The majestic pine tree,
king of the yard,
finally passed away.
He was mighty in his day.
When he became a shell of himself we had a brilliant idea.
We can save the trunk and turn it into art.
The work began.
Top down, trunk standing.
We found a chainsaw carver.
He began the work of turning the tree trunk into a fish.
We love fish.
Our pool is decorated with fish.
The tree is next to the pool.
“How will you know where to carve?” we asked.
“The tree will tell me.” he answered.
He was hard at work for many days.
The old pine tree has become a beautiful art sculpture.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
~Albert Einstein~
Jennie
About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
A Teacher's Reflections 
That’s beautiful! A talented guy, and a brilliant idea!
Yes, and yes! Thanks, FR!
Absolutely brilliant! What an artist and what a tree!
Thanks, Beth. The tree was so big, it ‘screamed’ for a sculpture. It was Hubby’s brilliant idea. Best of all, the project was far less expensive than removing and grinding the stump. A win all the way around. 🙂
🌲
Not only well done but a great example of human creativity.
Very much so! As the tree was dying, Hubby had the vision. We were lucky to find the artist, and the cost was far less than removing a tree stump. I wish you had been a fly on the wall when he came out to look at the tree. He touched and smiled. He knew 🙂.
This gave me goosebumps. And some fish gills, I swear. Your pine fish is beautiful – talk about recycling. Not only that, your tree is never dead. It’s alive and with you in a new way. BRILLIANT!!!!
Well said, Pam! The brilliant idea was from Hubby, and it really was brilliant. We spent the winter wondering and imagining before we found the chainsaw carver artist. And now, the old tree is still with us- recycling at its best. Many thanks!
This such a wonderful use of a beautiful tree immortalised for ever now as a fish 💜💜💜
Thank you, Willow! 💕
💜💜
Wow, that is spectacular, Jennie..love it!
Thank you, Carol! This was a brave thing to do (as in what crazy person carves their dead tree), and thank goodness, as we saw the art potential.
Haha…it shows foresight…x
😀
A work of true art, Jennie.
Thank you, Don. We feel the same way, and the artist is very pleased at his work, too.
Welcome to Jennie’s menagerie, fishy!
Related to fishy’s native environment (water), how are you guys being affected by the flooding/storms in your area? I hope you’re safe – so hard to see complete communities swept away, totally taken by surprise.
😦
Thanks, Laura! We feel lucky to have turned a dead tree into fish art, and more importantly, we feel lucky to not be in the path of flooding. I can’t imagine our house being swept away. So sad.
He did a wonderful job, and your tree lives on with a new purpose.
Best wishes, Pete.
He really did a fabulous job. Yes, the tree lives on with new purpose. Well said, Pete. Thank you.
What a lovely idea – and your ‘fish-tree’ lives on…xx
Thank you, Joy! It was Hubby’s brilliant idea, and having the tree live on as an art piece is quite wonderful
Wonderful way to deal with dead pine. Here our dead cherry tree is standing with birds constantly eating bugs and one even drilling a nest in it. So no sculpture here, but lots of fun watching a dead tree!
It was the best thing we did. Google chainsaw carvers in your area, or ask your local FB group. You will love looking at an art sculpture (not expensive) and preserving your cherry tree.
I thought your husband did this. I was totally impressed.
Nope. It took the guy multiple visits to carve it, not a job for an everyday guy. 🙂
For a short while I was in awe of your husband!
Haha!! 😀
I’d never have thought of that, Jennie–chainsaw art! I wish my sis had done this with my favorite tree in her backyard. Darn!
I’d never thought of this either, Jacqui. It was Hubby’s ‘lightbulb moment’. I’m sorry this didn’t happen before your favorite backyard tree died. Darn, indeed. Now, I want to tell everyone to turn their dead tree into art.
What a wonderful artwork, Jennie a lovely idea.
Thank you, Robbie.
Oh WOW…. I love that you thought of making this Old Pine tree into a work of art…. The Spirit of the Pine Tree lives on to be admired for many more years to come… What a wonderful talent that Tree artist has….
Thank you Jennie for caring so much about Trees…. And sharing the love of them..
I was delighted to read the Wood Calver said the Tree would tell him where to calve….. ❤ so obviously In Tune with nature he is 🙂
Loved the video too xx ❤
It felt good to preserve such a majestic tree. Yes, the carver loves what he does and is very talented. We were quite touched by his comment about the tree telling him where to carve. There is rebirth! Thank you, Sue. 💕
Loved what you have inspired to be created here Jennie.. and the tree I am sure is grateful too xx ❤
It was a win-win all the way around .😀
😍
Carve…. not Calve lol x
I knew…😀
🙂 … hehe
This is a wonderful example if how things can still live, despite being dead…
Beautifully said, Ritu! 💕
🥰
How wonderful! Looks beautiful Jennie.
Thank you, Cindy. It was a very cool thing to do!
What a perfect thing to do! A great memory of the noble tree and an exquisite piece of art!
You said it perfectly! Hubby had the idea, and we were lucky to find the chainsaw artist. BTW, we named the fish tree ‘Woody’. 😀
Like there could be any other name!!
Exactly!! 😀
What a great thing to do. Thanks for sharing, Jennie.
Very cool, indeed. Giving the tree a second life through art worked. We named him ‘Woody’.
Good job on the name.
Thanks! 🙂
😁
There is life after death. Wonderful work.
Rebirth through art! Thank you, Pam.
Wood is a beautiful thing to work with, whether carving or carpentry. I love the scent of freshly cut wood.
I do, too. Wood has created beautiful art over the centuries.
What a lovely work of art, Jennie. You’re keeping the spirit of that tree alive for many years to come.
Thanks so much, Dan. It was Steve’s idea, and we’re both thrilled with the art and preserving the old tree. We call him ‘Woody’.
🙂
That’s fantastic, Jennie. What a brilliant idea – and what a talented bloke! We need to take down a tree in the middle of our garden sometime. But it’s a birch and, unlike your pine, I can’t see it lasting very long, even if it’s suitable for carving. Worth finding out, though..!
We felt it was a brilliant idea, too, just didn’t know if there was someone who does that sort of art. Google ‘chainsaw carver’ to begin your search. Our town has a FB page, and I asked for recommendations. Voila! Also, it’s less expensive than having the stump removed. Win-win. Please let me know how you make out. Best to you, Mike.
Will do, Jennie. It’s not going to happen just yet. Best to you, too, from across the Pond!
I understand, and hope you can find a carver whenever the old birch dies. Best to you, Mike
Something fishy about that tree Jennie!
Haha!! 😀
talk about making lemonade! Love it!
Exactly!! He took the top part of the tree and carved a bear for our daughter out in Oregon. I cannot figure out how to include photos in comments, otherwise I’d show you the bear. I’m glad you like our ‘lemonade’, Wayne!
you mean treeade
What a splendid post, Jennie. I love the creative vision involved. This is something to treasure. Hugs.
Thanks so much, Teagan! Hugs!
We like your picture and the quote (often used but debatable if Einstein really said this).
Thanks and cheers
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
I’m so glad! Thank you. Yes, it is a debate if Einstein really said it, but I’m the glass-half-full. 😀
Oh my goodness, Jennie, that is just gorgeous. It’s the perfect repurpose.
Thanks, Norah! Who has a crazy idea to give an old tree a new repurposed life? That’s us, and we are so happy we followed our crazy idea. 😀
I’m pleased you did too.
🥰
So cool! Not at all fishy. 😉
Thanks, Ally! We think so, too. 😀
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Thank you, Michael!
I am feeling so sorry for this loss, Jennie! But you got a wonderful artwork. Dreams will never die! Best wishes, Michael
Rebirth at its best!
Oh wow Jennie, what a beautiful idea, and a beautiful carving. ❤
Thank you, Debby! 😍
❤
Beautiful, Jennie. What a brilliant idea.
Thank you!
Trees also smile like us, but to see or feel its smile we must have a deep understanding level to understand its smile. I wanna hug this pine fish and a lot of blessings and thanks to the artist who recycle this pine tree, to your hubby for this great idea and to you for sharing this beautiful moment of your life with us.🥰
Thank you, Puja. We feel the same way about trees. They give us so much. Yes, they smile. We did the right thing with the tree, rebirth.
Yes, and also another good thing by spreading this positivity by your writing.🥰
🙂
What a great idea! Reminds me of Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree.” And as the last gift the tree became a lasting piece of art to entertain the children. ❤️
I love that book! Thank you, as it does give a lasting gift in much the same way.
Nice
Thank you!
What a brilliant idea Jennie and I love the fish. Such a talented carver and a lasting tribute to a tree that had done such great service during its lifetime. Thank you so much for the words and the images. ♥
So glad you enjoyed the tree, Sally! It was a great idea, and it was fascinating to watch the carver.
Thanks for sharing his work with us Jennie as you say fascinating.. so talented. ♥
Yes, and you’re welcome! ❤️
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Thank you, Sally!
Wow, so cool
Thank you!
Beautiful work ❤️
He was amazing. Thank you.