The Whispering Wind

Taristotle’s whisper floated atop the breeze, blowing into my person that first fall morning. He walked out of the woods and into my world, changing its course forever. The most wise of all deer understood the workings of the Land of Terra and I wanted so much to learn about all of its creatures. We were destined to become the best of friends and I waited anxiously every day for his return.

Taristotle said that all living things have purpose, none greater than the other. He said that trees bear the wisdom of the Earth, knowing all things, feeling all things. He told me about the TreeWriters, the most clever of all trees - those who are able to send messages to all of Terra. Taristotle said that when you feel the wind in your face, a great tree is reaching out to you with her soft voice, hoping that you will be drawn to her story.

I found this puzzling because I had often felt the wind in my face, very much loved its touch, but I had never sensed the presence of a tree in my wanderings through the woods. I had always believed that the wind just wound its way throughout all of creation, traveling from one end of the Earth to the other and back again. I found trees to be just lovely, but I had never recognized them as conscious beings.  

Taristotle said that I had always known the way of the trees, but I was simply not aware. He pulled out a small branch, handed it to me, and asked if I could see anything. At first, I only saw a stick that was just like all of the others on the forest floor.  After looking more closely, I could see a tiny work of art carved into the stick. Amazed, I asked my friend how that could be.  

Taristotle told me that the bark beetle, an unassuming little creature, slowly carves the message into the branch. Bark beetles are the tiniest little helpers for the most learned of trees.Their etchings bring us the wisdom of the Earth, from the deepest part of its core, through the roots of the trees, and out to the branches that we are so lucky to discover. We must protect life in our land, respecting the space and wellbeing of all creatures. This is why the TreeWriters have developed a relationship with the little bugs of the bark. We must remember that their work is not only for the mutual good of their very own partnership, but also for the hope of all who live in the Land of Terra.

I told my dear deer friend that I wanted more than anything to understand the messages of the TreeWriters. Taristotle said to me, “I know that you will come to understand the thoughts of the trees. When you feel their beckoning in the winds, you will search and learn and believe. You will share their message of hope for our land.”  

I asked Taristotle how he knew that I would learn. He said, “My friendship with the trees makes me more than aware of my fellow Terra creatures. The trees are my constant companions - they are always there for me. I see you at peace with the wind in your face and I know you as if we have never been apart.”

The tales that follow are born of a deep friendship between a buck and a girl or a boy and a doe. It matters very little what name we are given - we are more alike than not. Taristotle is a most philosophical deer and I am an artsy sort of quiet person by the name of Perhaps Laura Lynn.

The words are mostly Taristotle’s and the art is mostly mine, but only as much as each can be our own. What are words or what is art, other than an individual’s interpretation of something that is already a real and enchanting part of our living Earth? So, put on your terraspecs and follow us on a most fascinating journey into the Land of Terra. You will see that our world is a most magical place to be. AND, always remember that without the TreeWriters and the bark beetles, this story might have never been told!