In my novel CONSIDER THE SUNFLOWERS, Tina wants to plant trees on the farm where she and her husband live. He doesn't. He wants to see the whole sky. Trees make him feel crowded.
My childhood tree experiences inspired this conflict. During my early years, we had no trees in our farmyard. In our part of rural Saskatchewan, you planted trees or you had none.
However, a lone caragana struggled for existence about a quarter mile west of our house. My brother, Wally, and I--like young Vikings--undertook many westward journeys to visit our Tree. It fascinated us, springing alone out of the dry ground, its origin obscure.
We liked the caragana blossoms in the spring. Even better were the pods in the summer. If you knew how, you could make a good whistle out of a caragana pod.
Elma Schemenauer CONSIDER THE SUNFLOWERS: 1940s-era novel about love, Mennonites, faith, & family. Set in Vancouver & rural Saskatchewan. Order from Chapters online http://tinyurl.com/ny8smwk or Borealis Press http://tinyurl.com/lfdo9pf . More info at http://elmams.wix.com/sflwrs .
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