Treehouses

Before there were castles, cathedrals and cottages, even before huts, I believe there were treehouses. Finding a treehouse gives me such a sense of mystical magic; it seems to resonate almost spiritually. Yes, there were all the stories from childhood - Swiss Family Robinson,  and of course,  Peter Pan! But why do treehouses captivate every child so? I could honestly believe there's a genetic memory of when we once lived in the trees...

So when I found this book at the library, without a doubt, I HAD to check it out. 

I would have arm-wrestled the librarian for it, if need be! (she's not that big - I could take her  :- )
OK, you know I'm a non-violent, tree-hugging pacificist (I heard that out there - who said wimp? Come over here and say that again!), but finding this book was like finding hidden treasure....I had the urge to grab it and run out the door, before someone else could claim it. This one on the cover somehow makes me think of  Howl's Moving Castle.

Ever since I can remember, I've wanted a treehouse of my own.  I can't think of anything that would make my inner child jump up and down and clap her hands in glee, more than a treehouse. When the girls were younger, there was some toying with putting up a platform in the jacaranda tree. In fact, it's still up there; gathering cobwebs, and taunting me - I could have been a treehouse, if only you'd followed through...Snarky platform - someday I'll show you!

There, now I've shown you!

*I'll try to get a picture to post later today, of a lovely treehouse here in town. Whenever I'm feeling a little low in spirits coming home from work, I detour by it for an instant surge of whimsy and wonder (they've featured it more than once in the newspaper, so I don't think they'd mind too much). It wasn't built for children, but by a husband for his wife. Now that's a present I'd like to see under my tree!

Treehouses are my favorite thing. What's yours?

For more people's favorite things on Saturday, go see Jill's place.

*It was a bit overcast (& muggy!) today, so the quality isn't the best - but here it is! As well as having a porch (!), it has electricity, too! It looks lovely lit up at night, like a fairyhouse in the tree (sigh).

Comments

[Lori-Lyn]

I want one too! There's something so magical about tree houses.

[Jill]

I love tree houses, too.

[Paris Parfait]

Well I don't know what could top tree houses, except a sailboat would be nice - on San Francisco Bay. Yep, that's the ticket - and coming home to the treehouse. :)

Great post!

[judie]

Tinker, I used to think I would love to live in a treehouse. But this morning I found a LARGE (well, medium large...ok, ok, medium small but with long legs) black spider in my bedroom. I think she may have been housekeeping behind the dresser. She doesn't live there any more! That ended my treehouse wish! :) (No, I didn't kill her, as long as she didn't have a red belly!) But she lives outside now in the harsh heat...no more climate control! And as for the sailboat...that sounded good until I read the paper and saw the bull shark swimming so close to shore that it could be seen by beach walkers. Sigh.....my day is not starting out right! And I was going to just relax all day..........

[Ray]

What a FABULOUS tree-house. Like you I love them. I've made one in every home I've lived in, telling everyone they were for nephews and friends' kids and step-grandchildren, but really they were for me.I loved the making of them and loved the sitting in them. I remember my lovely and much missed lab Gemma climbed up into one via the ten or so rungs of the ladder. She liked it up there too. The only thing for me to beat a tree-house would be a houseboat. Now that's something I've never made or been on. Maybe a project there!!
Enjoy your blog and will be back again. Cheers!!!

[Marilyn]

I love treehouses! This makes me really sad to say this...but when my Dad and stepmother bought their home (almost 30 years ago), there was a treehouse in the backyard. I never allowed myself to climb up into it--left it to the little kids. (I was already in my 20's.) And then they had it torn down. Which I STILL don't understand.

[bella]

tree houses are awesome. a great way to relax and become one with nature. i'd love to build one for my daughter.

[Snowbear]

loving that tree house too!