Mighty Madrone

This 1970s cotton caftan was a dream to photograph- such an incredible pattern, and such great lines. I love the bell sleeves most of all! When the camera really loves a piece like this, I get inspired to take a few pictures that are outside of the realm of regular "Etsy photos" (where the aim is simply to show off the clothing clearly, from all angles). 

It was easy to imagine this caftan worn by some Celtic Priestess, and I felt drawn towards one of my favorite trees, the Madrone, to make a special image: 

Here is the berry of the Madrone, the very last one on the tree, which I am pretending to pick (actually I left it for the birds-- they need it more than I do).

This is a Pacific Madrone, beloved by the wildlife whom it shelters and feeds (some trees in the foothills are as big as four story buildings!) and used by Natives for a strengthening and healing tea. Modern herbalists use the leaves much like its relative Manzanita, for treating urinary tract infections, and in post-partum sitz baths.

 She is appealing to the artist's eye, with her red bark like peels like a beautifully distressed barn door to reveal a silky smooth surface underneath:

 

I have always felt a special affinity with this lovely tree, and she is one of the beings of the Sierra Foothills that makes me childishly happy every time I see her, like a dear old friend. Celtic Tree Lore mentions Madrone's symbolism as a "Mother Tree, protector", and in fact this grove of young Madrone trees is the favorite place for me and the cats to hang out on the hillside behind our house. I recently learned that Madrone's relatives in Ireland (where she is called the "Strawberry Tree", and is indigenous) grow most profusely in my mother's homeland of County Kerry! So perhaps there is a genetic connection...? 

I happened to come across a store on Etsy, Gilded Quill, that makes magic wands, and they carry a Madrone wand! Hello Harry Potter.

The "Mists of Avalon" caftan, by the way, is for sale in my Etsy store! Happy magic-making!

Comments

[Evelyn Fassett]

I also love the Madrone. When I was about 13, I used to have one near our house that I would sit up in it. I created a little seat with a board and a couple of nails.. The bark feels soooo smooth!