Sorry for the burry phone picture, but when Bean and I were waiting outside the office for Mr. Man to give her a kiss I noticed this cherry blossom tree. I realized how many memories and associations I have with this object. Before I get I into the sentimental meaning of the tree, yes, I know the tree itself is a metaphor, it was a kick in the butt reminder that we are creating memories with Bean and that is what is important. It isn't the stupid little things that get in the way and annoy you.
So the the memories/associations:
~Growing up there was a cherry blossom tree in the front of my childhood home. I remember sitting in my parents office and seeing the beautiful cherry flowers outside the window. I also remember getting so excited when the buds formed. When I would come home from college in the spring time I remember being disappointed if I missed them at their peek or thrilled to see them finally come in. I remember how annoying it was when the blossoms feel to the ground and made a royal mess. The goop they made was impossible to get off your shoes.
~A big association with cherry blossoms is Washington DC. This is where both Mr. Man and I went to college. Where we met and feel in love. Where I got and got fired from my first job. Where we got engaged. Where Mr. Man got accepted into graduate school. Where we made the big decision to pick up and move to Chicago. In other words where our family began. We adopted our first "baby" Aish (a yellow tiger) cat at a shelter where we both volunteered. This is where we first planted our seeds as a family.
I could go into details of every childhood memory where that tree is associated and all the things in D.C., but that defeats my main the purpose of the post. The point is....it is amazing how in one moment, looking at that one tree, one I must have looked at thousands of times, a flashback of memories and associations came to me. I left a better person being able to reflect on where I have come and reminding myself of who i want to be.
With that, I will say good night. Sleep well my friends.