Art takes many forms.

 

This morning we opt to drive off to see an old Chestnut tree down by the river. The tree's so old there's a sign telling walkers to tread lightly so as not to disturb its root print. I'd never seen the term root print before. The tree has been fenced off and is clearly much loved and cared for in a way you wouldn't expect a tree to be. Its main branch is supported by a large weight bearing iron post and the ground around carefully weeded. A local farmhand parking his Honda on the lane outside says it's 500 years old although, he quickly adds, some folks say it's been around since the 1200's. This is unlikely but it could be a seedling from the one that was originally here. These days there's something hugely reassuring about anything with a sense of continuity. The local blog page has an extract from the 1838 census which  bizarrely informs us that the villages climate is particularly healthy and that many of the local residents live into their 80's. Multiple births, it would seem, were ( and for all we know still are ) commonplace. The longevity thing must have been most unusual in the 1830's:https://www.thefifepost.com/genealogy/fife-parishes-numbers/parish-of-balmerino/

The railings that lead into the garden surrounding the tree were made in the days when ironwork was a thing of civic pride.

On either side of the gate a wrought iron hawk stands guard. A small gesture that amuses us. We'd seen three Sparrowhawks scooting low over the brambles as we've driven down the hill. Their predecessors might have give inspiration to the blacksmith. Art takes many forms - not all of them grand.

In front of the tree some old medieval buildings belonging to the old abbey are crumbling gently back to dust. They too are supported by metal beams.

There's a short poem 'Through the Spanish Chestnut'  etched into a piece of stainless steel and attached to a wall by some old pillars . It's difficult to read ( stainless steel doesn't photograph well )  but is as good a love poem to a tree as you'll find.

More winter Aconites in the grass verges that lead from the road into the village.

So starts a quiet Monday morning in a small, quiet village by the river. 

Heard on the car radio :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94sywKawc94

An artists modern tapestries on show in London :https://www.christinakimeze.com/

A new hotel in Savannah :https://www.staybardo.com/

This was interesting :https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/trump-starts-to-break-things