Appreciating Palm Trees

Something about palm trees makes me happy. Perhaps they are a reminder of past travels, places of importance, childhood, or of people who are special to me. Perhaps they remind me of a state of relaxation I can only find while traveling. Perhaps they remind me of a climate I yearn to live in. Whatever the reason, there is a sense of relaxation that comes along with every one – whether wild, manicured, or simply a silhouette. Magazines and travel websites always captivate me with their wistful and enticing photos of tropical and luxurious destinations peppered with flowing palms. There are few other iconic natural items that instill such a deep calmness in me in the same way.

Las Vegas sunset

At the beach, I imagine the coconut that formed each coconut palm, floating aimlessly in the ocean until it created a home in the sand. I listen to the sound of millions of slivers of palm leaves shimmering in the breeze or their silhouette against a vibrant sunset. In my older age, I love the natural shade palms provide on a hot day.

In the city, I think of what the area used to look like before the buildings. Were palm trees natural here? Did landscapers add them just to add a touch of tropical flare to our city blocks? Date palms, fan palms, needle palms, fern palms. All unique in silhouette, all inspiring.

There is always a story to be told by their shape, orientation, and placement.