For as long as I can remember whenever I heard my mother on the phone telling someone our address, she would always say “Timberleigh: T like tree, I, M, B, E, R, L, E, I, G, H. It’s fitting that the logo for Timberleigh Baby is a simple tree. Trees play a key role in both the landscape and memories of childhood, including my own.
Trees are quiet observers; growing alongside us, keeping our secrets, and participating in our play. For a child, a tree is a home, shelter, ladder, fort. Their branches are swords, walking sticks, teepees, marshmallow sticks, utensils, shovels, flag poles. Their leaves illustrate the changing of seasons, and sometimes become a primary ingredient in fort “décor” or pretend “salads.” Trees are a not only a source of fuel or building materials, but also of imagination, inspiration, or nostalgia. Trees live for so long and see so much history, sometimes I wonder what they would say if they could talk.
There are several trees from my childhood that hold special memories for me.
- There is a maple tree in my front yard. I remember the day that we planted it, so small and scrawny. We actually planted two on either side of the yard, but only the left one made it. This tree thrived and has since become a permanent part of the view when looking out the window or sitting on the porch.
- What is a tire swing without a tree? Just a tire sitting on the ground, I suppose. My family has a famous tire swing hanging from a large oak tree in our backyard, affectionately called “The Martin Ride of Doom.” It was loved by us siblings, cousins, and friends. We climbed on top of the tire, holding the rope as tightly as possible. As my dad pulled us back in preparation for “launch” we screamed traditional chant that went like this: “Are you ready?” “YES!” “for” “YES!” “the” “YES!” “Martin” “YES!” “ride” “YES!” “of” “YES!” “DOOOOOOM!!” “AHHHHHH!!!” He would push us so high, of course making sure that we didn’t hit the tree trunk, until he was out of breath and couldn’t go anymore. As we got older, we used the tire swing less and less, but it is still there patiently waiting for another rider. Every now and then when younger cousins or grandkids come over the tire swing is put to use again and it is still just as fun.
- In our backyard, close to the road, there was another oak tree that we referred to as the “Three-in-one” tree. It had one large trunk, but about 4 feet from the ground, the tree split into 3 individual large trees. At the spot where the tree separated there was a nook or a crevice that was the perfect hiding spot for Easter eggs. But of course, once everyone knows your hiding spot, you can’t use it again. Though we still hid Easter eggs there to make it easy for younger kids to find. In 2007 (I think) several of the trees in our back yard were cut down and milled to make large beams for an addition on our house. Even though it’s a little sad that our hiding spot is permanently gone, this tree has (to steal the cliché) moved on to bigger and better things, namely providing us with a great room that has been host to many events and parties over the years.
- In the side yard near our fire pit was another tree that was the perfect climbing tree. Well, you really could only climb up 1 or 2 branches, but it was relatively easy to climb. I remember sitting in that tree for hours on summer days while reading books. This was also our “refuge” when my sisters and I played “tidal wave” and we needed to get to higher ground to escape the flood.
- Our front yard backed up to a large field. Further away, though still in view of our house, near the left center of the field was a small group of trees and large rocks that we called “The Island.” As kids sometimes we would walk all the way down there to play. There was even a small bench on the “island” to sit and relax. When my uncle suddenly died in 2006, this spot became his memorial and a new tree was planted in his honor. This tree now always reminds me of him.
- On the edge of the farm, close to route 94, stood a huge oak tree. It was the first tree to greet you as you drove up to the top of the hill and the farm came into view. It was also an extremely old tree, probably about 200 years or more. It was an integral part of the landscape of the farm and I remember passing by that oak every day twice a day until I graduated high school. Unfortunately, this oak fell down due to a small tornado that landed nearby. It had to be cut up into pieces in order to move it out of the road. My mom eventually wants to make a table out of a piece of the trunk, so that we can still hold on to a part of the history of the farm.
Timberleigh Baby is about cherishing the simple joys of childhood. And what could be simpler than a kid playing outside the woods surrounded by trees? Even as adults, I think we all should play and use our imagination a little more. It’s fun! Were there any special trees from your childhood that hold special meaning for you? How did they inspire you or spark your imagination when playing?
