My sister, Melanie, and I before we knew what was happening, although being almost two years older, I was beginning to.
Melanie’s side yard in Northeastern Pennsylvania where she is a weekend gardener of purples. This Japanese Maple has been dessimated by storms a couple of times, but this year, shaping it was easy. That’s my job every Spring and I am most proud to contribute to her beautiful vision of country life.
As sisters who know everything about each other, so alike in some ways that we are taken for twins, yet so different too, we live in a combination of fierce love one minute, and then a clash bangs in and we slide down a slippery jagged slope of unspoken grief that only families can do.
Forever united, we stand apart like two trees on one ancient estate.
And miraculously, in spite of lengthy history, our happenstance upbringing, and distinct universes, we are civilized creatures who recognize in each other, the magic Maples that grow inside.
Wild Nature of New York 
Love the use of Ran’s photo. Thanks Steph-for everything
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I guess I shoud have credited him! And yes,it was an apt addition. Thanks to you to Mel, for every single thing.
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Beautiful ladies, l’chaim!
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What a sweet baby photo—and then there you are as beautiful adults, separate but still connected. You two are rooted like those trees– forever entwined and nurtured by attention and love . You have not allowed life’s happenings to sever the ties even though much goes unsaid.
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Love these picture Steph and especially that final photo showing an amazing tree of white flowers in the grass. Beautiful. Is that Melanie’s or your handiwork?
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What a lovely posting, Stephanie. I am so moved by your blog. I look forward to it providing me with an interesting, or sweet, often bittersweet moment of reflection each weekend. Love to you, Shawn xox
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Beautiful Charmers – with knowing, depth and understanding right from the start – of course!
Gorgeous pics.
Do you know the name of the exquisite white flowers on the final pic?
Would love to know…Thanks! Celia
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I think the flowers are moss blossoms if there is such a thing. The clump from which they grow look like moss. Whatever it is, it’s wild. Will look at the tunnel photos when I get home. Thanks so much!
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Sisters, it’s a beautiful relationship and one I treasure in my own life.
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