Fragment

This weeks theme is "fragment" and was suggested by Kate:

Kate:
 

 

This is a small fragment of Arbutus bark...a tree that grows prolifically where I live.  It’s actually better known for it's smooth, reddish bark that’s exposed when this outer bark (naturally) peels away, but I couldn’t stretch high enough to get a shot of it!  Just a few short miles from here...south of the border...this same tree is called the Madrona, so Americans will likely be more familiar with it by that name.

The Arbutus was important to the local Straits Salish people of Vancouver Island who used the bark and leaves to create medicines for colds, stomach problems, and tuberculosis, and as the basis for contraceptives. 

According to their mythology, an anthropomorphic form of pitch would go fishing, but return to shore before it got too hot. One day he was too late getting back to shore and melted from the heat.  Several anthropomorphic trees rushed to get him - the first was the Douglas Fir who took most of the pitch, the Grand Fir received a small portion, and the Arbutus received none - which is why, they say, it still has no pitch.

Also, according to the Great Flood legends of the Saanich people who are native to the area where I live, the Arbutus helped people survive by providing an anchor on top of a mountain. Because of this they don't burn Arbutus, in gratitude for saving them. 

These trees are still a protected species and we’re hoping that this particular one…in our front yard…will survive.  They don’t like their roots disturbed and although we were careful during construction, it’s situated just eight feet from the house and is looking a little stressed this year.  :(

 

Martie:

 

Sometimes a fragment can be more than a whole.  The light shines a bit brighter without the entire globe...

(lights located outside the local police station...one of which has been broken)

 

 

edit:  I'm having Typepad "issues" with uploading images which is why they're all over the place!