July 16, 2023

One idea to keep it slow and simple… Attend the gala on your block

About half a mile down the street, in front of a Safeway parking lot and a two-story apartment building, a grand ball gown spirals down from the sky and out from the curb. Its pattern is intricate and elegant, and I cannot help but trace its textured curves and complex spirals with my fingers whenever I pass.

The gown’s wearer is at least one hundred years old. The designer, a tiny acorn of a century ago packed with the design-school secrets of its DNA.

Yes, yes. This fashionista is a tree. And she’s giving Met Gala energy.

There’s a gala on your block too, I’ll bet. Each tree, bush, flower, and grass flows with the colors, shapes, shadows, and patterns of its age and season.

You are hereby invited to attend.

And some clickable fun—speak for the trees edition!

We love to discover and share, so we’ve added three cool clickables. And just so you know, when we list products, it’s just because we like them. We’re not sponsored by anything but our dreams and imaginations.

• This is for when you’re at your local tree gala and wondering to yourself, “what tree is that?” Check out Arbor Day Foundation’s interactive guide.

• Taking kids to the tree party? Here’s how to create leaf and bark art!

• And check out these unique trees from Nat Geo’s photo archves. Those cherry blossoms!