Standing Through the Seasons
Reflections on resilience, legacy, and the quiet strength that roots a community
Saturday morning I took my camera and went for a drive. I love shooting at sunrise this time of year. The sun angle of late autumn gives the light just a little extra something. As I rode around, I took familiar roads close to home. I took photos of subjects I’ve shot before. This old tree is in a cow pasture not far away, and I have shot it in the fog and the snow. I’ve captured it in all seasons. Yesterday, in the fog and the soft morning light, it stood there as always. Some birds flocked in the branches, watching the sun come up in the stillness of the morning air.
This tree stands by itself. It’s always there, weathered by time. It has roots that run deep. It stands there giving the birds a secure place to land. In the summer, it creates shade for cows grazing nearby. It stands with resolve as the winds blow in the winter.
After Sunday, I took time to reflect on our small town, and some of the people who have deep roots in the community. People who everyone knows, and are always around. People who have always been involved, through the sunny days and the storms.
This tree didn’t choose where it took root, and it never set out to become anything in particular. It simply grew, inch by inch, season by season,until one day it had become a fixture. A place other lives gathered around. A presence you could count on without ever needing to think about it.
Standing by that tree, I kept thinking about how some lives become anchors without ever announcing themselves. How they weather what comes, offer shade when it’s needed, and give others a place to land.
Even when they’re gone, the shape of what they stood for is still here, holding the rest of us up, guiding where we grow next.
✅ Where to Find Me
You can find more of my work on the web at: Simmons Photography
If you want to work with me, or inquire about licensing images: Contact Page
More of my work can be seen on Vero and Flickr.
I enjoyed reading your post, and viewing your photographs. 🙏