Monday, October 20, 2008

Australian Fig Tree in Santa Barbara, California

On Montecito Street in Santa Barbara is a very old soul (Do you see it above me in the next picture?)A tree that was planted in 1876 by a young girl is still standing tall and majestuous. At first I was thinking that it was a banyan tree. Just because of it's roots being so large, almost as large as it's crown. But no vines were coming down from the branches to had to the root system so it had to be something else. Well there is a nice blurb about "The Tree". The largest Moreton Bay Fig tree in North America. The light was a bit strong in midday to take clear pictures and I wish I had taken some overall shots. I might go back before I leave and just do that. In the link above you can read about the whole story and then see the tree in full. I have picked from the ground some "figs" that are now dry and ready to be sewn on a new quilt that I am working on. A "Treeptick"....ahahahah. I have some snapshots of what is in progress. I am working all by hand these days being away from home. I like it though. I am taking more time, making decisions on next steps. I have finished a great read by Margaret Atwood (the Handmaid's Tale, now pretty much a classic) and I am starting one by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (The Shadow of the Wind) which was recommended by Dominique.
The other night I forgot to put down my shades and opened my eyes to this picture.... Pretty nice to wake up to. Since then I have decided to forget to take down my shades every night.... hahaha. This is the glow of my bed partner in the morning... Just Beauty Max! Isn't it?
Another few days in California and then Igloo Sweet Igloo.

4 comments:

BooksPlease said...

Your photos are so beautiful and that tree is amazing - the root system is so powerful. Words fail me!

roxanestoner said...

Thank you Margaret, You should see it in person. It is breath taking.

Anonymous said...

Coucou petite soeur,
en Martinique et en Afrique, Sénégal ou Togo, il y a beaucoup d'arbres comme cela.
Ce sont des "fromagers". Rien à voir avec le "cheese" et je ne sais pas pourquoi on lui donne ce nom. On fabrique avec les "vagues" des racines, des portes de maisons sculptées. Bisous. Carol

roxanestoner said...

Et bien tu en sais des choses toi! Geniale d'avoir une soeur si erudite. Les portes sculptees avec ces genres de racines, ce doit etre tres beau. Bisous
Bisous