Many moons spent we on the River Kwoai, paddling our crafted canoe with blisters on our hands that broke and bled. Not once did we complain, nor did thoughts of ending this expedition come a’pass. With solid conviction in our Breasts, carried on did we. Hope held high, nothing could deter us in our Knowing that Mother would show us Her Secret Entrance to the Temple of Trees, to which no man’s eyes had ever seen. We, chosen by our Elders after enduring Rites of Passages proving our worthiness, would not even dare to turn our canoe around.
Weary to the bone, without food or water for many a day, covered with inferno bites that swelled into welts causing us great agony, still we persevered, smearing ourselves with bear fat to deter those ferocious blood seeking pests. Paddling in uniform silence we drew deeper and deeper into a thick lush canopy of leaves and trees, making every dip of our paddles echo so eerily. Close were we knew we. The birds had suddenly stopped singing. Only Heavy Silence ensued wrapping itself insidiously in heavy thick tendrils around our bodies.
Rounding a bend in this great river, eyes red rimmed with exhaustion and heat, our Hearts flew to our throats, when together simultaneously our eyes rested upon the entrance of the Temple of the Trees. Our Journey so long, so torturous had finally come to an end, as we slowly approached where Mother pointed. She helped us steer our canoe to Her Shores, nodding Her Head oh so solemnly giving us permission to enter. At long last, our Journey finished, stiffly arose we from out of our canoe, and with careful step, approached the Gate to the Temple of the Trees.
Becoming more aware of what our eyes did behold, stopping in our tracks did we, confused, for before us stood not one but two Gates to the Temple of the Trees. Unsure of which one to enter, we waited for Mother to again give us a Sign. Nothing. Waiting for hours, legs trembling with fatigue, our tongues dried out with thirst, with our minds becoming more difficult to keep still, we fought the fear that we had gone through this tortuous route only to be confounded. Doubt began to weave it’s spell, and with every ounce of our remaining strength, we fought it off. Without that guidance from Our Mother, we knew if we chose the wrong Gate, it would mean immediate death. Waited did we. The sun set. Darkness fell. And still no Sign. Still nothing. Had we gone all this way for naught? Our Hearts hammered in fright as we waited for the Sign, not knowing if it would come at all. Faith won out. And so Her Sign came.
Photography/ “Temple Of The Trees” 2015©AmyRose
[Photo of Como Park, NY]
I was nominated by Morgan to participate in the Five Photos Five Series Challenge. What is this Challenge you ask? Simple: You Post a photo each day for five consecutive days and attach a story to the photo. It can be fiction or non-fiction, a poem or a short paragraph that shares your insight or inspiration of/from the image. Then each day another blogger is nominated for the challenge. Since I do enjoy a challenge, I couldn’t resist. I am nominating Dan. This is day 2 of this challenge for me.
The temple of trees indeed with so much to see and the stories it could tell.. 🙂 beautiful shot!
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Thank you, Andy!!! I really enjoyed myself with this story and how I processed this gorgeous shot. I’m glad you enjoyed it!! Have a great weekend! Love, Amy ❤
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Always enjoy reading your great posts! 😊
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Wow, those were a few more lines than I add to my photos… lol. Wonderful, Amy!!!
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Thank you, Erika. I’m so glad you liked this!!! LOL Have a wonderful weekend! Love, Amy ❤
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I truly did, Have a great weekend yourself, Amy, big hugs to you! 😊
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Beautifulâ¦..so lush and green!
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That is from all the rain we have been getting, Mom. Have a great weekend and have FUN at the party for Morgan! Love, Amy ❤
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A great story. Well written and your descriptions brought it to life. So glad you shared two important lessons here: perseverance pays, patience pays. Brilliant shot of the lush trees. They looks so alive, full of life and eager to show of their beauty to the world. Amazing work with your camera.
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Wow, Mabel, after reading what you are capable of writing and having you compliment me, I am honored. Due to much rain here, the foliage and grasses have become so lush, giving us a tropical look here. I really walked into magic the evening I took this image, and I have more as well to show soon. Again, I really thank you for the generous comment you wrote. May you have a wonderful weekend!!! Love, Amy ❤
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“…really walked into magic” What a great phrase to describe the beauty of nature. I’m sure a bit of magic followed you – or at least your camera – on your way home too 😉
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🙂
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Beautiful river scene and writing, my cuz Amy Rose. ❤
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So glad you enjoyed, cuz!! I had SO much fun with this!! LOL Hey, have yourself a grand weekend, you and your dear wife Karen!!! Love, cuz from the west ❤
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Wow, Amy, I never read a work of fiction from you and when I started reading I thought “Really? Why would Amy have gone on such an adventure??” Ha, ha. It was really well done though. Would love to hear more fiction from you and the picture is just fantastic, so saturated in green. Now you must have enhanced the color of the water, right?
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This fiction is a first for me, Marissa, and I had so much FUN doing it! I just let my imagination fly!!! Hehehehehe And yes I did enhance the green to really get the “feel” of tropical or being in the jungle. When I enhanced the green color, it changed the color of the water, which in actuality was a brown from all the rain we have been getting. I think I made the water prettier with the changes I made. (smile) So glad you enjoyed this. I am thinking of doing more fiction!! HA! And to think I surprised YOU!!! LOL Love it!!! Have a great weekend! Love, Amy ❤
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Oh wow Amy! Yes, it was really impressive! You know, it’s funny, now that you say it, that this is probably just a space in NY. Here I was so caught up in the story I thought we were in the Amazon or something!
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Thank YOU, Marissa!!! This is exactly the outcome I was striving for when I edited this picture, the “feel” of the Amazon. This image is from the park that is right behind us. The foliage is so thick (as are the bugs 😦 ) that jungle came to mind when I stood looking at this massive green in front of me. And for you to get caught up in the story …. goosebumps and another thank you!!! Honestly, I am laughing out loud. Now I know how you must feel when you create some of your work. I can just see you laughing!!!! Hehehehehehe
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Yes, it was really wonderful and how fantastic that you were able to capture that in your vision.
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So enjoyed reading the story! The photo is beyond words… You’re a writer and a photographer, Amy! ❤
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This was my first try at fiction, Amy. I SO enjoyed letting my imagination go as I gazed into this image. The magic I have been capturing is beyond words, my friend. Just like you said. I have more of these images from the same park that will be coming. And each of them is beyond words. I am so humbled by what is being drawn out from both within me and from around me. I am Blessed, Amy, to not only have the talents I do, but to be able to have the opporunity to express them. Have a glorious weekend!!! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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You’re talented! We are so fortunate to have the chance to enjoy your beautiful photos, thoughts, writings… Thank you, my friend! ❤
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The pleasure in mine, Amy. Believe me. To have this blog to show my work is a Dream come true for me. (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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Such a luscious greens. WOW!!!!!
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Cee, we have been getting a LOT of rain here, and parts of this park I visited looked almost tropical. The foliage has become so thick and so lush that what I saw both with my eyes and through my view finder, amazed me. That and I caught the light just right. 🙂 LOVE it when that happens!!! Love, Amy ❤
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what an amazing photo and beautiful response to the challenge ❤
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Oh, Neha, I am SO glad you saw this today!!! I’ve been hoping you would see what I am doing with the challenge. This is my first attempt at fiction … this image just seemed to pull the story out of me. AMAZING!!! Thank you for your wonderful comment!!! Love, Amy ❤
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Yes I would have seen it earlier but as usual the reader is not being cooperative so I am making a point to visit all the blogs I love once a week just to make I haven’t missed anything ( which I clearly had! ) I love your first attempt I think you should write more! ❤ lots of love and happy friday!
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Someone else encouraged me to write. Thank you, Neha. Thank you SO much!!!! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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It is so incredibly lush and you captured it perfectly! I love lush areas like this and LOVE the use of the word temple here. Being close to nature is almost like going to church…it’s being connected to God (at least for me). Beautiful Amy! Thank you.
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Laura, this is how I feel about Mother Nature as well. She is my Church, my Source where I meet God the most. With Her I receive Peace, Comfort, JOY, Love, Peace, Tranquility and a lot of the times, answers to situations of my Life. I see Her as Holy and Precious. I am so happy you connected with this image and the Title as well. Like minds and all that ….. 🙂 Hope your spirits are lifting and that you have a wonderful weekend ahead!!! Love, Amy ❤
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Thank you Amy :)))) I totally get it. I never much liked being out in nature before. Yes I thought it was beautiful but photography (and my knee replacements lol) have given me a new way to connect that I never had before. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with us!
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You have brought tears to my eyes, Laura. Bless you for understanding me. (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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You’re welcome Amy. :)))) BTW…you might want to check my blog. 🙂
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OH – OH! *shaking with excitement* And here I am all set to walk out the door to shoot. Darn it, now I have to go look! LOL ❤
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lol Gotcha!
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Absolutely love the picture and the short story. It does look like you are to proceed into the lush jungle. You were right the other day when you said you had more beautiful pictures to come. I love the outdoors and the way you bring it to life. Love you, Amy ❤
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Kathy!!! OH I am just SO happy you enjoyed this today!!! Bless you for taking the time to encourage me! The sun just popped out and I am about ready to step out the door to find more magic in this same park. I know exactly where I am going! 🙂 Love you! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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I sure did, Amy! Glad the sun came out for you. We had sunshine today,also. Have fun on your outing. We fished for a couple of hours and sure enjoyed it 🙂 Love you too ❤
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I caught not much but mosquito bites. 😦 I literally was attacked even with bug spray on. I was shocked. So, I didn’t stay much by the water but I did manage to get other shots that I think are good to keep. I have yet to check. 🙂 Have a great day, friend! Love, Amy ❤
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Since we love fishing we have got caught with mosquitos and found a product that works good. It’s all natural and sure has helped me. It’s called “Life Stinks” by the Dugan Sisters. It’s a little pricy but sure worth it. I just looked and here is the link. It doesn’t take much. https://store.duggansisters.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=100
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Thank YOU, Kathy!!! Due to all the rain we have been getting and the fact I LOVE shooting water, I am going to get this product. I threw out what I had been using because it didn’t work at all. I have bites to prove it. 😦
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Had a couple of bites and the minute I put it on not another bite.Happy that you are going to try it. Wish that stores carried it. Love you ❤
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Oh yes, I plan on buying it today. I have lots of other trips that I want to take and they all involve water. LOL
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Beautiful picture, nice compelling story, amy.
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Thank you, Ken!!! May you have a wonderful weekend!!! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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thanks, amy.
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You are a talented, writer, Amy, I didn’t want the story to end. And your photograph is beautiful, so rich and green!
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Oh, Elisa, Bless you for your encouragement. This was my first attempt at writing fiction. I deliberately ended it so that the reader can start coming to his or her won conclusion as to what happened once they went through the Gate. The image which actually spoke to me about the story I wrote, stopped exactly where I did. No more inspiration.
SO glad you enjoyed this and thank you for your glorious feedback!! I am smiling hugely as I write this to you! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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Beautiful greenery and water way through the temple of the trees,
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Thank you, Ruth!!!! May your weekend be Blessed! Love, Amy ❤
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Reblogged this on georgeforfun.
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OK Amy, I accept your challenge. I have to check, because I think I have a different five day photo challenge, sitting in my list of things to do. Maybe I can combine them 🙂 – However, I have to say that you have set the bar pretty high.
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GRINNING!!! OH YES! I am having SO much fun with this, Dan!! I am SO thrilled you are doing this. I was astonished that this image drew from out of me this story. I just wrote and wrote and before I knew it, I had a tale to tell. I have 3 more days …. one post is finished for tomorrow. The other two I still don’t know what I will write or what image I will use either, for that matter … perhaps a tale how I have been attempting to rescue toads from our drainage ditch before our ditches get cleaned out. I don’t want them killed and toads are so darn good as insecticides. 🙂 Muddy hands, muddy pants, grass stained from slithering across the grass trying not to spook these guys … LOL … Can you tell I feel like a kid again??? Have a blast! Let your imagination run FREE!!!!! YAY!!! YIPEE!!!! ❤
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I can see that you’re having fun for sure. I have two ideas, one is with a post that is already written (for Father’s Day). I might introduce the challenge tomorrow, if I can find a photo because I don’t really want to add the challenge descriptive text to the Father’s Day post. Or, maybe I’ll just describe it in a comment. The thing is, I have the perfect photo to use for all these things. It’s hard to explain, but you have helped me bring a few different goals together. Thanks!
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GRINNING from ear to ear!
Father’s Day will be my 4th day in this challenge. Seeing my Dad just passed recently, now I am thinking of combining the challenge with something in regards to fathers. Hmmmm …. While I am pruning in my garden and getting ready to shoot again with camera … the sun just came out YAY!!! …. I will be thinking of what to do. Perhaps a small story about how I actually went to NYC as a baby and I think I have an old photo of me and Dad in NYC. Hmmmm….. Thank YOU for getting MY gears going, Dan! This is nice!!! I’m so happy too that I helped you out. ❤
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The temple of the trees has so many stories to tell… 🙂
The click is just breathtakingly beautiful… ❤
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Thank you, dear Maniparna. Thank you! Love, Amy ❤
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I accidently hit the follow button to close one of my tabs. That is why you see me following you again. 🙂 Oops. ❤
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Hehe..it happens… 😀 ❤
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🙂 ❤
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Absolutely gorgeous dear Amy… Happy weekend ahead to you! Aquileana 😀
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Thank you, Aquileana. Happy weekend to you!!! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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This is a beautiful post Amy, your image is so lush and green, wonderful short story.
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Thank you, Karen! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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Very good! The story is compelling and just goes well with the picture.
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Thank you, YellowCable! I am so happy you enjoyed this!!! Have a wonderful weekend! Love, Amy ❤
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Stunning photo and I love your story to go with it.
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Thank you, Raewyn. (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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At least the journey was full of excitement….haven’t we heard it matters the most and not the end 😛
Beautifully written and a gorgeous pic, going well with the story.
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Thank you, Alok!! This was my first attempt at fiction, yet, the thread of the story held a Life Truth. I ended it the way I did because this image stopped there. So I did too. (smile) Bless you for you commenting. It is deeply appreciated. Love, Amy ❤
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Such a richly woven tale you wrote with gorgeous phrases and description. Simply marvelous, my dear Amy! xo Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
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Thank you, Robin!! Bless you! Love, Amy ❤
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Beautiful tale about perseverance and faith! And a stunning temple of trees! Have a wonderful weekend, Amy ❤
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Thank you, Tiny, and may you as well have a wonderful weekend!!!! Love, Amy ❤
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An amazing emerald-green scene, Amy. Love your story, and so happy that their faith and patience was rewarded. 🙂
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SMILE! Thank you! Wonderful to hear that you enjoyed my story. Love, Amy ❤
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Amy I so enjoyed your encounter with the temple of the trees.. breathtaking.. and what a wondrous journey xxx ❤
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Thank you, Sue!!! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
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Just beautiful Dear Amy…thanks for sharing your journey with us…:-)
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You are so very welcome, Sriram. Bless you for reading my story that this image gave me. 🙂 ❤
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