My Tree... Helen's House

This is the view out one of my apartment windows. It's the largest live oak tree in Petaluma and it (like so many trees in my life during the last three years) serves as a source of spiritual piece and psychological respite. It is also the centerpiece setting for one of the most beautiful historic homes in Petaluma and will be featured in this weekend's Historic Homes Tour.

My little apartment isn't part of the show, and I will likely not be here while the masses tour the beautiful home that I am lucky enough to live so near.

There is a sense that this is a magical house. Helen Putnam was both a council member and a mayor in Petaluma long before that woman from Alaska came along to despoil the image of small town mayors, and she had a love for people and a care for the outdoors that was so deep that this little town has named both a downtown plaza and a beautiful regional park (just up the street and over the hill from me ) after her.

If you click on the above link to the Press Democrat story about the house, you will find a whole collection of photos of the truly lovely renovation job that my landlords and newfound friends have worked for ten years to complete. My little loft apartment is a bit more modest than the grandiosity of Helen's House... but it suits me just fine.

And then of course... there's the tree.