We went to The Festival of Trees...

The Festival of Trees is this wonderful annual event. Let me share with you some info from it's website. " The Festival of Trees was inspired 39 years ago by a group of 15 women from along the Wasatch Front. These women were challenged by Lewis M. Jones, Chairman of the hospital's Men's Endowment Board, to identify a way to raise funds for the hospital."

It continues on..."Perhaps the greatest phenomenon of all is that everything is donated. The trees are decorated and purchased by individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and church groups. In addition, others generously donate items to fill the shops. Businesses provide the paper and printing of posters and tickets. Corporations offer their covered trucks and drivers to help deliver the trees, and so much more! Thousands of people join efforts by contributing countless hours and means to give “A Gift of Love" to children in need. In 2008, the Festival raised $1,495,840.74 for children in need at Primary Children's Medical Center."

Brooke really wanted to go, understanding my aversion to craft fairs (charitable or not) she asked a friend to go with her. However, that friend made an unwise decision about purchasing a puppy and ended up having to stay home. Like my hero Superman I decided to swoop in and prove my love to Brooke by offering myself up as her partner at the tree decorating festival. This is a scene from last years Festival, this is just a small idea of what Brooke experienced...

She loved getting ideas on how to decorate our own tree. She was also interested in the different themes of the individual Christmas tree...

I also had an interesting time there. I remembered the words of Dante as we entered "Through me is the way into the woeful city; through me is the way into eternal woe; through me is the way among the lost people... Leave every hope, ye who enter!"

It kind of felt like this.


Don't get me wrong, it's all for an amazing cause! Still, the best way for me to describe the event as I experienced it is through the words of Dante's divine comedy and an unsettling painting by Hierynomous Bosch.

But you know, I would gladly march through those festive gates again if it meant I got to spend time with the Brooksters.

I love you gal.