Nature is rich of beauty, both in its visual and auditory aspects. Many of us enjoy listening to the peaceful chirping of crickets on a calm night, the melodious calls of different birds, the croaking of springtime frogs, and the subtle rustle of leaves in the breeze. However, have you ever given the sound of a tree trunk any thought? You may actually hear the sounds of a tree trunk’s rings.
Everyone has heard the mesmerizing sounds of crickets chirping in the dark or the harmonious chorus of birdsong. Perhaps even the sound of springtime frogs croaking or the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze brought us joy. However, have you ever thought about tuning in to a tree trunk? Yes, a tree trunk—you read that right.
In actuality, we are referring to the rings within of trees when we talk about listening to their trunks. Tree trunks are full of rings that hold vital secrets about the life of the tree. These rings show how much water was available to the tree at different times of the year.
However, have you ever observed that these rings have a greater vinyl record-like appearance? Bartholomaus Traubeck, an artist, most likely did. He was intrigued by the concept and invented a unique kind of record player that had the ability to “read” the differences in color and texture between the rings inside a tree trunk. These patterns are converted into musical notes by this amazing apparatus, producing a distinctive kind of tree trunk music.
It’s possible that you’re asking how this is even feasible. With the use of light, Traubeck’s incredible record player interprets the color and texture of a tree’s rings to create music. Although it looks like something from a science fiction film, the technology is actually very simple.
Traubeck only need a basic PlayStation eye camera and a motor to move the record player’s arm. Data from the tree trunk was captured by the camera and subsequently uploaded to a computer. This data was interpreted into a compelling piano piece using a program called Ableton Live, resulting in a composition that is captivating.
You can listen to Traubeck’s record player play the entrancing sounds of nature by watching the video that is attached below. There are no random noises like crackling, which is unexpected. Rather, the sound that surfaced is incredibly lovely and eerie. It may bring to mind the enigmatic and seductive background soundtracks from the silent film period.
The fact that each tree has a distinct song just serves to highlight how amazing this is. Tree rings are unique, much like human fingerprints. We now virtually have an endless library of unique records because to Traubeck’s innovation. It’s a whole new perspective on and appreciation for nature’s magnificent symphony.
Thus, the next time you’re surrounded by trees, stop and pay attention. The remarkable sounds that come from a tree’s simple trunk may surprise you.
My Hypocrite Sister Demanded I Let Our Mom Live in My Home but I Made Another Plan
My Hypocrite Sister Demanded I Let Our Mom Live in My Home but I Made Another Plan
When my sister demanded I take our neglectful mother into my home, I decided to stand up for myself. What happened next tested family bonds, revealed painful truths, and forced us to confront years of unresolved hurt.
When we were kids, my dad worked hard to support us. My mom, though, stayed at home. You’d think she was taking care of us, but she wasn’t. She spent her days on the sofa, glued to the TV. She barely cooked or cleaned. It was like she wasn’t a mom to us at all.
Lazy woman on the sofa | Source: Pexels
My sister Amy and I grew up in the same house, but we had very different experiences. I was always the one picking up the slack. By the time I was 10, I was making meals and cleaning. Amy, on the other hand, didn’t lift a finger. She was Mom’s favorite, and it showed.
When I turned 18, my mom kicked me out. She said it was time for me to be independent. Amy, though, got to stay. She was 16 then. I remember Dad argued with Mom about it.
Young woman out on the streets | Source: Pexels
They fought a lot, and soon after, they got divorced. Mom moved on quickly. She remarried almost instantly, but then her new husband died. After her husband’s death, Mom had nowhere to go. She asked to move in with my family. Reluctantly, I said yes. It was a mistake. She acted like she owned the place.
She offered to babysit the kids but only watched them twice a week for half a day. And even then, she neglected them. One time, she didn’t change my baby’s diaper for hours. It was the last straw. I asked her to leave.
Angry woman with a phone | Source: Pexels
That’s when Amy got involved. She started calling me, shaming me for kicking Mom out.
“How could you do that to Mom?” Amy yelled over the phone. “You’re a terrible daughter!”
“Me? What about you, Amy? You said you had no space for her, remember?” I shot back.
Amy’s voice was sharp. “That’s different! I don’t have room. You do!”
Angry woman | Source: Pexels
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “So, it’s okay for me to take her in, but not you? That’s hypocritical, Amy.”
“You’re being selfish!” she cried. “She’s our mother! We owe her.”
“Owe her? For what? Neglecting us? Kicking me out? Ruining Dad’s life? She had her chance to be a good mom, and she blew it.”
“You can’t just abandon her! This is cruel!”
Furious woman yells into her phone | Source: Pexels
I took a deep breath. “She made her bed, Amy. Now she has to lie in it. If you’re so worried, you take her.”
Amy was silent for a moment. “You can’t do this. I don’t have space.”
“Figure it out, Amy. Just like I had to.”
Two days later, I called Amy again. “Mom’s moving in with you.”
Irritated woman talks on the phone | Source: Pexels
“Are you out of your mind?” Amy shouted. “You can’t just dump her on me!”
“Oh, so now space is an issue?” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “When it’s me, I’m supposed to accommodate her, but you can’t?”
Amy was furious. “You’re ruining everything!”
“No, I’m setting boundaries. If you can’t understand that, it’s your problem.”
Woman drives a car | Source: Pexels
The next day, I packed Mom’s bags and drove her to Amy’s house. Amy was waiting at the door, looking like she’d seen a ghost.
“She’s all yours,” I said, handing over the bags.
“This isn’t fair,” Amy said, her voice shaking.
“Welcome to my world,” I replied. “Maybe now you’ll see why I couldn’t take it anymore.”
Woman drives a car | Source: Pexels
As I drove away, I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew Amy was in for a tough time, but it was about time she faced reality. For the first time in years, I felt a sense of peace. I hoped it would last.
Two days after Mom moved in with Amy, my phone rang. I could tell from the caller ID it was Amy, and I knew she wasn’t calling to chat. I picked up, bracing myself for the onslaught.
“She’s driving me crazy!” Amy shouted before I could even say hello. “Mom’s been here two days, and it’s a nightmare.”
Worried woman | Source: Pexels
“Well, that’s how I’ve been living,” I replied calmly.
“You don’t understand,” Amy continued, her voice shaking. “She refuses to do anything. She sits on the couch all day, watching TV. She won’t even make herself a sandwich.”
“I understand perfectly,” I said. “I lived it, remember?”
Amy sighed, frustration clear in her voice. “I can’t take it. She’s so demanding. She acts like I owe her everything.”
Woman with a headache | Source: Pexels
“That’s what I’ve been dealing with for years,” I replied. “Now you see why I asked her to leave.”
Amy was silent for a moment. “I thought you were exaggerating,” she admitted. “But it’s worse than I imagined.”
“I’m sorry you’re going through this,” I said. “But I had to set boundaries for my family’s sake.”
Content woman | Source: Pexels
After hanging up, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. The house was quieter, more peaceful. My kids seemed happier, too. They weren’t on edge, waiting for the next outburst from their grandmother.
“Mama, can we play a game?” my youngest asked, smiling up at me.
“Of course, sweetie,” I replied, feeling lighter than I had in years.
Woman plays with her daughter | Source: Pexels
The days passed, and the peace in my home grew. Without Mom’s negative energy, our household felt warmer and more connected. My husband and I had more time for each other, and the kids were thriving.
One evening, as I was preparing dinner, my phone rang again. It was Amy.
“We need to talk,” she said, her voice calmer but still strained.
“Okay, what’s on your mind?” I asked.
Serious woman on her phone | Source: Pexels
“Mom is making my life hell,” she said bluntly. “But I think I understand why you did what you did.”
I paused, letting her words sink in. “Go on.”
“I thought you were being cruel, but now I see you were trying to protect your family,” she admitted. “I just… I don’t know what to do.”
“It’s about setting boundaries,” I said gently. “Mom never learned how to be a proper parent. She expects us to cater to her because that’s all she knows.”
Woman explains something over phone | Source: Pexels
“But how do I deal with her?” Amy asked, desperation creeping back into her voice.
“You have to be firm,” I advised. “Explain what you can and can’t do for her. It won’t be easy, but it’s necessary.”
Amy sighed. “I guess I never realized how much you were dealing with.”
“It was a lot,” I agreed. “But it taught me the importance of putting my immediate family first.”
Woman on her phone on the street | Source: Pexels
There was a long pause on the line. “I’m sorry I judged you,” Amy finally said. “I was wrong.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “I’m glad you understand now.”
As I hung up, I reflected on how much things had changed. Growing up, I felt neglected and alone, bearing the brunt of Mom’s indifference. But now, I had a chance to create a different environment for my own kids. Setting boundaries with Mom was hard, but it was the right decision.
Hopeful woman | Source: Pexels
Amy and I had a lot to work through, but I hoped this experience would bring us closer. She finally saw things from my perspective, and that was a start.
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