About
“Putting music to words, and words to pictures”
.
In the beginning, an anonymous young fellow, who called himself Diablo, started calling me Tree a few years back at a site called Intentblog (now closed). A couple of times I wrote about camping by the Missouri River, and mentioned a few of the things (including spiritual awakenings) that I’d experienced at my favorite spot. He must have thought I was stationed there, or had put down roots there, in order to see me as a tree. Since he claimed to be in his 20’s, and I was 50+, I thought of him as a fictitious nephew, which made me his uncle – Uncle Tree.
Father Tree would have made me look like a priest, and Brother Tree sounds to me like a deacon, and I didn’t want to be cornered into anything too specific, such as Elder Tree, Sir Willow or Mr. Elmwood.
Me2 was my first moniker. This symbol contains a few meanings for me. It’s not funny or sad, in and of itself. It is rather more neutral than Uncle Tree, which I see as putting me in the category of goofy and kooky, but in a familiar and unassuming sort of way. It’s been fun to play with, and I’m still growing into it. I don’t always write from his perspective, as if I were actually a talking tree. That’s impossible! Although, I do have a couple of poems which he wrote, and I hope to create more at some period in the future.
My intentions for writing have changed over the course of the last 10 years or so. I started with notebook and pen, and then, about 7 years ago, I bought our first computer. Behind the curve there, huh? For the most part, and from the start, I have maintained the inclination to leave something valuable behind for the sake of my children, and for the love of my children’s children’s children.
I still see that as reason enough to wail away, that they might look back someday in wonder of just what kind of thoughts came out of the roots of their dear and (someday) dearly departed favorite Uncle Tree. Let them know that I wasn’t afraid to voice my opinions, and neither did I lack courage in the art of spinning words around in my head in an effort to make sensible the biggest universal questions that a tree like me can bring to fruition.
My outlook on life is not always positive or optimistic. I accept the full range of emotions as a matter of course. It’s only natural. To deny is to lie to one’s self, and when we do, we’re not fooling anybody but ourselves. The reasons I have for writing poetry the way I do are too numerous to go into here. I want to read your thoughts for you, and speak about it when you can’t seem to find the right words to use yourself. And, of course, if I can bring someone to tears, whether they be joyful ones or sorrowful ones, I would rightfully call that my crowning achievement.
Help yourself to the woods! You never know what you’ll find hiding around the bend unless you look. Be brave! Put yourself into vacation mode and take your sweet time. Relax and enjoy, and do please let me know what you are thinking. This tree loves to talk!
.
For more about me, check out this interview:
http://medicatedlady.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/beneath-the-bark-the-rooting-of-uncle-tree/
February 21, 2009 at 4:23 pm
It looks like you need to get some more post but so far so good.
February 28, 2009 at 3:49 pm
This is really cool Keith. I like what I’m seeing. Keep them coming!
February 28, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Thanks, brothers!
So nice of you to stop by!
April 6, 2009 at 9:53 am
Hello
I will add you and keep visiting to steal some thoughts some inspiration .. Thanks for sharing it.
so now I know your name uncle tree…
April 13, 2009 at 12:35 am
hello dad whats up
April 13, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Hey, little buddy, you finally found me!
Good to see you here. Luvz, Dad
April 26, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I like your secret forest place where you can share with US your inspiration, your poetry..
April 26, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Thank you, Kihu!
I’m glad you stopped to visit.
Help yourself to the woods. UT
April 27, 2009 at 1:02 am
You left a comment on my trails, and it led me here, to this wonderful clearing with a vast tree canopy overhead. Love what you’ve posted! Keep up with the awesome work! =D
-.Raspberries.~
April 27, 2009 at 1:22 am
Such good taste you have in season, Jessica!
I love it when people bring treats to the jam session.
Thank you very much! UT
May 3, 2009 at 1:28 pm
You ARE like a tree, amca (tr for uncle)
you drop poetry
like leaves in the fall
ha ha, sorry that was weak.
thanks so much for all of your comments. i can learn from you, and you have made me smile.
i’m still figuring out how to push all these buttons, never blogged before.
http://birdenbire.wordpress.com
May 3, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Amca, eh? Thanks for the outstretched tip!
This is my first site, too, Birdenbire, and only 10 weeks old.
It can be tough getting started, so hang in there,
and don’t fall for everything I have to say.
May 3, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Is this your “guest book”
I’ll have to take sometime and read some of your poetry although I really am a terrible commenter. I don’t even consider myself a “poet” and I’ve been writing it for almost 9 years now. How long have you had your blog up here? I’ve only had mine up for just over a month. If you would like I can add you to my blog roll I have another person I may be adding soon but I need to work on some other things this morning.
Peace.
May 3, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Well, Charles, you’re darn sure close.
Tree Crossing is at the top of my home page. I tagged it
guestbook/blogroll, so I imagine you can find it now. Either way,
I’ll add your link here for you. When you find the time, you’re
more than welcome to wander back into my mid-western jungle fest.
This arbor party started on Valentine’s Day of this year. First blog.
It would be an honor to be added to you blogroll. Thank you kindly!
Where do you find all those paintings you have up? Flicker?
They’re great, and I thought that your words fit the pictures well.
Your site has a unique appearance. I think the women will love it!
http://leoutlandosdamour.wordpress.com/
June 5, 2009 at 1:42 am
Hello Uncle Tree. I love this place. Please visit mine.
It’s http://www.sora8021.wordpress.com.
Thank you for giving me the idea.
You are welcome, Spencer!
June 14, 2009 at 10:07 am
Thank you very much, Uncle Tree!
I really love your site; I find it so full of meaning! I read some of your poems and there’s something in them that brings tears to my eyes – so many things I felt and I couldn’t put in words, as the “Timeless Longing”, the “Fantasies Lost” and “A Native Request”. Very inspirational, brilliant. Keep going, please.
http://www.wolveskeeperlegend.com/index.html
http://rockthecage.wordpress.com/
That is an extremely warm and comforting compliment, Silvia.
From the depths of my heart, I thank you very much!
In return for your deeply touching words, may I offer up
a handkerchief with which you can dry away those tears
from your dark, mysterious eyes. I, too, enjoyed visiting your site.
You are quite the accomplished writer yourself, and your
command of the English language is excellent!
June 28, 2009 at 1:50 pm
What is this grafetti site? I don’t understand…. it looks like a whole bunch of people’s different writings.
June 28, 2009 at 2:27 pm
It’s kind of a long story, Amanda.
A bunch of regulars used to hang out at Deepak Chopra’s daughter’s
Intentblog. It was shut down due to a new place, Intent.com
Not everyone was happy about that, so a few started one of their own.
They asked me to be a contributor, so I had to get my own site.
My first one ever. That’s why I’m here. That’s what happens to spin-offs.
Feel free to investigate and comment if you wish. It is open to the public.
August 27, 2009 at 10:58 pm
It’s nice to read some poetry that isn’t as bleak as mine might be
Thank you for that, Uncle Tree
August 28, 2009 at 10:09 am
Hello, Elliot Bell. I don’t believe we’ve met. Have we?
Do you have a site that holds your poetry?
What does ‘bleak speak’ sound like?
Thanks for stopping by to read and comment!
And, for not being afraid to talk to strangers.
Have a nice flight. Good day!
August 28, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Well, here’s my site: experimentaljetset.wordpress.com
You left a comment on ‘Little Robot’ a while back, and I thought I’d return the favor by visiting your site.
Bleak speak would be a poem like my ‘Old Photos’, as opposed to ‘Knock on Good’, which i really enjoyed – I guess it’s about how the words make you feel, really.
Also, I hope you have a good day as well!
August 28, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Oh, darn. Well, yeah that previous Anonymous is me : P
August 29, 2009 at 12:06 pm
The Anonymous Bell…sounds like a good title.
Well, Elliot, I don’t recall exactly, so it probably was a long while back.
When I first started out here, I used to go out visiting and commenting
in the hope that some of these poetry-type folks would return the favor
(like you have just done.) I’ve since met some wonderfully talented
and delightful artists and authors. I am grateful, and feel pretty lucky.
I’m glad you liked ‘Knock On Good’, that was an older one. I don’t know
whether it’s poetry or not, but it’s the kind of thing I used to write.
I’ll come visit you and try to find ‘Little Robot’ (I see you have ii up now),
and ‘Old Photos’ too. Nice to meet you, and I hope you’d like to stick around.
September 14, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Now, isn’t this gorgeous, I found a very big tree with wide branches and nice leaves. Damn. No more flowers for now. I’m staying here! Shuuu away birds! :p
September 14, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Happy am I to know
you see my leaves as nice.
Nobody ever says that,
so I thought I’d lost one too many.
Welcome Butterfly!
Thanks for bringing along
your ribbit-less froggy friends,
and thanks for floating on in.
Such a soft landing…I felt it.
September 28, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Uncle Tree–I’ve had a nice walk in the woods, and as is my bent, I thought I’d leave a note on my way home.
How refreshing I’ve found my visit. I’ll be back to wander again.
Two things that make me giggle–I once knew a cat named Tree. He was very aptly named. And also, the minute I arrived here I got an old Youngbloods song stuck in my head. Get Together. Will you get it stuck in yours now so I can get it out of mine? The opening notes are especially distracting to me.
Love finding all the poetry here.
–Pearl
September 28, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Oh, I love that song, Pearl! Thank the Muses for youtube.
I don’t like the word ‘try’, I don’t think we have a choice
but to “love one another right now.” That’s the only time
we ever take action, there’s no getting around it. Agreed?
So the Youngbloods are stuck in my head now. Bye, Faith.
I think those notes beckon us to make a move. Luvz to you! UT
P.S. Glad you enjoyed your nice long walk through the ‘hood.
December 1, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Thank you for reaching out to me Tree.
Very kind and patient of you
January 8, 2010 at 5:47 am
Excellent site you have here, and I’m glad you found my Old Forest post. I spent so much of my childhood in the arms of ancient Valley Oaks that I sometimes swear their sap seeped into my blood.
A pleasure to find someone else who treasures them.
January 9, 2010 at 10:31 am
Welcome to my world, Jaym.
I am a sap in the slang sense of the word.
Nice to meet you! I wish you luck.
Happy swinging! UT
January 12, 2010 at 1:57 pm
it’s been a good year for me Uncle. Everywhere I go (anyplace I hide) people I meet are happy to let me be me.
Tears aren’t so bad when they are the happy kind. Thanks again for your kindness, patience, and understanding
dusty
January 13, 2010 at 10:51 am
That’s great, Dusty!
Feel free to be yourself
during the time you spend
here…with me…Uncle Tree.
You may hide out
in my whereABOUTs
or
any other place you wish.
I’ll find you, and welcome you.
Cleansing comes through
the sweat of labor,
the perspiration of sleep,
and tears of joy and sorrow.
In remembrance of myself,
this I do
and say
and pray.
So do have a good day!
Okay?
Ole’!
March 7, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Your site is amazing… I can’t wait to read all of it… Beachgirl
March 7, 2010 at 6:04 pm
I’m glad you like the looks of my place, Beachgirl!
Do help yourself to the woods, and let me know what you think.
Towels are optional. Knee-high boots are a must. Watch your step.
March 21, 2010 at 10:50 am
i agree, your site is amazing! i love the illustrations, too and especially enjoy the one above. i am so glad to have crossed paths and introduced through marianas wonderful site, what luck! the luck of the irish ha ha, thanks uncle tree. your name too is fabulous.
March 21, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Thank you, Tipota!
I just chanced to meet Aaron whilst I was out browsing leprechaun
‘tags’ a few weeks back. If you have yet to check out his site, do
yourself and your eyes a favor. He’s been doing his thing for awhile,
and he’s a pro, imho. I’ve felt extremely lucky, and the caricature he
did for me seems to urge on people’s curiosity. A lot of new people
have visited me here lately. I like that! I’m glad you like me, too.
I’ll be keeping an eye on you.
UT
March 26, 2011 at 8:02 am
hellooo and thank you. Psychicchic
March 28, 2011 at 4:17 am
August 11, 2011 at 4:00 pm
From mental well being point of view, this can only be clarified by professionally qualified physician. http://qewhfdsj.com
December 11, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Hey there Uncle Tree! I just wanted to thank you for stopping by “In Search of the End of the Sidewalk.” I’m glad you enjoyed the post about our trip to Ford’s Theater. It nice to peruse your writing this afternoon as well.
December 11, 2011 at 3:36 pm
You’re certainly welcome, Michelle!
Nice to meet you!
December 24, 2011 at 4:46 pm
So glad you came for a visit, UT! If you have had the opportunity to read any of my recent posts, you will kniow that because of some rather maddening and humbling physical challenges, I have beern sort of “out-of-pocket” lately. Hopefully things will begin to straighten themselves out soon, and I will be back to my fairly regular daily posting.
Your “About Me” page is delightful. Sounds like we might be related in some sort of odd way. A cloudy mirror and a quirky tree. . .there’s a song in that if you ask me! Who will write it first? (Poetry and music writing is sort of my thing, too!
)
I send out my prayers for you to experience the best of Christmases and a new year filled with all the abundance of enough. . .
December 25, 2011 at 5:17 am
Hi, Paula!
I did read your about page, and I’m glad life is treating you better now. Pain and suffering…Lord knows why He makes us go through such things. Some of us are just more sensitive and receptive than others. In some ways that’s good. It’s part of who we are.
I’m glad you like the way Uncle Tree comes a-cross. Related to
the heavens and the earth, we are. An abundant life is what we
have been offered. You rain on merry me, and I grow to reach
out my quirky limbs to you up above. I envy your height.
No one can be more than enough. Still, sometimes our cups
runneth over with love, which allows to share our abundance
with others – via the language that we speak with silent words.
I pray the new year brings you more than enough (me2).
‘Tis very nice to meet you!
Merry Christmas, Paula!
December 28, 2011 at 7:40 pm
very interesting lil place you’ve got here old friend… kinda like the community.. laid back w no preconcieved perceptions and totally open minds ! What a concept ! And your talent my friend is far better than mine… kudos.. Look forward to seeing more.. May the New Year bestow upon us days of happiness with no tears. Robbie
December 29, 2011 at 5:07 am
Welcome to my neck of the woods, Robbie!
Who knows? Maybe we are born with a few important
preconceived notions. They’re kind of like instincts, although
neither are provable since we can’t find them in the brain matter.
We learn and rule from the seat of consciousness, but since
we’re so into security, we must learn to fly by the seat of our pants.
I thank you for the compliment, old friend! And I pray
you and yours have a most blessed 2012 from start to finish.
Tears and smiles come with the territory ’round here.
Peace, love and joy are worth seeking. Best wishes, Uncle Tree
January 22, 2012 at 6:03 am
I just wanted to let you know your blog has been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award. You can find details of the rules etc on my blog.http://justcassie.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/the-versatile-blogger-award/
*
Thank you for mentioning me, Cassie!
Please, allow me to gracefully decline.
It’s just that…thank you. Yes, thank you!
March 9, 2012 at 10:34 am
I’m sure you’ve heard: “Jesus wasn’t a Christian, and Buddha
wasn’t a Buddhist.” I wasn’t there with Jesus to hear what He
had to say, nor did I watch Him suffer so much. I wasn’t there
to run after Buddha, only to get shewed away with a “Find your
own self!” No, I was raised as a Southern Baptist with blinders on
until I came of Age. Long story…
One only needs to look into their own 2-sided heart,
cuz God was smart enough to hide Himself in there.
Test Him! See for yourself! But go somewhere and hide first,
cuz God doesn’t like to have to show-off His miraculous ways
to crowds who mooove as one large un-brained amoeba cow.
Just please, don’t believe me and be done with it. Have a go!
Of course, you have to allow yourself to be receptive. How else…?
March 12, 2012 at 9:19 pm
I get it now very nice.
March 13, 2012 at 7:41 am
April 24, 2012 at 7:16 am
I had never read your about page before and I’m glad that I now have. I look forward to reading more of your poetry and hope that my tag game will bring you a few visitors!
April 25, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Hi there, Karyl! I hadn’t read this either for a long while, and now I’m glad I did. I think I made myself interesting, and a bit mysterious.
Thank you for visiting any-oh-whoo! (In tag, I’m usually home base)
April 29, 2012 at 11:56 am
I hope all is well with you. I haven’t seen any new posts here in a while? Anyway, take care, Blessings, Cassie
April 29, 2012 at 5:32 pm
All is well, Cassie!
Sometimes I like to feature some of my oldie
but goodie posts. Did you catch my last new one two weeks past?
http://uncletreeshouse.com/2012/04/14/a-whisper-of-artful-bliss/
The last piece I’ve worked on was submitted for a possible
publication (inclusion to an anthology) by On The Plum Tree.
Who knows? You might be interested, too. Here’s the link:
http://ontheplumtree.wordpress.com/2012/04/21/the-butterfly-effect/
Thank you for thinking of me with concern! You take care, too. UT
September 2, 2012 at 1:16 pm
Just letting you know I have nominated you for the Sensual Blogging Award. I don’t think you’ve got that one yet! http://justcassie.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/704/
September 2, 2012 at 8:10 pm
I love to hug trees, and I love to talk to them as well.
September 2, 2012 at 9:00 pm
I started reading your testimonial this morning, Niamh.
Slowly, but surely, I will hopefully get a glimpse
into that which you wish to convey to humanity. So, yes.
You will be talking to a tree. Hugz backatcha!
September 2, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Thank you dearly, Cassie! I think you have good sense,
and I like your taste in topics, far and wide. Experience in Life
cannot be had without our imagination, our senses, and yes,
our sexuality – our Nature is divine on both sides of the fence.
May I pass you a piece of fruit?
September 8, 2012 at 6:46 am
Interesting that you call it a testimonial! I am always interested to hear how someone else interprets my book The Coming of the Feminine Christ. I thank you for reading it and for your interest, I remain yours…a tree-hugger
September 9, 2012 at 7:04 am
Well, Niamh, I think I called it a vision the first time I commented
on your book, and you emphatically proclaimed to me that it was
an experience. In other words, your imagination was not involved ,
and played no part during the time of the incident. It is a very rare
happening when a group experiences a paranormal (?) event -
an event of such a magnitude that I can only imagine in part.
I’ve made it as far as the chapter “Hagalaz”, but I’m really wishing
I had a Kindle, for nowadays I do most of my serious reading at work
during breaks and lunch. Too bad your ‘paperback’ version is
so costly, for otherwise I’d love to have a copy.
Fortunately, I can “Thank you!” for your continued interest in
me and my opinions. Uncle Tree needs all the hugs he can get.
December 7, 2012 at 10:03 pm
I have nominated your blog for several awards you just need to go to this link: http://thesecretkeeper.net/2012/12/07/bloggers-are-writersartists-more-awards/ to discover what they are. Congratulations! J.K. Jennifer Kiley the secret keeper…
December 8, 2012 at 6:14 am
How nice of you to mention me, Jennifer. Thank you kindly!
And do, please, pardon me for passing over the award. Okay?
Have a great day!
Uncle Tree
December 28, 2012 at 4:58 am
Have a very HAPPY NEW YEAR in 2013. Hopefully, we will all find our dreams and wishes listened to and become a reality in the GOOD sense of the word. Love Peace Joy and Bliss I wish to you.
I know you do not accept Awards but I wanted you to know in Spirit I am giving the “Shine On” award to you. It is of a young woman looking up into the night sky at the shining stars. It is so much a part of connecting with Christmas Time. You will be an Honourary mention. Leaving the link to your blog on the list may bring new visitors to your Tree. Do come and visit some time. I do enjoy your comments and poetry and insight. Peace, jk Jennifer
December 28, 2012 at 7:22 am
I’m flattered as a board, j.k. Thanks! You are so kind.
My wish for you → is to keep on coming through the wispy airwaves
you press into WORDS and magically place at eye-level.
I also pray you’ll be receptive
Uncle Tree
to all the good due you in the coming year.
Peace, luvz, and hugz from Middle-Earth America!
March 3, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Love your writing, it is very pure and unique. So thank you for coming to my blog as that led me to yours and I look forward to reading more of your work!!
March 3, 2013 at 1:33 pm
That should say love ‘your’ writing, not our..damn typos!!!
March 3, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Nice to meet you, Helen!
Thank you for the nice compliment!
So very glad you enjoy the ambiance here.
Peace and luvz, Keith (All fixed)
May 4, 2013 at 12:02 pm
I have created a new YOU-NIQUE award which I have nominated you for because I think you are special! Further details here. http://justcassie.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/you-nique-award/
May 4, 2013 at 2:33 pm
You are too kind, Cassie. Thank you!
Cool idea!