As Easter approaches, the symbolism of death-to-life (or life-to-death) transformation comes to mind. When I’m photographing living things in nature, I sometimes talk to the essence of it in my mind, befriending it, comforting it, wanting it to know I recognize and appreciate how its life (and death) on this planet has helped the lives of us fragile humans.

The tree “starburst” above has been a food source for countless forest insects. In its early life, it may have provided food for families of mushrooms.

At one point, its cousin may have been the “hero” in one of my other photos or blog posts. Like the one below…

The celebration of tree beauty fills me completely in October in Upper Michigan. It is the time of year when all the trees become giant colorful flowers.

Wow!

It’s a Tree Beauty Pageant!