The Magic of Trees – Paperbark Maple – #SpiritualSisters #Magical #Trees #MagicalConnections #Botanical #Gardens

Prior to COVID19 I would often take a walk in Cambridge Botanical Gardens. I’d linger amongst nature, enjoying every aspect of the gardens, particularly the spectacular beauty of trees. There are many champion trees which impress the observer with their massive height, and girth. But, on one particular occasion a smaller tree caught my attention and surprised me with its undeniably magical quality!

Yes, the paperbark maple Acer griseum caught my eye – it is such a graceful tree. Its bark peels like paper to reveal fresh, bright bark, peeling away layers of imagination to reveal new possibilities…

Of course, such a tree would appeal to an author!

This tree is so amazing it is as if it is forever telling a new story like a youth never growing old. In contrast, I believe the undersides of its leaves are a grey colour, showing two sides to its wonderment.

It is native to China and in winter it adds to the diversity of winter beauty with its rustic-coloured bark. In the autumn, it has deep scarlet or burnt orange leaves.

Its bark curls adding an extra dimension to its magical, eye-catching nature.

I think you will agree it is an amazing tree! Yes, I do love trees…

I hope you might enjoy my previous posts about the magic of trees. Here they are in case you’ve missed them:

Magic of Trees: Purpurea – #SpiritualSisters – #Trees #MagicalConnections #Nature

Magic of Trees: Dawn Redwood #Magical #Connections #SpiritualSisters #Trees #Magic #Nature #Lockdown #Reading #Books

The Magic of Trees: The Weeping Willow #SpiritualSisters #SistersofTheFey

My Tanka poem about the Golden Willow Tree:

https://mjmallon.com/2019/07/12/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-135/

You might like a magical, uplifting compilation of poetry, prose and photography…

Available for free on kindle unlimited and to buy in kindle and paperback: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Mr. Sagittarius is a collection of poetry, prose and photographic images inspired by the botanical gardens in Cambridge. Photography is in the genes! Both my uncle and grandfather were photographers. My grandfather A.G. Ingram was originally with the photography company Ingram, Gordon & Co in Haddington up until the mid thirties. Then he ventured on his own to form the Scottish Pictorial Press in Edinburgh supplying photos to the press. When war broke out Scottish Pictorial Press became defunct. After the war he started AG Ingram Ltd, Commercial Photographers, at 3 successive locations in Edinburgh, Scotland.

I’m thrilled to announce I am included amongst some wonderful poets in Colleen Chesebro’s poetry book store with my poetry, prose and photography collection Mr. Sagittarius: https://colleenchesebro.com/poetry-books-for-sale/

Early reviews: 5 stars from Ritu Bhathal https://butismileanyway.com/2020/02/29/february-2020-books-amreading/

And 5 star review from Colleen Chesebro: February 2020 Books #AmReading

Another 5 star review from Sally Cronin: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/smorgasbord-book-reviews-poetry-and-prose-mr-sagittarius-by-m-j-mallon/

5 Star review from D.G. Kaye author https://dgkayewriter.com/sunday-book-review-marjorie-mallons-mr-sagittarius-poetry/

The Spiritual Sisters are:

Adele Marie Park Author & Personal Blog: Firefly465

Colleen M. Chesebro Author & Personal Blog: Word Craft ~ Prose & Poetry colleenchesebro.com

Annette Rochelle Aben Author & Personal Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben

Debby Gies (aka, D. G. Kaye) Author & Personal Blog: D. G. Kaye, Writer

Marjorie (MJ) Mallon YA/Paranormal Author: mjmallon.com

Collaborative Group: https://www.facebook.com/pg/5SpiritualSisters/

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May 6, 2020 2

Magic of Trees: Purpurea – #SpiritualSisters – #Trees #MagicalConnections #Nature

In my last Magic of Trees post I introduced you to The Dawn Redwood: https://mjmallon.com/2020/04/25/magic-of-trees-dawn-redwood-magical-connections-spiritualsisters-trees-magic-nature-lockdown-reading-books/

Today come and join me, take a seat on the tiny bench and let’s wander in the Cambridge University Botanic Garden…

The gardens are home to one of the most magnificent tree collections in the East of England. I am most fortunate to be able to spend time there during my lunch breaks from work, (except now we are on Lockdown in Cambridge.)

I would like to share with you a Champion Tree of Britain and Ireland.

(Owen 2003) lists Cambridge University Botanic Garden amongst the top 15 gardens in Britain and Ireland with 21 champions and I have a treat for you.

Meet…

Catalpa erubescens Carrie`re ‘Purpurea’ (Bignoniaceae).

The above photo gives you some indication of this trees mighty bark.

This magnificent tree is situated in the Rock Garden.

If you stand under it’s branches it becomes eerie and imposing …. Giving a sense of its mysterious darkness…

From a distance you are struck by its cheeky, twisty bark – (its light side) – that dances and twirls in unity with the branches above.

Trees truly have a remarkable energy. A short spell spent with them during my busy day helps me to relax and recharge for the rest of the day.

A fascinating article about trees: The Guardian ‘Places of sanctuary, opportunity, menace and death.’

In the meantime remember to visit a forest, (lockdown permitting!) spend time in your garden, and hug a tree for me!

Do comment below about any nature walks you have enjoyed recently.

A reading suggestion… I hope you might like it:

Available for free on kindle unlimited and to buy in kindle and paperback: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

https://www.facebook.com/5SpiritualSisters/

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon Collaborative Group: https://www.facebook.com/pg/5SpiritualSisters/

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April 28, 2020 6

Magic of Trees: Dawn Redwood #Magical #Connections #SpiritualSisters #Trees #Magic #Nature #Lockdown #Reading #Books

I love trees! I swear trees have magic. I live on the edge of a park in Cambridge surrounded by an incredible vista of trees and as a child I was no stranger to the mysterious aspect of the woods which were just a short walk away.

I’m going to share with you various trees which I have photographed some time ago. They have all captured my attention and are special and meaningful to me. I promise a diverse range, and a few giggles along the way.

What better choice to begin with, than this magnificent tree – a deciduous conifer, the Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, native to Lichuan county in Hubei province, China.

Local villagers refer to the original tree from which most others derive as Shui-sa, or “water fir”, which is part of a local shrine. Since its rediscovery in 1944, the dawn redwood has become a popular ornamental.
Strawberry Fields is a landscaped section in New York City’s Central Park dedicated to Beatle John Lennon. At the northern end of the lawns are three dawn redwood trees. The trees drop their needles each fall and regrow them each spring, a symbol of eternal renewal. The trees are expected to reach a height of 36 metres (118 ft), making them visible from great distances. Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metasequoia

Even the name itself – Dawn Redwood – conjures up spell-binding magic. I discovered the redwood and many other beautiful trees on my lunchtime walks in the Botanical Gardens in Cambridge.

I think you will agree it is a wondrous tree. I love the warm, inviting orange colour in the bark and the beautiful, ferny foliage which was a delicate coppery shade when I photographed it in the autumn.

There is a distinct feeling of energy about this tree. It calls you to come and touch its bark.

I discovered this blog:

https://www.thespruce.com/dawn-redwood-growing-profile-3269307

And was interested to see what they had to say about Dawn Redwood.

Just some of the words that were mentioned to describe this tree:

Renewal

Awakening

Joyous

Mother Earth

Primal Wisdom

A living fossil

Dates from prehistoric times

Endangered

No wonder the Dawn Redwood captured my attention! I hope it will fascinate you too!

***

I love to write about nature – My poetry, prose and photography collection Mr. Sagittarius is a light-hearted, magical story about fictional characters, twin brothers Harold and William, their sister Annette and the sibling’s connection to the beautiful botanical gardens in Cambridge.

Moreover, it celebrates many aspects of day-to-day life including: sibling relationships, beauty, nature, the seasons of the year, love and ultimately magic.

I love spending time in nature taking photos – my favourite photos in this collection are the robin, trees and the dragonfly that grace this little book.

Photography is in my genes – Both my uncle and grandfather were photographers. My grandfather A.G. Ingram was originally with the photography company Ingram, Gordon & Co in Haddington up until the mid thirties. Then he ventured on his own to form the Scottish Pictorial Press in Edinburgh supplying photos to the press. When war broke out Scottish Pictorial Press became defunct. After the war he started AG Ingram Ltd, Commercial Photographers, at three successive locations in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The photographic images in the book are all my own, apart from two images by Alex Marlowe – a talented photographer.

To purchase on Amazon follow the link below:

Available for free on kindle unlimited and to buy in kindle and paperback: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Thank you for entering my worlds. I hope they bring you a touch of magic. And thank you to all the kind people who read and review my work. I appreciate you.

Please do comment, I’d love to hear about your favourite magical trees and your favourite books!

Some Tree Enthusiast links:

https://www.treehugger.com/health/iceland-recommends-hugging-trees-instead-people/

Facebook Group – I Love Trees: https://www.facebook.com/groups/127351843985408/

Keep safe – find a tree to hug this Saturday!

Hugs,

We are the Spiritual Sisters (formerly known as The Sisters of The Fey):

Adele Marie Park Author: Firefly465

Annette Rochelle Aben Author & Personal Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben

Colleen M. Chesebro Author & Personal Blog: Word Craft ~ Prose & Poetry colleenchesebro.com

Debby Gies (aka, D. G. Kaye) Author & Personal Blog: https://dgkayewriter.com/

Marjorie (MJ) Mallon YA/Paranormal Author: mjmallon.com

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April 25, 2020 6

An Introduction – M J Mallon – Sisters of The Fey – Spiritual Sisters

Hi, I’m Marje, otherwise known as MJ.

Who am I? Which spiritual sister am I? I have never had a sister, sigh, but now I have Colleen, Debby, Adele Marie, myself, and Annette. Isn’t that wonderful? We are the Spiritual Sisters.

I’ve always had a fascination with the alternative, a curiosity about the paranormal, an interest in the zodiac and the like. For a time I worked as an alternative therapist specialising in Aromatherapy and Reflexology. I even did a short course in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT.) It fascinated me, but in truth, I didn’t have a lot of clients. I hadn’t discovered the power of blogging or social media yet. Perhaps, if I had it might have been a different story.

During my time as a therapist, I became quite intuitive and I developed an interest in crystals, auras, and chakras. My first crystal purchase was a malachite.

I believe the malachite marked the beginning of my transformation!

In this new feature – Spiritual Sisters – which was originally posted on our collaborative blog The Sisters of The Fey, I hope to explore crystals and their properties, the paranormal, and perhaps drop in a few zodiac posts too (I have a particular interest in the Chinese zodiac.) I’ve partially written an MG story set in Edinburgh about a girl and a dragon at Chinese New Year, which I hope to publish in the future. I also hope to share with you my magical connection posts about the wonder of nature, trees and spirit animals.

For the moment I would also like to share with you a focus on protective stones as I believe there is an unexplained presence in our house. There have been some very strange happenings that the female members of our household have noticed. My husband seems to be oblivious!

Including:

A disturbing strange vision we saw in the garden.
A force (a powerful air draft) pressing against the front door when I leave or enter the house. This is even apparent on a still day with no wind.
When I am alone in the house I tend to hear loud noises such as doors slamming, or objects falling which can be very creepy. My daughters and other visitors to our house have noticed this too.
My daughter saw a strange ghostly image crouching on the stairs leading to the attic and heard whisperings.
There have been unexplained fingerprints on the windows and more disturbing, two bird wingspan marks an equal distance from each other on the back patio doors. I took this photo of one of the sides. Ok, I added some Instagram effects to show you how it made me feel…

The other day at work I noticed this black shadowed bird-like apparition on a tree… which a friend of mine said is a BOOBRIE – ‘a shape-shifting bird from the mythology and folklore of the Scottish Highlands’. I’m not sure if this is the case as I work far away from the Scottish Highlands and there are no lochs nearby, but…

Read more about the Boobrie here: https://intothewonder.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/the-boobrie/

All of these events have happened since a strange black cat appeared in our garden. He became my cat character Shadow in my book….

Image courtesy of my good friend, cat and crystal lover, Samantha and her son Alex Marlowe: https://samanthamurdochblog.wordpress.com

It’s not surprising that I wrote about a curse…

The Curse of Time… which is on #free #promo for one day only Friday 21st February 2020.

Universal buying link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime

https://mjmallon.com/2020/02/21/free-promo-the-curse-of-time-book-1-bloodstone-ya-fantasy/

I hope you enjoyed this post, cheerio for now from Marje – Spiritual Sisters.

Look for Our Future Posts on our blogs:

Adele Marie Park Author & Personal Blog: Firefly465

Annette Rochelle Aben Author & Personal Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben

Colleen M. Chesebro Author & Personal Blog: Word Craft ~ Prose & Poetry colleenchesebro.com

Debby Gies (aka, D. G. Kaye) Author & Personal Blog: D. G. Kaye, Writer

Marjorie (MJ) Mallon YA/Paranormal Author: mjmallon.com

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February 21, 2020 12

Colleen’s 2019 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge #Poet’sChoice #Etheree #Trees #Photography #Bookish

I love trees, and enjoy my wanders in the Cambridge Botanical Gardens which is home to many champion trees. Just recently I came upon this beautiful Paperbark Maple, such a find for an author: a tree that peels it bark, like the well-worn pages of a book that has been read many times! So, I decided to grace its beauty by writing an Etheree poem which you can see below.

I will also be sharing more about the Paperbark Maple soon on the The Sisters of The Fey Blog so do keep an eye out for that.

In the meantime, here is my poem, I hope you enjoy!

Paperbark Maple – An Etheree

see you

Paperbark

Peeling brown curls

Enticing me quick

Imagination twirls…

Wow, what a bookish delight!

A captivating, living art

Small tree but unique, fresh and renewed

You’ve captured my heart, Magic Maple bark!