#0181 "The Sugarbush Beech"

This is a large, two stem beech tree in Henry Bond's Sugar Bush just north of Athens, Ontario in the spring of 1988. The sap was flowing and the world was waking up after a long winter. The sounds of birds and creatures thinking about renewal filled the hardwood forest.

The smooth skin of a large beech is the perfect parchment for writing something that will remain scarred in the bark while the tree still stands. The claw marks of bears climbing for the sweet nuts which they crave often overlay any other carvings. Initials had been carved on this particular beech during the years. "PC L LN" were added while I painted but they are not really on the actual tree... Artistic license!

There is really no need for Valentines to be just a single day of the year. Every day can and should be special and the little things are the most important.

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