#tree-rings

Oxford University researchers say that trees which grew during intense radiation bursts in the past have 'time-markers' in their tree-rings that could help archaeologists date events from thousands of years ago.

In a new paper, the authors explain how harvesting such data could revolutionize the study of ancient civilizations such as the Egyptian and Mayan worlds. Until now scholars have had only vague evidence for dating when events happened during the earliest periods of civilization, with estimates being within hundreds of years. However, the unusually high levels of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 found in tree-rings laid down during the radiation bursts could help reliably pinpoint dates. The distinct spikes act as time-markers like secret clocks contained in timber, papyri, baskets made from living plants or other organic materials, says the paper published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society A. 

5. A.E. Montana // tree-rings

I think it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person. - Olivia Wilde

I have always been drawn to the serenity of the woods. I can remember even as a young kid wishing I was allowed to wander further into the forest behind our backyard, because there is something ethereal about the hidden vibrating life resting between the trees. There is such a sanctuary in nature, if you can manage to tune out every other thing that is constantly demanding your attention. This is where I escape to reunite with my words.

Life has a way of skillfully distracting you with shallow pursuits when you are always in the company of others. As much as I've grown to understand that spending time out in the world with people you love is important because you are gathering experience from which to write, being left alone to do the actual writing has always been a requirement because it allows me to delve into that deeper place in my heart where true expression is possible. My family and close friends learned early on that the announcement, "I'm writing," means that I will probably disappear from the world for at least a couple hours. Sometimes more!

Among others, my most commonly visited natural space is a quick walk from work, so I often stop by after a long, frustrating day when I've tired of the world in general. It's not too far off from the main walkway by the river but always seems to be unoccupied when I need it most. Underneath a giant (now) unused powerline structure, there's a wooden deck that juts out over a small series of waterfalls and is a perfect place to close my eyes and let the water scrub my mind of all the things distracting me on the surface. 

You do not often discover the value of a writing space until you've had some profound experience that sears its significance in your memory forever. I've had more than a few in this particular spot, one of the more recent ones a few weeks ago when I found out my best friend's dad has maybe a month to live. The news wasn't as much of a surprise as it was a blow to my heart. It's never a gentle path when you know you can't do anything to take pain away from someone you love so deeply. Overwhelmed by this huge feeling of helplessness and grief, I stumbled down to this place and spent a few solid hours crying, pouring my heart out to God, and finally, after I emptied myself of everything, found some words to preserve in my journal.