Rachel over at Nest Full of Eggs recently posted about a photography challenge where she photographed a birch tree in four seasons. The post brought back many memories for me. My best friend’s childhood home (directly across the street from my home) always had a birch tree in the front yard when we were growing up. My aunt and uncle in Hanover, New Hampshire had a splendid birch forest on their lot. When my husband and I travelled to Russia in 1996, we had a chance to visit Tolstoy’s estate (yasna polyana) – a birch forest lines the path going up to the estate. These photos were taken on my old Canon SLR, so I scanned them.
On the Yasna Polyana property is an intertwined oak and birch - apparently symbolic of love.
This is Tolstoy’s tomb, at the edge of the marvellous wood. { From my travel diary: It was the first public burial in Russia that was not attended by a priest. Tolstoy chose this spot because it conjured up a childhood memory of his older brother (Nikolai) who told Tolstoy that he had secretly buried a little green stick on which he had carved a magic spell. Whoever found that green wand would become its master and would have the power to make everyone happy. Tolstoy wanted to be buried with that little green wand.}All this to say, we worked on this wonderful birch tree project this weekend. Two bloggers I follow knitty gritty homestead and wee folk art have done this with their wee ones. It is based on Kathy Barbro’s art lesson. Here is our experience and I highly recommend it.590
November 7: Leo died at six this morning. I was not allowed in until his last breath.I was not allowed to say good-bye to my husband. Cruel people. Sonia’s Diary.
Taping.
Painting.
Salting. {We used celtic sea salt}.
Peeling off the tape.
The finished projects.
{PS All pundits predict Christopher Plummer is supposed to receive the Oscar tonight. He should have received it for playing Tolstoy in the Last Station :). }
Have a great week!
