Krummholz

He is jealous for me. Love like a hurricane, I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy. Oh how He Loves Us.

Words by David Crowder picture from the Krummholz Grove in the Jughandle State Reserve. Krummholz comes from the German word meaning "bent wood". These trees usually grow tall and straight. The trees in this grove are sculpted by the north winds that are salt laden and kill the tips of the branches. While the trees look gnarly, twisted and ugly to our eyes they create the perfect environment for birds, insects and mammals that couldn't survive without the protection of the branches on this windswept bluff.

Yes, Oh How He Loves Us.

Brigadoon

We live in a perfect neighborhood. No really, I mean it. It's kind of like the movie Brigadoon. During the day it's very quiet. There is the occasional car passing and the mailman comes faithfully at the same time everyday.

Around dinner time the neighborhood comes alive. The nail families come home and spread blankets on their lawns and eat, laugh and talk like they haven't seen each other in years when actually they own two nail salons and work together all day. Then the pest control family comes out and rides bikes , chases their puppy and generally enjoys being outside. Ellen comes out and waters her pretty garden and I walk across the street to talk and grab an Ellen hug. She has a beautiful accent that sounds like she could read a recipe and it would taste even more delicious.

Part of me longs to grab some beer and start a middle of the street game of football toss. Two problems, I don't drink beer and I throw like a girl. More like a middle aged girl with bifocals and a shoulder that has seen better days.

Then the magic stops as the sun goes down. The nail families pack up and go inside. The pest control family puts away bikes and finds their puppy. Ellen goes inside while her garden drip dries until tomorrow night.

Sleep well everyone.

Depression

I bought a movie from the 5 for $20 display this weekend. One of the gems was "Helen".

This is a very dark yet inspiring movie for anyone who has mental illness in their family line. I'm thinking who doesn't?

Years ago when Lizzie drew our family tree she drew a noose on a branch to show that a member of our family hung himself.

This movie helps to confront the deep despair that haunts many people. It is rated R because of the theme and a couple of F words.

Please view it and use it as a launching pad for discussion if your family is going through a time of trial. Depression and mental illness runs through our family lines. We are wise to arm ourselves with all the information we can.