What does it mean to be persistent? Mr. Webster defines persistence as: "continuing without change in function or structure."
Inspectors often have to be persistent as they move through the various components of a home----especially in crawl spaces. We have to ignore and avoid the many obstacles in our path to get to what the home is really about. While what we do is largely a "visual" inspection---sometime we must be persistent to get to where we can actually see what is going on.
I think as human beings we let the baggage we carry around with us limit our true potential for persistence. Some turn it into its Dark Cousin-----Stubbornness. What I am talking about----is more like simply doing what it takes to get the job done----with no "AGENDA." There really is no "reason" to it. Stubbornness is much closer to doing something out of spite----and since there is an "agenda"----perhaps should not be done at all.
At today's inspection I witnessed the most incredible example of persistence that I think I have ever seen. It is equivalent to the old fairy tale about the boy that was ordered to take off his hat when the King passed by. Every time he took off his hat another one appeared in its place more beautiful than the last. He was sent to the tower for his insolence. But, he truly did respect the King (even though the King didn't deserve it) so he continued to take off his hat on every step all the way to the top---each one more beautiful than the last----until when he finally gets to the top of the tower his hat becomes a crown.
So here is my picture of persistence----and it leads to a very different "crown."
Charles Buell
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Charles, that tree with its base is going to hang in there, no matter what! I agree with you that stubborness has an agenda.
Very odd! How could that even happen without constricting the base with a collar or something?
Gary, it seems almost beyond amazing
Randall, I think the tree was cut off flush and then grew out of the center again---waiting for feedback from my favorite tree expert out there:) (that's you Scott)
Charles, I'll put my roots up for persistence against yours anyday. Remember this blog. Trees are strange animals.
Hi Barbara, yes I remember those roots. This thing though, appears to have been completely cut off then then re-grew itself! Craziness.
Agreed Barbara, both yours and Charles post have made me think differently about trees.
Justin, thanks for the comment
I think that was a tree cut off, and then someone grafted a new tree to it's base. No?
Kevin, no clue----but pretty interesting isn't it?
Charlie,
Very odd tree, I will give you that. Wonder if Kevin is right.
that is just plain weird, Charlie.
Steve, Kara, definitely one of the weirdest pheomena I have seen.
Charlie - that's way to cool!
Charlie - that's way to cool!
Carol---I am still blown away by it!
Carol---I am still blown away by it:)
Charles,
Yes sir, I have to say I've never seen a tree quite like that. However, some years back I was yet again deployed to the Middle East this time to Bahrain. According to legend no one knows the source of water for this tree. It has lived now for over 400 yrs and yes I actually stood right under it and NO other source of life existed around it. Pure desert for as far as you can see. Here's what Wikipedia says about it...
The Tree of Life (Arabic: شجرة الحياة; transliterated: Shajarat al-Hayah) is a 400-year old mesquite tree in Bahrain that is considered a natural wonder.[1] This unique tree stands alone in the desert about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the Jebel Dukhan, the highest point in Bahrain.[2]
The source of water for this tree remains a mystery because it stands in a place completely free of water.[
Billy, for sure, that is too cool as well. Thanks for sharing it. Logic would indicate that somewhere underground a root "got lucky."
You would think however from what I hear experts from all over the world has traveled to try to figure it out and no one can come to a definate conclusion on it. It truly is a inspirational tree to see.
Charles, Good philosophical post. I was surprised at the mesquite tree not having a source of water but still is alive... H-m-m-m-m...
WOW.... That is an interesting tree. I wonder what caused it to be so broad at the base and then taper off after a few inches? Almost looks like it was cut off as a stump and then started to regrow.
Sean Allen
Billy, I would love to know the answer to how both trees survived
Michael, I seem to be on a "psychology" kick lately.
Sean, I am pretty sure that is the scenario