About the Tree Series and the Tree-to-Life Stories

I love to doodle. Doodling is something that just happens for me. All through school and later throughout my career, my notebooks were adorned with drawings. Sometimes, it’s even a little embarrassing. Just glance at any of my meeting notes. There are more doodles than notes. But doodling – believe it or not- keeps me focused. Usually. Until I so love a doodle that it takes over my attention (and maybe even a little of my life).

Sometime in mid- to late 2013, my doodling gained a new dimension – I discovered that the note taking app for my iPad – the type that allows you to write (rather than type) your notes using a stylus or your finger – made for wonderful doodling. There were various colors and writing/drawing affects like pencil, ink, crayon and watercolors. Doodling – always good – got WAY better! And not long afterwards, the first “Tree-person” doodle emerged from the pages of my notes:

This one got my attention. He was a little rough, but I immediately fell in love. “Breaking Free” fascinated me. Perhaps it was that pensive look on his face, as he pulled that final root free of the earth, shook off the last of the dirt, and contemplated the possibilities ahead. They were endless and exciting. Imagine – just for an instant– the chance to act out all your dreams and ambitions – free of anything that might have held you back. The chance to do things you could only watch before. Wouldn’t you be determined to do it all – and do it with joy and abandon? With a heart for love, laughter, FUN, and the wonders of this planet earth (especially trees), “Breaking-Free” started on his new adventures. Soon, he was joined by more and more tree-people. From delivering mail, to singing and dancing, to napping in the sun, the tree people are enjoying every moment of their lives. All are designed to make you smile and maybe even laugh out loud. There are “tree-athletes”, “celebri-trees”, and “tree-formers” of all kinds. They all remind us to live and experience our lives to the fullest-from the commonplace to the preposterous, whether in work, school, or at play.

And They Had Fun, Fun, Fun

Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Texas Heat…

The tree series doodles seemed to gain a life of their own. There must be over 100 already, and their numbers continue to grow. Some grew out of day to day experiences and seemed to create themselves. Some came from my own experiences, daydreams and imagination. And some were triggered by songs or movies. But many were inspired by the real life people who exemplify the spirit of the “tree-people.” These are people who love what they are doing – no matter what it is – and do it with gusto, exuberance, and joy. They are respectful of all living things and treat them and the planet with care and kindness. Like the tree-people, they are enjoying their lives and living them with energy, love, and humor. A few examples. The Arbor Day doodle was inspired by our town’s Mayor, who started “The Mayor’s Tree Initiative” that had most of us out planting trees at one time or another. The postal carrier above was inspired by my neighborhood’s own mail carrier, who, by the way, is usually in shorts no matter what the weather. And the “John Foger-tree?” – just go to one of the real-life performer’s concerts and watch this 60+ rock star– still in good voice – perform with an energy and passion that wraps itself around the crowd.

Those are just a few of the “Tree-to-Life Stories.” There are many more out there and their numbers are growing. Their stories are worth sharing and the Trees are ready to do just that. Watch this blog for “Tree-to-Life Stories” featuring the people who inspired the “doodle” and their corresponding tree-person.

And as for me and my doodling? Well, I’m still at it, but I am also “branching out” into other areas of art, including watercolors and acrylics, and into other themes as well. Some of the offerings on my Etsy store include prints and cards from these endeavors. (See the Rose City Farmers Market prints, the “It’s the Thought that Counts” card, and the “Curly Hair” card for starters).