Winter Architecture

This mature tree--what a beautiful, orderly system of branches and twigs that are both rigid and flexible, divergent and harmonious; complex and simple. Love this winter architecture. (Or should I say: I'm obsessed?)

Growing up with seasons, it's natural, normal, expected and comforting to see this cycling of trees bare, budding, greening, changing colors, then crumpling and letting go. As a New Englander, I've learned that this going inside--the appearance of silence or inactivity--is sleep and protection, and preparation for the next growth spurt. When I lived in Miami, FL, I felt a strange loss when leaves didn't drop-but they do, of course. Palm tree leaves turn brown, curl, shed and grow anew all the time.