On Trees, Tiny Little Small Towns, and a Big City.

It seems I've been on a bit of a tree kick.

I mean what's not to like about trees? It's not like this is a controversial subject or something.

I suppose they're a comforting thing in an unstable world...sturdy, stalwart, refreshing, lifegiving. Constant, yet changing. Adaptable.

I haven't really thought about why before I started to write this post, but I have noticed that even more than usual, my eye has been drawn to them wherever I go. When I doodle and sketch, it becomes trees. Creating new collections for my licensing portfolio the past several months, it seems to be awfully tree-heavy. When planning my booth design for Surtex, it became all about trees. Trees trees trees. Trees around the edges, trees overhead, a big tree behind me. Here, this crazy lady who wandered into my booth will show you.

The day after the show ended, my friend Jane and I had a few hours to wander around Manhattan before flying home. The weather was gorgeous, and it felt so good to be outside after 5 long days spent inside Javits Center.

We just started walking, just to walk. Wandering around just a few of those tiny little small towns that all crowd tightly together t0 make New York City.

And wouldn't you know it, I was drawn to the trees. I know, I'm so predictable.

Tree-lined streets.

When I was a little girl I fantasized about living on a street like this when I grew up. I wanted to be That Girl. With those fabulous outfits. But not with Donald. I planned on marrying Mickey Dolenz.

But I digress.

Look at the amazing little gardens on this street.

Oranges. Yes, oranges.

And these perfectly aged and chipped boxes. Fabulous tiny little gardens.

Gardens. Another thing that's been occupying my thoughts. These healthy little beauties in Union Square made me miss my own seedlings waiting patiently for me to get home and put them into the ground.

And this amazing splash of magenta reminded me that I never did get around to planting my radish seeds. Oops.

Just look at that color.

Every single thing in the farm stands was flawless and mouthwatering.

And of course, the lilacs...it is May after all.

Even underground I seemed to be drawn to stuff with treeish characteristics.

More wandering, soaking in the colors...

...the smells...

...the shapes...

...the blue sky...and always, the trees.

So to celebrate the trees, I am offering prints of this design, the big tree from my booth, in my Etsy store right now.

Just a little reminder of the comfort and strength we gain from the simplest most basic acts and thoughts. Life is too short not to soak in and celebrate every possible smidge of positivity around us.

Comments

[Sue]

OH WOW!!! I LOVE all the NY shots!! Your compositions are fabulous.

I was fortunate to see your tree in its glory at your booth. A show stopper indeed.

You have me thinking about an analogy of the current climate in business as it relates to our little art licensing world.
I am thinking about how a tree has to adapt to it's surroundings as it grows in order to stay alive and flourish yet it needs its roots planted firmly in the ground.

We can all learn something from trees, maybe that is why you have been drawn to them lately!!
You are that tree my friend and you continue to flourish . You are an inspiration !! Thank you!!

[BJ Lantz]

Too funny ~ I wanted to be Mary Tyler Moore and live in a fab apartment, with fab friends, a parade of boyfriends I never married and a fab job. And if I ever did think of marrying, it was David Cassidy at the end of the aisle :-)

Love all the pics - thanks so much for sharing.

[Kate Honarvar]

Hi Beth! I'm so glad I got to (briefly) meet you at Surtex, I thought your booth looked amazing, your tree was beeeautiful! I hope the show went really well for you, I truly admire your work :-)

[www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawndtnCw4URLQ5mbFXyZSVIMce8LP-vIWeU]

GREAT photos, Beth!!!
Diane

[Holly Knott]

BEAUTIFUL NY shots, Beth!!! Love the trees, the wrought iron, the repetitive patterns, colors, everything. Reminds me of pics I would take. I miss living near Philly. Thanks for the inspiration.