The National Wildlife Federation has declared today to be Love a Tree Day. They are encouraging all of us to stop and think about the trees today and give several ideas to celebrate in the article linked above (click on "Love a Tree Day" to read the article).
When I saw this celebration, I immediately thought of my daughter Amber. She has recently found a great fascination with trees, and she loves to climb them. There are two trees in my parents' back yard that she is especially fond of. One is a smaller tree, and she can get about four feet off the ground. She will sit in that tree while the rest of us sit around the campfire. It is close enough she can still be included in the conversation, but she loves having her own little seat.
The other tree is much larger. It took her awhile to figure out how to climb that one, but she has got it down pat. She looks like a little monkey hopping up onto her favorite fork where she will sit and hang out for as long as we will let her. She is content listening to the birds and watching what's going on in the yard. I think she secretly gets a kick out of making me nervous, too!
When Amber first started learning to climb the tree, this was as high as we allowed her to go. I think it was where she was comfortable, too. While I was in the hospital, however, my family allowed Amber to explore her abilities. She has now found a higher branch to call home. It's a good thing I was already in the hospital when this happened- I may have had to go there with a heart attack otherwise.
Amber's love for the tree has allowed her to see over the fences, and she tells my mom and dad she can see their whole neighborhood from the top of the tree. She has been able to see where they have taken walks, where her neighborhood friends live, and the dogs that bark at my parents' dogs when they are all out in the yard. Amber truly has a love for "her" trees that is refreshing to see in this age of video games and cell phones.
Let me know how you celebrated by leaving a comment here. Happy Love a Tree Day!
6 comments:
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Thanks for stopping by JollyJilly. I'm glad to hear you like my blog. I'm off to visit you now!
I have nature lovers and a tree climbing heroine in my next book. I didn't see your post yesterday, but my lead character was thinking of her future up in a tree! I used to have lemon tree in my backyard. Never had the heart to prune it.It grew high and provided a great deal of shade. My son spent many hours playing in it's shade cloaked in citrusy scents! Your daughter is enjoying her childhood in the best way! Right in the middle of nature. Can't imagine anything better!
I love that Amber enjoys the outdoors so much. She would live out in that tree if we would let her. I bet you and your son both have many great memories of him playing under that lemon tree.
We have many memories of afternoon spent chasing lizards around the garden and inevitably into the tree. Amber likes things that are good for her. Lucky you :-) - Anne
Anne, that sounds like a fun day. Amber would have had fun with your son!
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