Whew! I survived the latest massacre. The beetles infested our forest so intensely this year after decades of drought conditions. Dozens of trees that stood with me for hundreds of years are now gone. I stand alone now in my corner of the world. Still as tall as the clouds, rooted firmly to face what life brings next.

     The squirrels still scamper quickly up my trunk and run wildly through my branches playing Hide & Seek. I need to bump up my production of pine cones if I’m to be the only provider of pine nut seeds to my quick and hungry, little friends. Blue Jays pop in to pester me regularly. Woodpeckers continue to drill holes and more holes. I look more like a pin cushion that a Pine Tree.

     My air is clean and my soil is moist. The sun is warm and life is good. I am happy to be! Admire me. I am beautiful. Say hello when you’re in the neighborhood. I love to hear your voice.

BLUE is like a day off. Freedom. Blissfully refreshing!

The gentle splash of flowing pools. A sparkling fish caught in a line.

PURPLE is a wild party! Absolutely no stressing.

The pungent taste of a fine wine exuding the essence of a rotting vine.

YELLOW is the happy your feel when the sun warms your shoulders.

It is the pleasant aroma of pineapple fields miles wide.

RED is a jalapeño or burning campfire coals creating red hot boulders.

Certainly, red is as exciting as any rollercoaster ride.

ORANGE signifies alternating seasons. Another summer to encumber.

Panic stricken to prepare herb stuffed turkey and nutmeg pumpkin pies.

GREEN is the fresh, cool flavor and sweet scent of a cold cucumber.

Mild and alive. Even wet. A rare color of some folks’ eyes.