{behind the pages.}

I've always loved the Christian legend of the Dogwood Tree. It's a beautiful story and as the trees are in flowering in beautiful abundance right now, I am getting the reminder on a daily basis of God's love and Christ's dedication to us all. I have been fascinated with capturing the tree right next to our house in every phase imaginable from new buds to dripping with rain. While I share a few of my favorite images, I also thought I'd share the story with you for those that haven't heard it and for those who love it as much as I do.

"According to legend the dogwood was the size of the oak and other forest trees. Being firm and strong, it was chosen as the timber for the cross, during the Crucifixion of Christ. According to stories, the tree was distressed for being used for a cruel purpose, and Jesus being nailed to it sensed this and told the tree, "Because of your regret and pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross, two long and two short petals. In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red, and in the middle of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see it will remember ..."

I am heading to the beautiful country of New Zealand tomorrow to hang with Nic Howard and teach at her awesome event Autumn Escape!! I'm both beyond excited and beyond nervous! Ha! I can't wait to meet all you awesome ladies down there and have some fun creating! (But don't you even try to get me to eat Vegemite ;)) I doubt I'll have a chance to post again before I leave so I want to wish you all a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,
k.