The Tree is the View

I love this giant tree across the street from my house. It reminds me of the camphor tree in My Neighbor Totoro.

via GIPHY

Every time the house has changed hands I’ve held my breath in terror. There is something in human nature that makes us want to cut down all the trees when we take over new land. Especially here in Seattle, when even a sliver of water makes people break laws to “improve the view.” In their minds, the view never includes the foreground, which usually consists of denuded hillsides and ugly rooftops once the trees are gone.

So far, each new owner has taken good care of this big, beautiful tree. I’m so grateful that my neighbors understand the tree is the view. I wish more people did.