Nestled in the Calaveras Grove of California, amidst the gentle whispers of nature and the towering majesty of the giant sequoias, stood the “Mother of the Forest,” a tree that epitomized the awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur of nature. This giant sequoia, known for its immense size and age, was more than just a tree; it…

Here's a painting I made for the ImagineFX art challenge "Mystical Meets Machines".

The theme was too intriguing to pass by - especially after I got the idea of some unicorns grazing by the remnants of an ancient, mechanical dragon. Someone in the past were keen on acquiring the great powers of a dragon for themselves, leading to a bitter end. Now it has rested peacefully for centuries, becoming part of the landscape.

Lots of fun painting this one, especially all that moss!

Photoshop, April 2024. And as always, no AI used.

The Watcher in the Woods

Deep in the heart of an ancient forest, there is a place where the trees grow closer together, and the shadows loom darker than the night itself. They say that in this place, there exists a figure who watches from the darkness, its eyes like burning embers, its breath cold as ice. Those who have ventured too close have never been heard from again, their whispers carried away by the wind. So, if you ever find yourself alone in the woods, listen closely to the rustling leaves, and pray that it's just the breeze, not the chilling presence of the Watcher.

The Enigma of the Whispering Woods: Unveiling the Secrets of an Ancient Forest

Deep within the heart of the sprawling and mysterious Whispering Woods, a place steeped in legend and whispered tales, lies a hidden sanctuary known only to a chosen few. This sacred grove, guarded by ancient spirits and nurtured by the arcane forces that permeate the land, is home to a miraculous phenomenon that has captivated scholars, mystics, and adventurers alike for centuries.

The Enchanted Glade, as it has come to be called, is a verdant oasis nestled amidst the tangled undergrowth of the Whispering Woods. Its very existence seems to defy logic, a lush haven untouched by the ravages of time, its borders adorned with resplendent flora that bloom year-round, a kaleidoscope of color that entrances all who bear witness. Yet it is not the beauty of the glade that has earned it a place in the annals of history, but rather the secrets it harbors within.

At the heart of the Enchanted Glade stands a towering oak, its gnarled limbs entwined with the very essence of magic. This majestic tree, known as the Whispering Oak, possesses a unique gift, one that has puzzled even the most learned of scholars. For within its ancient boughs lies the power to commune with the spirits of the Whispering Woods, the ethereal beings that have protected and guided the forest's inhabitants since time immemorial.

"The Whispering Oak is a living conduit to the spirit realm," explains Eleniel Silverleaf, an esteemed elven druid and expert on the Whispering Woods. "Those who approach it with respect and an open heart can receive the wisdom of the spirits, transcending the boundaries of mortal understanding."

Many have sought to unlock the enigma of the Whispering Oak, their journeys fraught with danger and intrigue. The Whispering Woods themselves are home to myriad creatures both wondrous and terrifying, their paths shrouded in shadows and secrets. To navigate the treacherous labyrinth of the woods requires not only skill and cunning but also an unwavering heart and a deep connection to the land and its inhabitants.

"I remember the first time I set foot in the Enchanted Glade," recounts renowned adventurer Baelor Ironfoot, a dwarven explorer who successfully navigated the perilous forest. "It was like stepping into another world, where time itself seemed to stand still. The whispering voices of the ancient spirits filled my mind, revealing secrets of the past and visions of the future."

Those who have braved the trials of the Whispering Woods and found their way to the Enchanted Glade have spoken of a transcendent experience, their minds opened to the wisdom of the ages. The Whispering Oak, its voice a mellifluous symphony that resonates within the soul, imparts the knowledge and guidance of the spirits, a communion that transcends the boundaries of mortal understanding.

In recent years, the Guardians of the Whispering Woods, a secretive order of druids and rangers led by the enigmatic elven leader Anariel Moonshadow, have assumed the mantle of the oak's protectors, their lives dedicated to preserving the sanctity of the Enchanted Glade and the ancient wisdom it harbors. In their care, the glade remains a beacon of hope and enlightenment for those who seek solace amidst the chaos and tumult of our world.

"The Enchanted Glade is a sacred space, a repository of the knowledge and power that has shaped the Whispering Woods since the dawn of time," says Thalion Windrunner, a member of the Guardians and a skilled ranger. "It is our duty to protect this treasure and ensure that the wisdom of the spirits is preserved for future generations."

The mystery of the Whispering Woods and the Enchanted Glade endures, a testament to the magic and wonder that lie at the heart of our world. As we delve deeper into the secrets of the ancient forest, we embark on a journey of discovery and understanding, our hearts and minds forever intertwined with the whispers of the woods.

Not all who seek the Enchanted Glade are successful in their quest. The Whispering Woods, it seems, are selective in revealing their hidden sanctuary. "Only those who truly respect and appreciate the sanctity of the forest are granted passage," observes renowned human mage Lysandra Stormrider, who has extensively studied the enchantments of the Whispering Woods. "It is a test of character, a journey of self-discovery that only the pure of heart can complete."

As more adventurers and scholars venture into the Whispering Woods, the lore surrounding the Enchanted Glade continues to grow. Each new discovery, every whispered secret, serves to enrich our understanding of this enigmatic realm and the ancient spirits that dwell within. Yet for all our knowledge, the Whispering Woods remain shrouded in mystery, their depths a tantalizing enigma that invites exploration and wonder.

With each step we take into the heart of the Whispering Woods, we draw closer to the essence of the magic that binds our world together. We forge a deeper connection to the spirits of the past, the guardians of the present, and the harbingers of the future. In the hallowed grove of the Enchanted Glade, beneath the boughs of the Whispering Oak, we find a sanctuary where the echoes of history and the whispers of the woods come together in harmony, a living testament to the enchanting power of the unknown.

Indeed, the Enchanted Glade and the Whispering Oak remain central to the lives of the inhabitants of the Whispering Woods. Tales of the spirits' guidance and intervention in the lives of mortals abound, providing hope and inspiration to those who dwell in the shadows of the ancient forest. In these stories, we glimpse the intricate tapestry of lives woven together by the spirits, a delicate balance of fate and free will that shapes the destiny of all who call the Whispering Woods home.

As our understanding of the Enchanted Glade and the Whispering Oak grows, so too does our appreciation for the wonders of the Whispering Woods and the spirits that dwell within. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the Enchanted Glade, we are reminded of the magic that exists all around us, a reminder that even in the darkest corners of our world, there is light and hope, beauty and wonder.

La Tana della Civetta The Howl House Un ritratto sul taccuino di viaggio dell'Albero che spalanca la bocca, dimora della Civetta nell'Inverno della Foresta di #Canfaito, nelle Marche. A Portrait of the Big Mouth Beeches in the ancient Canfaito Forest, in the Marche region. Also the House of a little Owl who was spending some hours in a winter rest while I was drawing the tree. #Faggio #faggisecolari #riservanaturale #marche #paesaggiomarchigiano #taccuinodiviaggio #pastelli #ritratto #civetta #inverno #destinazionemarche #tana #febbraio #collagedigitale #composizione #beeches #ancientforest #italianlandscape #trees #nature #naturalreserve #littleowl #winter #february #openair #portrait #travelsketch #travelillustration #pastels (presso Inverno) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpIUnJ8IV4S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#fridaysforfuture #oldgrowth #ancientforest #protectourforests #saveoldgrowth #savelavisitenationalpark #forests #betterwithforests #worthmorestanding #biodiversity #waterprotectors #haiti #leadership #milliontreeshaiti #nyfoh #1mplv #lavisitenationalpark #haitienvironment #haitienvironnement #environment #environnement https://www.instagram.com/p/CjJloYJrxqw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This deck #treewhisperoracle comes with me on every forest trip...here is a message from the forest today🌳

🌲Integration & Roots🌲

What do you need to integrate within yourself to allow you to feel rooted in your current reality? What parts of you have you deemed unacceptable or not enough or too much? Root yourself in the eternal wisdom of your soul. You are and always will be, whole & complete. Can you integrate that knowledge, that knowing so that you can feel grounded and empowered to step forward towards your goals today? Also, for some of you it's time to actually set down roots and settle long enough so you can assess the situation.

Also how cute are these tiny mushrooms? 🍄

.

.

#forestwisdom #treesspeak #river #mushrooms🍄 #greenspaces #naturewitch #forestwalks #oraclemessages #forestenergy #naturehealsthesoul #treelovers #treesofinstagram #forestbathing #natureheals #forestwitch #oraclecardsreadings #woodlands #ancientforests #forestphotography #tarotreadings #beautifulireland #irishforest #oracledeck #messagefromspirit #cardsoftheday #witchesofinstagram #divinationwitch

“Bear”ricade. Photos and Digital Media. Digital Collage. Photo samples obtained online. Featuring @nathanielglickman and text by @sea_palm and @globeandmail . You may have noticed that my feed has recently been occupied by events happening at Eden Grove and Fairy Creek. I’ve been preoccupied with staying on top of what’s happening and finding ways to give voice to those standing up for ancient forests. I have a lot to learn, but I can say that emotionally I’m shocked we are in this situation. Is it too much to hope that we would have developed and be practicing sustainable logging by now, with all that we know. It is too much to hope that by now we would understand the value of this land to the indigenous people. @bcndp @johnhorgan4bc #ancientforest #ancientforests #landback #worthmorestanding #iphonography #art #artist #artistsoninstagram #canadianartist #digitalart #digitalartist #decim8 #procreate #prisma #bcndp #johnhorgan https://www.instagram.com/p/CPTdM3ptJYW/?utm_medium=tumblr

Can you smell the fresh forest air? Home, Haida Gwaii. . . . . . #haidagwaii #forest #ancientforests #forestfriends #morningmotivation #forestphotography #forestlife #forestlovers #forestfloor #forestphotography #forest🌲 #forestnymph #forestmagic #haidamedicine #haidagwaiiliving #haidafreedom #haidaland #haida #haidaforests #ancientcivilization #ancientpeoples #ancientknowledge #natureaddict #naturelife #natureisbeautiful #naturallife #naturalwellness #natureseekers #northwestcoast #pacificnorthwest #outdoors (at Old Massett) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDWmxkxnUuB/?igshid=rubnnpnb8ikk

Ancient rainforests in Antarctica. In 2017, a group of scientists drilled underneath the seabed of West Antarctica (bottom right), and pulled up cores (similar to those on the top panel). . Using X-ray CT scans, they revealed the existence of fossilized roots that indicated that this area close to the South Pole was a dense rainforest 90 million years ago during the much warmer Cretaceous. . At that time, Antarctica would have been still near the pole, and at these latitudes the forest 🌳 would have experienced months of little or no direct sunlight. . Yet even in these conditions, the forest thrived bathed in twilight for months. Using models to simulate conditions in which this forest could thrive, they noticed that at that time the concentrations of carbon dioxide in the air could have been up to 1,680 ppm compared to 407.4 ppm now. . Thus, the rich CO2 environment could enabled these Antarctic forests to thrive and provide habitat for many species of dinosaurs. . While these preliminary research findings are exciting, many more questions still need to be answered about the flora and the fauna of ancient Antarctica. Even more so, a better understanding of the climate conditions of the Earth at that time could give us better insights of how natural habitats could evolve under warmer and carbon rich conditions. . Credit: JPKlages/Alfred-Wegener-Institut/Blastcube. . #antarctica #icecorescience #forests #ancientforests #climatechange #cretaceous #climatescience https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fQ827DuH6/?igshid=x3ahv9n6ewh9

Time is our enemy as we ride into battle #extinctionrebellion to #savetheplanet after centuries of historic destruction ⚜️#History exposes the brains of Britain were alarmed by the #environmentalcrisis over 400 years ago after QueenElizabethI destroyed over 85% of England’s #ancientforests In her pointless 20 year war with Spain- The First #environmentallegislation of history was imposed by her successor- the 37 year old son of #maryqueenofscots -our first openly #Gay monarch #KingJamesI 1603-1625 who placed a ban on chopping down of #trees for factory furnaces. The Stuart’s were the first dynasty to embrace the environment -recognising #animals as sentient beings & #forests as intrinsic to the health of the nation with King CharlesI opening all #RoyalParks to everyone in 1625 & embarking on his #treeplanting initiative throughout the kingdom whilst #transforming #London into modern city of residential #gardensquares 1625-1642⚜️ @quarrydoll @grahamcannphoto (at Mayfair) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3hZOJjgHI4/?igshid=1m7xvgu6ympir

Image: HD ancient forest wallpapers | Peakpx

also, 

Wallpaper, Feeds & Lockscreen | Dark wallpaper iphone, Black phone wallpaper, Black wallpaper iphone

Let me know what you think and pass the thought along 🌌.

🌲✨ Giant redwoods!! ✨🌲

#Redwoods Trail, USA, circa early #1980s #redwoodsnationalpark #redwoodforest 🌲 🌲 🌲 #giantsequoia #giantglory #treestuff #ancientforests #ancientredwoods (at Lower Haight, San Francisco) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByUSwa9BUraijjExeNdwAnH6nIScHV4TSiHjL80/?igshid=tgaoidr9w2gu