If you’ve read this blog for a number of years, you’ve heard me talk about the maple tree outside my bedroom window and how much it means to me. We planted it when we first moved into this house, more than 37 years ago now. I’ve watched it grow into a beautiful, mature tree. This tree has been with me through a lot of life – through both joyful and challenging times. Each fall, it’s one of the last trees to turn. It used to turn the most incredibly bright, vibrant red. When the light was just right, my entire bedroom was infused with a red glow from the tree.
Over the last decade, the tree has had some health issues, but thanks to a wonderful arborist, it has continued to thrive. Saldy, it no longer turns the vibrant red of its younger years, but more of an orangey rust color. It’s still beautiful, but I’m grateful that I not only have the earlier years preserved in photos of all my cats in front of the tree, but also in this beautiful painting by Bernadette Kazmarski. Click here to read the backstory of how it came about.
This year, the tree turned a brighter orange than it had in previous years. The other day, I captured a series of photos of Allegra with the tree – I thought you’d enjoy them.
Something caught her attention up there!
Oh look, a squirrel down below!
And as a finale, my beautiful girl posed in front of the tree in all its glory.
The beauty of the tree at its peak color is, of course, fleeting. Thankfully, Allegra’s beauty is not!
I love watching the trees in my backyard change with the seasons-I find it very calming to sit and watch the leaves fall in the autumn. One of my cats is fascinated by falling leaves and will chirp at them as they make their way to the ground
It is also delightful listening to the leaves rustle when the wind the wind blows gently.
Cats and trees-two of the many gifts that nature bestows on us!
Ruby used to be fascinated with the dancing leaves on our deck.
What a beautiful tree and kitty! Allegra is just beautiful and I’m glad you have her. ❤️
Allegra and the Maple tree will always be remembered, as will Ingrid and Conscious Cat. Great, great memory.
I remember that tree, it’s still beautiful, just in a different way. Just like people……I’m certainly not as “vibrant” as I was when I was younger, but I do have a few good days lol!! xoxo
LOL Caren!
I remember when you received that painting, and I still find it incredibly touching and sweet to have such a beautiful work of art to memorialize all of your sweet cats, past and present. Thank you for this post.
These are lovely photos. Although my human loves the southern California weather, one thing she misses having is trees turning color in the fall.
That’s a lovely story Ingrid and the painting your friend created for another friend to give you on a milestone birthday is very special and so beautiful. You have some wonderful friends who obviously care very much about you. Thank you for sharing this!
Isn’t it beautiful when the torties are in the sun, and actually seem to have different colors, even more brilliant than just when in the house walking around. Thanks for your site.
A tree is a beautiful work of God, and Allegra is posing so sweetly..Please give her a kiss and hug for me..
Beautiful tree and Beautiful kitty !!!
What a wonderful story, beautiful drawing and of course, great pics of your sweet Allegra.
I’ve had tree/s to comfort me, support me and make me happy. I also love to go out and just hug a tree : ) not as hugging a kitty or a beloved human, but good in many other ways.
I think that beautiful painting would make a perfect Thanksgiving and/or Christmas greeting. Think of all the captions!
Home for the Holidays!
The Entire Family Gathered in my Heart for the Holidays!
A Time to Give Thanks for All the Joy and Love Cats Bring to Our Lives
I forgot how beautiful a picture of a tree could be! Thanks for sharing.
That is a beautiful tree. I enjoyed learning more about it and love the pictures of Allegra sitting by the window with the tree in the background. The painting is amazing and definitely a treasure.
What a wonderful story and beautiful photos of Allegra. I enjoyed reading it very much. Lily is sitting on my lap as I write this and as my beautiful girl is getting older, I am treasuring the moment.
So beautiful, nature at its best and your photographs which are even more special, with your lovely Allegra in the shots.
Also, what a gorgeous painting of your kitties and tree
Thank you for sharing the beautiful history of the maple tree. It’s significance to you is truly special. The painting is so touching. The tree, as it changes through the seasons, is the perfect background for gorgeous Allegra.
What a lovely story to wake up to Ingrid – from the history of your tree, the kindness of your friends in commissioning that wonderful picture, to the photos of your beautiful girl Allegra