During this time of year, I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about leaves and trees, largely because of the incredible number of leaves that cover our yard (and because New England foliage is truly glorious).
But also because of a long held fascination with tree houses.
In our local paper, there was recently a story about a man (with no children) who built a four-level tree house. He was motivated by the sheer joy of building a tree house. Unfortunately, his neighbors have raised quite the ruckus, and he is being forced to take it down, but before he does, he’s completing the finishing touches, out of principle and his pure love of tree houses, I suppose.
There’s something magical about a tree house – about the idea of living, even for a short time, among the trees. Maybe part of it is having a separate space, a clubhouse closed off to others with a secret password, handshake and name, where imaginations can run wild. The idea of a tree house calls to mind the movies Stand by Me and The Sandlot, plus the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. There’s something quintessential about it.
I’ve always wanted a tree house of my own, but, alas, I have never had one. Now that we have a yard with lots of trees, I’m a step closer to realizing this long held dream (for the kids, of course). Although it still seems pretty far off because of 1) a lack of resources and 2) a lack of ability, combined with a fear of heights. (I know, details, details.)
A couple of months ago, I got a book from the library on how to build tree houses (and additional features, including zip lines, rope ladders, and trap doors). It made it seem so easy, until I read the disclaimer in the introduction, which stated that the included plans were merely conceptual (although, in actuality, they were quite detailed) and instructing readers to hire an architect and professional carpenter and to consult zoning laws and get the proper permitting.
Yeah. Great. Talk about a reality check.
Until then, I have my dreams.
I hope you enjoyed today’s serving of ‘mac & cheese.’
