bole / boll / bowl [bo:l]
bole – n. – 1. a tree trunk; 2. a fine clay (compact, earthy)
boll – n. – a rounded capsule containing seeds, esp. cotton or flax
bowl – n. – 1. a usu. round deep basin for food or liquid; 2. any deep-sided container shaped like a bowl; 3. a bowl-shaped natural basin; 4. football – a post season game or tournament between leading football teams; v. tr. – roll along the ground; v. intr. – play a game of bowling
Birch trees add beauty regardless of the season. These slender beauties, with white boles have been used to build canoes. Their sap can be used for syrup much like sugar maples. The tree trunks or boles attract attention and perhaps smiles as well.
Photo by Ursala Drake
These rounded seed containers form after the vibrant flowers are lost. These are from the poppy plant. The ones formed by cotton plants break open giving the rich fibers from which fabrics are woven.
Look around and see how many different kinds of bolls you can find.
Photo by Alex Belogub
People have been using and appreciating bowls for millennia. And even older ones are found in our natural landscape.
These rounded wonders have aided in our cooking and eating and the development of human customs and culture. They have been made of metals, pottery, glass and wood. Some are very plain. Others have been ornately decorated. All are rounded with holding capacity and seldom with handles.
Bowls. So much left to the imagination.
Photo by Khloe Arledge.