"High In A Coconut Tree" by Bodhi Smith

Apr 28, 2023

 
getting high as can be
 
high in a coconut tree
 
as the glowing night
 
turns darkness to light
 
with the star's canopy
 
always protecting me
 
seems i'm never alone
 
because up here i'm home
 
needing no reason why
 
staying relaxed and high
 
forever peaceful and free
 
way up in a coconut tree
 
 
 
MY THOUGHTS
dreaming as i reach high for the stars, while being fully awake with my feet planted on the ground...like this coconut tree, i'm connecting heaven and earth through me― bodhi, like a tree
 
both trees and stars are easily my two favorite subjects to photograph. and when i can get the two of them together, i'm truly in my happiest of happy places...because when i'm under the colorful canopy of a tree, or under the glowing canopy of stars, i'm most at peace, i'm most free, i'm most at home...
 
keep your spirits high in the branches of a tree and do not peek out too far ― jalaluddin rumi, the essential rumi
 
since i was a little kid, the stars have always soothed me. wherever i go, there they are. they're like a blanket that covers me in comfort, protecting me in silent lucidity. whenever i need them, i just look up and there they are, always there above me, shining on me, silently listening to me...we all come from the stars, and someday i know i will return to the stars...
 
suddenly, you hear and see this magic new dimension...i will be watching over you. i am gonna help you see it through. i will protect you in the night. i am smiling next to you, in silent lucidity...wide awake we face the day. the dream is over...or has it just begun? ― christopher degarmo, lead guitarist queensryche
 
and since i could remember, i've always admired trees, wanting to be just like them. every chance i got, i'd climb as high up in them as i could, wishing i could be as tall as them, so i'd be able to see out over the landscape. day or night, but especially at night i'd love to be held by them up in the sky. high up in a tree, there's no place i'd rather be. the higher the better, so i could feel even closer to the stars. and no matter how tall they were, i'd always feel so comfortable and secure high in their branches...
 
and this admiration for trees has always made them my favorite subject to photograph...i strive to be like a tree, growing steadily, supporting the environment around me, learning from my silence while listening intently to what's important. i can reach for the stars while keeping my feet firmly on the ground. like a tree, i'm connecting heaven and earth through me...
 
a smile always floats to your face
at the thought of your happy place
and sitting high in a tree 
is a happy place to be 
 
and...you are aware that the oldest living being on this planet is a tree? and you know the tallest living being is a tree? and that the largest organism known to man is a grove of trees? trees are timeless. trees are graceful. trees are glorious. trees are majestic. trees give us shade. trees give us color. trees are just plain beautiful...
 
i think that i shall never see
a poem lovely as a tree.

a tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

a tree that looks at god all day
and lifts her leafy arms to pray;

a tree that may in summer wear
a nest of robins in her hair;

upon whose bosom snow has lain;
who intimately lives with rain.

poems are made by fools like me,
but only god can make a tree.
 
and speaking of happy places...we all have happy places, places we love and long to return to time and time again. places that make us laugh, feel at peace, feel at home. a smile forever floats to your face at just the thought of your happy place...for some, it's a place of great memories, like on a tropical beach high in a coconut tree. for others it's a state of mind. for the lucky ones, that happy place is a person, and when you can find that kind of love, hold on forever no matter what, never leave or give up, always fight to keep hold of your happy place...
 
home is not just where you are from, it is where you belong. some of us travel the whole world to find it. others, find it in a person ― beau taplin, buried light
 
now here is a great song to go along with my thoughts and impression today...contained in it's lyrics, this tune has the name of my image and creates such a wonderfully light mood associated with being high in a coconut tree. the song, just like my image, could have a couple different meanings: 
1. being way up a coconut tree height-wise...
2. being happy or feeling really good under the influence of something while in a coconut tree...
3. or it could mean both of the above!
 
everybody's got a place they go when the old battery gets running low. i'm a sucker for the sand and sea, yea. if i had my way, hey i'd always be way up high in a coconut tree. layin' low, just my baby and me. sunny skies as far as i can see, high up in a coconut tree...not to green, not too brown, i shimmy up and i shake the good ones down. coconuts, a couple of bucks a piece. and you can do alright if you ain't afraid to be high in a coconut tree. layin' low, just my baby and me. sunny skies as far as i can see, high in a coconut tree...yeah, there's less stress and the world's alright. it's a different point of view when you're looking at life way up high in a coconut tree. layin' low, just my baby and me. sunny skies as far as i can see, high up in a coconut, high in a coconut tree. layin' low, just my baby and me. sunny skies as far as i can see, high in a coconut tree. high in a coconut tree layin' low, just my baby and me. sunny skies as far as i can see high in a coconut tree. layin' low, just my baby and me. sunny skies as far as i can see. high in a coconut tree, sunny skies as far as i can see. high up in a coconut tree, up here with willie, sunny skies as far as i can see. let's get high in a coconut tree ― kenny chesney with willie nelson, coconut tree.
 
the tree tops whisper your name to the stars when i'm missing you the most. your shadow is observing me... it all reminds me how much more my life glows in your presence ― bodhi, glowing
 
 
 
A COUPLE MORE TUNES
a tree cannot move much, but oh my god, how they move me so much ― bodhi, a tree 
 
not only do i love to photograph coconut trees, but as far as coconuts themselves go, i love coconuts. i love the fragrance of coconuts, a wonderful smell in suntan lotion, soap, shampoo, air freshener, or in wet-wipes...andi absolutely really dig the taste of coconut. imho, coconut makes any food taste better. breakfast dishes, rice dishes, sauces, cookies, cakes, or any desserts are all better with a bit of coconut added. and lately in recipes calling for milk, i've been substituting almond-coconut milk instead...and of course, my favourite mixed drink of all time is a blended pina colada, yummy!...so, gotta include a few tunes here about coconuts!
 
one of my all-time favourite reggae artists, harry belafonte, recently passed away this past week at the age of 96 (must have been something is all that coconut water he drank!). his impact on the world reached both far and wide...he was a wonderful singer, actor, as well as being a prominent civil rights and humanitarian activist. but most of all, he was truly a great musician, and one of the founding fathers of reggae music. belafonte in one of the few performers who has ever won an emmy, grammy, academy award, and a tony all in his lifetime. his album calypso in 1956 was the first by any artist to sell a million copies, and he is forever beloved for his songs that help many people return to their happy place...
 
this song i've selected today is not nearly as well known as some of belafonte's other more famous tunes for which he is forever beloved like jump in the line, day-o, and jamaica farewell... but this one off his album "belafonte sings of the caribbean" is my absolute favourite song of his, plus it has the theme of coconuts throughout: coconut woman by harry belafonte.
 
coconut woman is calling out, and everyday you can hear her shout. coconut woman is calling out, and everyday you can hear her shout: get your coconut water, four for five. man it's good for your daughter, four for five. coco got a lotta iron, four for five. make you strong like a lion, four for five...a lady tell me the other day, no one can take her sweet man away. i ask her what was the mystery, she say coconut water and rice curry. you can cook it in a pot, four for five. you can serve it very hot, four for five. coco got a lotta iron, four for five. make you strong like a lion, four for five. coconut woman says you'll agree, coconut make very nice candy. the thing that's best if you're feelin' glum, is coconut water with a little rum. it could make you very tipsy, four for five. make you feel like a gypsy, four for five. coco got a lotta iron, four for five. make you strong like a lion, four for five. coconut. coconut. coconut. coconut. coconut. ― harry belafonte, coconut woman.
 
and here is a newer cover of this belafonte tune that's pretty cool too: coconut woman by spicy roots (harry belafonte cover).
 
 
and another major coconut classic from 1971, so simple in its genus, and such a fun light hearted song:  coconut by harry nilsson.
 
brudder bought a coconut, he bought it for a dime. his sister had a nudder one, she paid it for de lime. she put de lime in de coconut, she drank 'em both up. she put de lime in de coconut, she drank 'em both up. she put de lime in de coconut, she drank 'em both up. she put de lime in de coconut, she called de doctor, woke 'im up and said, "doctor, ain't there nothin' i can take?" i said, "doctor, to relieve this bellyache?" i said, "doctor, ain't there nothin' i can take?" i said, "doctor, to relieve this bellyache?"...now, lemme get this straight, you put de lime in de coconut, you drank 'em both up. put de lime in de coconut, you drank 'em both up. put de lime in de coconut, you drank 'em both up. put de lime in de coconut, you called your doctor, woke 'im up" i said, "doctor, ain't there nothin' i can take?" i said, "doctor, to relieve this bellyache?" i said, "doctor, ain't there nothin' i can take?" i said, "doctor, to relieve this bellyache?"...you put de lime in de coconut, you drink 'em both togedder. put de lime in de coconut, then you feel better. put de lime in de coconut, drink 'em both up. put de lime in de coconut and call me in the morning. whoo-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-oooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh...brudder bought a coconut, he bought it for a dime. his sister had a nudder one, she paid it for de lime. she put de lime in de coconut, she drank 'em both up. she put de lime in de coconut, she drank 'em both up. she put de lime in de coconut, she drank 'em both up. she put de lime in de coconut, she called de doctor, woke 'im up and said, "doctor, ain't there nothin' i can take?" i said, "doctor, to relieve this bellyache?" i said, "doctor, ain't there nothin' i can take?" i said, "doctor, now lemme get this straight" i said "you put de lime in the coconut, you drink 'em both up. put de lime in the coconut, you drink 'em both up. put a lime in the coconut, you drink 'em both up. put de lime in the coconut, you're such a silly woman. put a lime in the coconut and drink 'em both togedder. put de lime in the coconut, then you feel better. put de lime in the coconut, drink 'em both down. put de lime in your coconut, and call me in the morning" i sat, "whoo-hoo, ain't there nothin' you can take?" i say, "whoo-hoo-ooh to relieve your bellyache?" you say, "well whoo-hoo-ooh, ain't there nothin' i can take?" i say, "whoo-hoo-ooh, to relieve your bellyache?" you say, "yaa-ahh, ain't there nothin' i can take?" i say, "yaa-ahh, to relieve this bellyache?"i said, "doctor, ain't there nothing i can take?" i said, "doctor, ain't there nothing i can take?" i said, "doctor, ain't there nothing i can take?" i said, "doctor, you're such a silly woman" put de lime in the coconut and drink 'em both togedder. put de lime in the coconut, and you feel better. put de lime in the coconut, drink 'em both up. put de lime in the coconut and call me in the morning. yes, you call me in the morning. you call me in the morning, i 'll tell you what to do. if you call me in the morning, i'll tell you what to do. if you call me in the morning, i'll tell you what to do. if you call me in the morning, i'll tell you what to do. well, if you call me in the morning, i'll tell you what to do ― harry nilsson, coconut.
 
 
released a little over 12 years ago in 2011, this next tune fits in well with its title and meaningful lyrics, give this one a close listen and you'll love it i know: coconut tree by mohombi.
 
i'll always remember our summer in hawaii, aloha nui loa...under the coconut tree we stay. fall and crash into me like a wave. you bring the fool out my groove. baby, use your tools. make me wanna change my ways...under the coconut tree, you be chilling with me. making love to you in a bedford room made of sand and sea. no place i'd rather be. no one else i wanna please. no one but you, boo, i got you, you got the best of me...usually i'll be gone before the morning light, but your eyes keep telling me it's not the case tonight. you gon' make me stay. gon' make me stay, you gon' make me stay forever. you gon' make me stay. gon' make me stay, you gon' make me stay forever...under the coconut tree we stay. watch as the night turns into day. we let the fire be the light, sky's the floor tonight, fly me with your gentle sway...under the coconut tree, you be chilling with me. making love to you in a bedford room made of sand and sea. no place i'd rather be. no one else i wanna please. no one but you boo, i got you, you got the best of me...usually i'll be gone before the morning light, but your eyes keep telling me it's not the case tonight. you gon' make me stay. gon' make me stay, you gon' make me stay forever. you gon' make me stay. gon' make me stay, you gon' make me stay forever...sing it to me, baby, that melody, while i hit the drums. you gon' make me stay. you gon' let it play. baby, turn it up, up. you sound just like love. you gon' make me stay. we gon' get away. baby, turn it up, up. you sound just like love, just like love...usually i'll be gone before the morning light, but your eyes keep telling me it's not the case tonight. you gon' make me stay. gon' make me stay, you gon' make me stay forever. you gon' make me stay. gon' make me stay, you gon' make me stay forever...i'll always remember our summer in Hawaii, aloha nui loa ― mohombi, coconut tree.
 
 
 
A COUPLE MORE QUOTES
you are immortal...because you are life, and life cannot die. you are in the trees, the air, the moon, the sun, and the stars. wherever you go, you are there, waiting for yourself ― don miguel ruiz, the four agreements 
 
look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars… and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. everything is simply happy. trees are happy for no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance. look at the flowers - for no reason. it is simply unbelievable how happy trees are. ― osho
 
we are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. life is eternal. we have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. this is a precious moment. it is a little parenthesis in eternity ― paulo coelho, the alchemist
 
here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart...i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart) ― e.e. cummings
  
trees are poems the earth writes upon the sky ― kahlil gibran, le prophete 
 
be humble for you are made of earth. be noble for you are made of stars ― serbian proverb
 
look up; notice how the stars shine. look in; notice how the stars shine" ― laura jaworski 
 
to me you are stardust sprinkled across a night sky, forever in my dreams, but not out of my reach ― teresa medeiros, yours until dawn
 
only from the heart can you touch the stars in the sky ― jalaluddin rumi, the essential rumi
 
 
 
SPECIFICS ABOUT THIS PHOTO
i strive to be like a tree, my head up in the sky and the stars, with the rest of me still firmly grounded, knowing the path i must take ― bodhi, like a tree
 
this image is quite me--blue and green tones, plus it's a composition that's very minimalistic, with pretty much two of my favourite subjects--a tree and the milky way and nothing else, no other distractions...it was taken a little over two months ago during my trip to french polynesia in february 2023 from a black sands beach on the southeastern shore of tahiti nui...
 
this impression consists of two compositions taken separately: one of the coconut palm tree  taken just before sunrise at 5:48am on february 19th, 2023 (f/8@150mm for 11 secs, iso-64)... and one of the middle portion of the milky way arch and the stars taken earlier that same day on february 19th, 2023, only in the wee-hours of the morning about 1.5 hours before sunrise at 4:20am (f'/1.4@24mm for 15secs, iso-2500)...the two photos were then merged together into one picture using layers in adobe photoshop cc...
 
in my photography, i always use filters to create longer exposure effects, saturate colors naturally, and balance the light in my composition in-camera...i often use as many as four filters at time, and i always use at least one filter in my completed impressions...
 
to get the effects and balance i was looking for in the palm tree exposure of this composition (f/8@150mm for 11 secs, iso-64), i used two progreyusa filters. along with the progrey g-120z antarctic magnetic holder. to secure these filters to my nikon d850 with a nikon nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. ... 
 
first, a 3.0 nd progrey antarctica filter. to bring the light in the image down 10 stops and permit for the long 11 second exposure which naturally saturates all the red, green, and blue (rgb) colors in the image...
 
combined with the second filter, a 0.9 gnd progrey aurora filter. inverted to help balance in-camera overall the image the way i envisioned it...in this case, to stop down the much brighter light in the bottom left part of the sky, the pre-dawn light of the impending sunrise, an extra three stops and help permit details in the shadows of the sculpture to come out better in the exposure... 
 
for the separate exposures of the stars with the middle portion of the milky way arch (f/1.4@24mm for 15sec, iso-2500), no filters were necessary, so none were used...
 
i wish to openly thank my sponsors who have always supported me through both the good and bad times...for truly this long exposure impression would not be possible without the use of my induro phq3 series 5-way panhead with an induro (now benro) stealth carbon fiber tripod. in combination with the progreyusa filters. which i use with every photo i take...
 
contemplate without thinking. be certain only in your uncertainty, content to be completely incomplete. stop the rush. slow down time. breathe and notice. slow down everything. let it all be. shut off the noise. hush. relax. seize this higher moment. reconnect. feel and sense what surrounds you. listen to all the colours of light whisper as they envelope you. see the melody and harmony that float about unnoticed. taste the solitude of all this wonderment. smell the beautiful silence. now discover your peaceful serenity. then, reach out and touch your faith with all your senses. this is my world. awaken! ― bodhi, my world
 
leave you today wishing that bright joy 
and spiritual peace fill your life...
imploring you to make every moment count, 
no matter what, always and forever, 
for that is the only thing that truly matters... 
 
and above all else,
i hope this message and impression find you well.
 
namaste,
bodhi
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