I've been reading the Epic of Gilgamesh for 4 months now. Three distinct versions all translated, interpreted and portrayed differently. In this story, two friends, Gilgamesh - half king and half god - and Enkido - who grew up wild and free on the Steppe - go to the Lebenon forest of Ceder and Slay the Giant Humbaba, their guardian appointed by the gods. As you might imagine, these uninitiated boys' breach of contract angered some Gods and Goddesses. They brought their wrath upon them, Enkido tragically perishes, and Gilgamesh wanders the Earth in a grief-stricken sorrow, having never known and lost a love so deep as the love of his friend.

Now, the above is a gross oversimplification of what is one of the most beautiful ancient stories I have ever read, a real and true portrayal of a magnificent human condition. This is the oldest known story in written form. It is so old it was written in cuneiform symbology. I highly recommend you read it.

So with this on my mind I went to the Wisley Royal Gardens in rural Surrey, UK. I was visiting my husband's family in Guildford and we popped over to show our little Eve the gardens and enjoy the autumn air ourselves. It was delightful. And there were bonsai trees there, as you might imagine. And there was a forest of Lebanon Cedar.

And I felt the beauty of that story on the breeze that day, and thought I would share these majestic trees with you.

Hope you enjoyed these as much Eve, the Englishman and I enjoyed them! Have a wonderful, peaceful day :-)

Love, Lily