Today, I learned the term “xylophile” – a lover of forests or woods.
I grew up around the redwoods of California. The smell, sounds, air, everything about these forests make me feel whole.
Years back, we found ourselves in Emmett, ID. A small quaint town, but no groups of trees with which to commune. I grew very depressed and took to late night walks (it was mid-summer and hot during the days).
One night, upon returning from a walk and commenting on how many stars I could see, my husband’s brilliance shone bright. He proceeds to tell me that no matter where I , I can ALWAYS find a forest. He called the stars “sky trees” and elucidated that I may not have a terra-type forest, but there is always a forest of stars above.
Since this adjustment in my perception, I have become an amateur astronomer. Never am I without shinrinroku!
I still am in love with terran forests.
