It all started my Freshman year. I had one class on one end of campus, and another class 40 minutes later on the other end of campus. Now, 40 minutes is not enough time to walk all the way back to the residence halls, climb two flights of stairs, and still have any quality relaxation time in one's room. So, I had to find somewhere to be for those 40 minutes every Monday and Wednesday. I thought perhaps the Student Union would be a good place, but it proved to be far too noisy for even doing the crossword. Then I tried the green room, which, while endlessly entertaining because there are always theatre majors there, also proved an inefficient place for study or nap time. So, I set out to find somewhere on campus to call my own. Somewhere I could go sit in peace and quiet. Preferably somewhere the campus wireless internet reached.
Through trial and error, I determined that the internet did definitely reach the science building where my second class was. So, I searched in that general area for a likely spot, and there I found....my tree.
This is not just any tree. It is a perfectly placed, perfectly grown, perfect tree. It's situated just so that the morning sun hits the grass beneath the tree, drying any remaining dew or sprinkler water, and the afternoon sun shades the now nicely dry grass. It is also situated right in the path of most of the marching band members as they walk to practice.

I spent many a wonderful afternoon beneath that tree that semester, and even now, though I don't often venture out to the Science building, I still head to my tree to sit, listen to music, study, or even take a nap.


Now, what better public "object" to express my appreciation for than this very tree? So, here is my letter to my tree.



The text reads:
Dear Tree,
For over a year now, I have visited this spot. I have taken advantage of your shade from the hot Fresno sun. I have napped in your shelter. I have played music, read aloud, and even cried here beneath your branches.
All this, and I have never thanked you. You, tree, are one friend I can count on when I need somewhere to go. You will always be here. Long after my days at the University are done, you will stand. A silent observer to the passing of time and the marching band.
Live on, tree, and thank you for the friendship you have given me.
~The girl with "Rhapsody in Blue" on repeat

At about 4:45 I walked over to the tree and took a couple photos of it and myself.


I had to be a little sneaky, because there were two security guys on rounds rendezvousing pretty close to where I was. So, I sat under my tree, and read it the letter aloud. Then I affixed my letter, and went on my merry way.

I came back 15 minutes later to see if the letter was still there. It was, and I think I will go check on it tomorrow morning as well. Perhaps a little strategic/sneaky observation would be in order.