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TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

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More on Trees if You Please

A Past Discussion that stuck in my mind and took root in my heart…

I guess a good way to start was the way the conversation John started went. It was something like “it’s a gloomy day today unless, of course, you’re a tree. Then he asked our writer’s group to go around the circle and respond to the question: “If you were a tree …what would you be and why?”

Starting with me:
I chose the Mighty Oak as I was undergoing surgery around that time and I wanted to feel strong like the Oak tree. Other people were saying things like:

  • A Palm tree. Why? It symbolizes somewhere warm and tropical which is where I like to be
  • A Birch! Why? It’s different than other trees. I like its bark.
  • A Polar! Why? It’s a normal everyday tree, like me.
  • A Maple tree. Why? Because it’s a tree from where I’m from.
  • A Christmas tree. Why? Because it’s my favorite time of year!
  • A Fir tree ~ A Josua Tree…I have seen them in the States and fell in love with them.
  • A Spruce Tree. Why? Because I want to last the winter.
  • A Weeping Willow. Why? Because I’ve always loved the way they are strong and sway in the breeze.
  • Diamond Willow. Why? Because I love seeing them on walks (they actually have diamond shapes on them) and are also used as “walking sticks.”
  • Manucheel? Tree. Why? Because this tree is poisonous and I’d like to poison some!

Then there is a magnificent tree that bears 40 + fruits and If you love peaches and pinks you’ll love it just for its color alone…Wow! In conclusion, a few jokesters concluded with:  A Money Tree…What? You’re broke? And of course, one man said: A Family Tree!
___________________

When I left the meeting and pondered all the trees I’ve been sheltered and inspired by a few more of course came to mind.

  • The Lone Cypress in Monterey Bay was visited long ago with my hubby.
  • The Red Wood Giant Sequoias in California
  • The Kauri Tree in New Zealand is the rarest tree in the wild.
  • The Baobab trees in Africa. the Bonsai tree, the Banyon trees in Cambodia that snake their roots, and The HUGE tree at the basin of the Amazon with a name unknown to me.
  • The lilac tree which is so ordinary
  • The May Day tree in our front yard blooms pretty and you can smell it down a city block.
  • The apple tree out back whose pink blossoms bring me delight.

Yes, there are more but just for today…
Here’s to all who connect and love to see…
the beauty and the uniqueness of each tree!

Loree Dittrich
Loree Dittrich
I am a writer / Author who loves to inspire and entertain the minds of others. I’m inspired by just about anything and everything imaginable. I first realized the power of the pen as a youngster starting with my diary. My teen yr. Were spent quite often in my room where I would scan through poetry books and magazines for hours, often ripping out pages of interest. I lamented over social issues of justice, the end of the Vietnam War, race, poverty, and such. I discovered then, that writing for me seemed to be a way in and a way out of myself. And certainly, a way to respond to the world around me. My friends often assisted me with rewriting things I loved which all had a sacred spot. At 17, I was off to the city where I landed a job as a Nursing Assistant. In Edmonton. I loved working in the presence of pioneers and always felt they had a lot to offer as I listened to their stories. However, it wasn’t long and I had a new vocation: Motherhood! I got caught up in the busyness of life but writing little pieces remained a priority whenever possible. ~ My friends and family used to say things like: “You’re really a good little writer...You should write a book one day”...but I buried that thought with a lot of others along the way. But then I started writing a Christmas Greeting when our children were small along with random silly poetry and little notes and quotes. Feedback was always welcome and I gained a lot of confidence from my peers over the years. At times in my life when I felt empty or afflicted,  I turned to ink.  And believe me; some days INK was all I knew!   I am a survivor of breast, skin, and colorectal cancer and am truly grateful for the gift of life. I am also grateful to my husband for affording me the luxury of travel; visiting many countries. I’m a mother of four daughters, a grandmother of nine, and a mentor to many.  My husband and I live in two places: Calgary, Alberta, and our sunny sanctuary: “Ecuador” where we live 3 months of the year. I am happy to announce that in 2019 my first Children’s book: No Home For A Pigeon” was born. My second Children’s book entitled: “A Boy Is Not A Kitten” has come to fruition as well, in March 2023. I'm a contributing author in the NEW release:  Mission Hope -Volume 2 Book Under the umbrella of Char Murphy! I now look forward to publishing a collection book sharing some of my most prized and personal poetry and other writings of my life’s journey. I hope You will follow along with me. Reach out to me at [email protected] if you'd like to learn more about my books.

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4 CONVERSATIONS

  1. This was so awe inspiring what you wrote and I am so sorry I have not responded earlier.
    I was away for 3 mos. and could not code in ~ However Simon, I am forever grateful for your comments.
    The I look at the trees here lately they are bare and in need of clothing! Soon spring will showcase then at their best.
    I too love the weeping willow .
    All the best for a terrific 2023! Loreexx

  2. Beautifully written, Loree. This really got me thinking about how trees foster so much sustainability on our planet, not to mention how the trees themselves tell a story. From their shape, the foliage, the bark, there is so much to learn!

  3. Dear Loree,

    On reading your account and comments of tree-lovers, I was instantly transported to nearby woodland and hills. Prior to going on that stroll, I was mesmerized by a tree at the front of my house; gold, deep colored leaves dropping one by one to the ground.

    Walking along the banks of the River Itchen (poet Keats’ favorite walk) trees grace the scene, reflections adorning the surface (or deep underwater, depending upon imagination) there is a most splendid Weeping Willow. From any perspective it is truly amazing. Underneath the branches you can stand an admire the view above and along the surface. Truly glorious. Every season it shows off its grandeur as if aware of the effect it projects. So, it is the weeping willow.

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