I have often marveled when I have seen trees that are able to grab a hold and survive in seemingly inhospitable places, especially in the crevices of rocks on stony islands like those in Silent Lake Provincial Park in Ontario. I fancy that time when a bird dropped the seed or when the wind carried it along from a forested area somewhere else. The seed found a bit of soil deep in the pocket between the rocks which protected it and allowed it to take root long enough until it could survive by reaching its roots deeper into the crevices.

This one stands like a sentinel emerging out of the mists that rise from the lake in the chilly air.

It reminds me of Winston Churchill’s remark that

“Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong.”

Or…”You know me, I think there ought to be a big old tree right there. And let's give him a friend. Everybody needs a friend." ― Bob Ross. 😉

This second one was the scene I painted for my Christmas card this year. I left the bottom right empty for my greeting. I would like to finish the painting, but I'm stuck for what to put there now. Suggestions? A shivering loon perhaps?

I also wanted to show Erik that I could paint rocks without scraping them. 😉