Food, summer

Is It All Right if I Kiss Your Cheek?

61 Comments

On Friday, Shannon, Mike, and Holly came to Maine for a visit. For Father’s Day, Shannon and Mike bought Clif a ticket to the Kennebec River Brewfest in Augusta, Maine. Since beer isn’t my thing, Mike agreed to accompany Clif to the Brewfest, which was held on Saturday, August 2.

Neither Dee nor Shannon like beer, so while Clif and Mike were at the Beerfest, we went to Thai With Us, a restaurant in Augusta, where we had some delicious Thai food.  We all agreed it was a restaurant to visit again.

As we were eating, some adults and children were seated at a long table next to us. Since my back was to them, I couldn’t see the adults and children unless I twisted around to look.

But I didn’t need to look when I heard an adorable exchange, a piping voice asking an adult, “Is it all right if I kiss your cheek?”

How we smiled as we listened to that child, and after Dee, Shannon, and I left, we all agreed that the answer to that question would be yes, always yes.

After the Brewfest ended, we all headed home where we sat in the screen house in the backyard. As we talked about movies and the problems of the world, dusk settled over us.

Crickets sang. The solar lights came on. And in the trees at the edge of the woods, we heard  curious calls, which we eventually figured out were barred owl fledglings.

Holly the dog, comfortable on her dog bed, ignored the fledglings. As I listened, I marveled at how much life there is in the woods. The trees not only provide shade and absorb carbon dioxide, but they are also provide food and shelter for many animals. This might sound fanciful, but I can’t help but think that trees are the guardians of life as they rise tall and mysterious above us.

No wonder trees were worshiped in past ages.

 

 

61 thoughts on “Is It All Right if I Kiss Your Cheek?”

    1. I did find that article interesting. Fancy a species of trees that benefits from lightening strikes. And the article suggests there are other species that benefit, too.

  4. Such a fun weekend! And what weather – we couldn’t have ordered up a more perfect summer weekend if we tried!

  5. This all sounds so lovely. I set my tent up at the edge of our property, up next to a stand of trees. At night when I sleep out there I often hear things walking around. It used to unnerve me. Now I just smile and go to sleep. Penny on the other hand, would not be so gracious.

  6. I sense a special connection between us (people) and the tall trees, as if they are some sort of protectors, or at least part of the planned backdrop for life, like the clouds and blue skies.

  7. I’ve noticed what I think of as a rash of tall tree fellings of late, and it disturbs me. Trees provide so much natural shade from this brutal sun — besides sheltering our birds, squirrels, and other critters. I’m planting trees, not having them cut down! Except for those invasive mulberries — those are coming down. Sounds like a lovely day well spent.

  8. What a lovely post, Laurie. It is filled with love and quiet enjoyment. I agree completely about the joy and power in our connection to nature, and especially trees.

  12. These are the best moments when kids visit their parents. A lovely post Laurie and I agree with your views on Trees.

  14. So sweet–the child, the owl, Thai food! We have two Thai restaurants, which is pretty good for our little town. The tree damage here is heartbreaking. Today I crossed a bridge where much of the worst flooding was, and it is astonishing! There was debris along the bridge railing!! Recovery will take decades.

    1. After looking at your blog, I decided you’re a fellow Texan. The hill country’s my second home, and the flooding there was heartbreaking. That said, I’m wearing my ‘Hill Country Strong’ tee from Trudy’s Hallmark in Kerrville on a regular basis. It’s tree-green, with cedars, a river, and the hills inside a Texas-sized frame. It’s both a reminder of what was, and a sign of what will be.

  18. What a sweet question from the child, and what sweet times of sharing with your friends and family. Last night’s treat was sitting on a back porch in the country, watching the sun go down and listening to the coyotes sing. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard them, and it was marvelous.

  20. A lovely trip. Once when, much younger and I didn’t know it should not be necessary to ask I asked a young woman while we were sitting on a sofa if I could put my arm round her. She agreed but I was too embarrassed to follow it up.

  22. It sounds as though you’re making the most of these long summer nights in the screen house. Apparently, it was International Owl Awareness Day yesterday, so your post feels very apt!

  23. The sweetest question ever, Laurie. Awww. There’s hope for humanity if we let the children take over for the adults.

    And your evening surrounded by the forest sounds heavenly. A lovely tribute to trees. ❤

  25. Spending time with family is just the best! I am so glad you can all get together and share your passions. I am also with you on trees and woodland. When life gets me down I go and visit a very old Oak tree which must have grown up in one of the hedges on my neighbours land which was later planted up as woodland and I now rent. That tree has seen it all before and really helps me get perspective on my troubles and worries. And the woodland is teeming with life – today I saw where a fox had tried to dig a new den but had been thwarted by the number of roots in the soil and given up.

  26. I know this sounds crazy, but trees seem to have personality and exude wisdom, not like your average flowering plant. Perhaps it’s an age thing, combined with size?

  28. I too believe trees are the guardians of life Laurie and it’s so healing to spend time among them 🌿💚🍃 xxx

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  30. Oh Indeed, Laurie, the guardians of life giving back as humans take and use. I have not heard of barred owl fledglings but I can imagine the sounds in your beautiful garden!

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