 42nd Street and 6th Avenue.   Bryant Park is an oasis of trees, green and pause, a place to breathe, rest and 'kick-back'.  There is charm and whimsy.   A children's carousel and an eatery named Witchery, a fountain to cool the dusty air and your fevered brow and all the whilst the tall surrounding buildings seem to enfold and enclose rather than encroach, as you sit beneath a bright sunny yellow umbrella sipping a large frothy cappucino, reading a book borrowed from the shelves loaned by the adjacent NY Public Library or simply people-watching.

16 comments:

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Dear Jane,
So beautifully written and, I can sympathise with you regarding your tree, as we had a Yew tree whose trunk was literally touching our house and taking all of the moisture away. It had been there since our house was built in Victorian times so, I'm afraid it had to go. I was not very pleased as hate removing any trees but, sometimes it just has to be done I'm afraid.
I also love returning from hot, summer holidays to England and seeing the lush green fields and, as we get out of the plane, that fresh smell in the air.
I hope that you are feeling well Jane. Have a lovely week. XXXX

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

That's lovely Jacqueline, thank you so much, your comments mean such alot to me always!

Hugs Jane

WOL said...

Mmmmm. Wish I was there.

Rubye Jack said...

This makes me miss living in the city. I can see loving New York City, but I cannot imagine Abu Dhabi.

Jane Westwell said...

Hello Jane... your words are so deeply felt and evocative; I'm sure they are able to take you back to the places you have loved so much. Even in the times when your body is feeling low, you can travel back to your special places in your head and be lifted by the vivid word pictures you paint. Take care x
Jane Gray

June said...

I love how you describe Bryant Park in this post Jane. Makes me wish I could see it in person myself.
Your writing is always so enjoyable to read dear friend. I'm sad about your tree being badly situated, but you have probably had many great years to enjoy it though.
hugs from here...

Teresa Evangeline said...

You have written some lovely phrases here. And Bryant Park looks like a perfect place to sit a spell as you described. I love the juxtaposition of cities and green parks.

ceecee said...

Entering this park from the busy street restores the soul. That is what I love about the little parks of NY. So necessary, and so appreciated. I lived in NY for 10 years and for half that time I was right off Central Park...It felt as if it was my backyard. And what a backyard it was!
Lovely post, Jane. Gosh I miss NYC.
Catherine

Sea Angels said...

I think it is wonderful to have a green place of peace to sit and pass some time, a breathing place especially in a busy city, it must also be good for the small creatures too their space to dream in some safet.
Hugs Lynn xxxy

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Jane:
We have never visited New York City ,but the verdant oasis that is Bryany Park looks to be an absolute must. Your wonderfully descriptive writing gives such a sense of place that we were almost under the yellow umberella with you. We can well imagine the feeling of calm in this green spot whilst all around is madness.

We have just discovered you via the delightful Towanda and see that we are in good company with Jacqueline and Teresa. We have been enchanted by our visit and have signed up immediately as Followers. We look forward to future posts.

Linda Starr said...

Perhaps the tree can be used by an independent sawmill for lumber. We had to cut down huge trees at several locations we lived and I always found solace in the fact the wood still lived in another purpose.

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

Thank you thank you everyone! I'm so glad that you visited!!

Hugs Jane

Lynn said...

Dearest Jane -- oh my, you make New York sound almost appealing! That's a lovely trees-y photograph, too.

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Your beautiful words create a vision of delight... through the mist of course.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Susan x

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I've never been to Bryant Park.
You have made me want to go!

Debra said...

Magical description of Bryant Park and the trees. How sad about the fir tree :(
Your special park reminds me of the one where our family reunions were held once upon a time. We met at Herman Park in central Goldsboro where the trees are so tall and grand that not even a single ray of sunshine touches the ground at high noon.
In the middle of the park stands a turn-of-the-century house with a wrap-around porch, a gazebo, and a fountain and goldfish pond where you can toss in pennies and make wishes.