This tree reminds me of those in the foothills around the area I went to college. Seeing it brought to mind a picnic there these now many years ago. That tree still stands; surely countless others have enjoyed its shade and come to think of it as their tree. Back then, it was ours. P.S. Extra points to anyone who know where I got the title from….P.S.S. I’m working on a short story … if anyone would like to be a reader, I would appreciate feedback.
Word Count: 100
Photographs & Memories
Sun filtered through the branches of the gnarly old tree. ‘I wonder what it is’, she thought, gazing up from her back, looking at the blue sky beyond.
The wine made her sleepy. The air was warm and it was too hard to think about genus and leaf shape and botanical names. She just wanted to be here, right now, enjoying this respite from the grind.
She held her breath, taking in the moment, knowing that someday, years from now, she would want to come back to it, savoring it like a nut that had been squirreled away for winter.
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© Erin Leary
erinlearywrites 
Sweet story–and a great memory!
Nicely done. No ideas about the title origin sadly. 😦
Lovely – I love the idea of squirrelling away memories like nuts – made me smile 🙂
Wasn’t this title also the name of a Jim Croce song? Beautiful story, Erin. I think everyone has laid on the back under a tree and enjoyed the view at one time or another. Great line – like a nut that had been squirreled away for winter.
You win the prize. Jim Croce it was. I think that may have been my first vinyl album that I paid for – and played on my portable stereo, which was really just a turntable. I took it to college with me when I left home. 🙂
A sweet story.
So sweet a story. I go through all the stories and see the love of trees and how it’s tied to our memories.
Darn, Russ beat me to it! Is there a second prize? I like the idea of squirreling away memories and taking them out again later. I do that myself. Does that make me squirrely?
janet
I like the play on words in the last line. I also like the thought of hiding a memory away for later.
I know there are times in my life that a moment feels like I need to file it away. I try to pay attention to those moments.
Had a Jim Croce album way back then too. Forgot all about him until now. Liked the story.
I think I still have mine somewhere. Thanks for reading!
Reminds me of my days living in the country. Hopefully, I will return soon. Thanks, Erin.
Thank you for reading!
Dear Erin,
What about a third of fourth prize. I’m a Jim Croce addict so it didn’t take much thought. The song played in my head straightaway. Lovely story and accompanying photo.
shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you – it was a fun trip down memory lane.
beautifully written Erin, a lovely piece that we can all relate to. 🙂
Thank you – it does feel like a universal theme.
Trees can hold such majesty and beauty. You captured it well here, Erin. Nice one!
Thank you for reading – I appreciate it!
Nice little story, both photographs and memories and how they all come together.
Thanks- it was the first thought that came to mind and seemed to work out. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I loved the squirrel and nut analogy!
Thanks – i figured it was appropriate given it was a tree….
Nice thoughts of holding on to lovely memories to revisit with a smile many years later.
I’m glad to have them – some days they are really welcome.
As someone who has walnut trees in her yard your squirrel reference was very vivid. Nice job.
Thanks – there were lots of walnut trees in those hills. Thet were definitely on my mind as I wrote this!
🙂