“The Giving Trees”

As a outsider, living in another culture, I have learned many important differences between Americans and Germans.  As much as we are similar and it is a small world, there are just subtle curious differences.

In Germany, if you loose something, there is a great chance of recovering the item.  The important thing is not to panic and to make sure you look up and NOT at the ground.  When a German person finds a lost object, say a glove or a scarf on the street, they will pick it up and hang on the nearest available tall structure at eye level.   The cultural difference in this case, an American looking for a lost item will always look at the ground in search of this forlorn particle of clothing.  I have to remind myself constantly, “LOOK UP LAURA, LOOK UP Your in Germany!!” My neighbors in this village have been known to go so far as photograph or sketch the found item and create poster with details and contact information!!

With regularity I see gloves, scarves and even eye glasses dangling in trees and bushes, waiting to be found once more.  I have actually been the recipient of this considerate gesture when I lost my signature floppy knit hat and stumbled upon it on hanging in a tree…on a trail I hadn’t even remembered taking before.  Amazing…I certainly was happy but I fear my husband, not so much…he is not a fan of my “signature” hat.

In the Winter months, when berries are scarce, another common sight dotted about the bare tree limbs are small suet and seed balls suspended in little mesh bags.  Presented as gifts to the birds, during a time when foraging is difficult for them.  These little happy adornments never fail to bring a smile to my face while I am out walking.  Deep in a dark wood, these thoughtful gifts to nature’s winged creatures and the mind that thought to bring along the little offering.

Nothing thrilling but just some of my observations…that make me smile.