The Bradford Pear trees are in bloom around my town.  The blooms are about two weeks earlier than usual and they are a welcome harbinger of spring.  The trees are ubiquitous in Red Dirt country for a good reason.  They are practical.  On my daily commute,  I used to drive past large plantings of these trees at seventy miles an hour and for a moment I would think, “Those trees are blooming.  Nice.”  Yesterday I took time to observe the blooms closely and I snapped the above photo.

These pear trees do not bear fruit, but I’ve always considered them quite practical.  They are flexible enough to withstand the Red Dirt winds and drought resistant enough to survive our hot summers.  Able to withstand pollution, the trees are perfect for areas which are heavily populated.  Some varieties of these trees are even bred to turn brilliant colors in autumn.

Reflecting on all this, it occurred to me that these trees could also be observed as an organic work of art.  Sure, there are practical reasons to have these trees.  They provide shade and of course they provide oxygen to the atomosphere.  Still,  their characteristics demonstrate that these trees exist for reasons beyond the pure functionality of being a tree.

I’m glad I took some time to observe and reflect on these trees.  Natural beauty is happening all around us.  Taking time to find the good around us is what the French call “Joie de vivre.”  I like to call it “living well.”  It’s all about being in the moment and cheerfully enjoying the good things in life, whether it’s wine, food, friends, conversation or the trees in our own back yards.  For me, it takes effort to still my mind, be in the moment and live well.  Still, I’m getting better at it and the effort is certainly worth it.