Flora, Fauna and Feelings

The Oak Tree Who Wanted to Tell a Story Once upon a time, the Oak Tree wanted to tell a story. The Oak Tree holds many stories in its branches and deep inside its strong, wide trunk, and it loves to share them with anyone who is willing to listen. Fairy and Gnome’s Oak Tree has been standing in the forest for almost four hundred years. It grew from a tiny acorn that came from another oak tree, which grew from another tiny acorn that came from another oak tree, and another, and another … Yes, that is how the Oak Tree’s story begins. And it has many stories to tell from long ago, for oak trees have been growing on the earth for thousands and thousands of years. This story begins late one beautiful, long, warm day in summer. The Oak Tree’s acorns were ripe and ready—perfect for eating, if you happen to like acorns. And if anyone does, it’s the jays, the wild boars, the deer, and—of course—the squirrels. There are many forest animals who love acorns very much. “Move out of the way, you little troublemaker!” came a shout from high up in the Oak Tree’s branches. “No, you move!” shouted another voice. “You’re standing on my branch, and I won’t put up with that. Move so I can get past, or I’ll push you down with my sword!” Oscar the Squirrel was in a very grumpy mood. He stood near the end of one of the large branches, busy collecting acorns for winter. His cheeks were stuffed full, and he was just about to scamper home to store them when he suddenly saw Ollie standing right in front of him on the same branch. “These aren’t all your acorns,” said Ollie. “I’m allowed to have some too. Just try getting past me,” he said, holding up his little sword. Oscar became furious. He stepped closer to Ollie, raising his sword. “Th-this isss the l-l-l-last time I’m telling you—m-m-m-move now, or I’ll give you a bump with my sword!” Oscar hissed, his words muffled by the acorns in his cheeks. “Ha!” laughed Ollie. “You can try. I’m staying right here, and I’m not afraid of you or your tiny sword. My acorn helmet will protect me, you know. And besides, I can barely understand you with all those acorns in your mouth. Now you move!” Oscar nearly choked on one of the many acorns in his cheeks and had to spit them all out onto the ground below. That only made him even angrier. He rushed towards Ollie and bonked him on the head with his sword. “This is my Oak Tree!” Oscar shouted. “Move or I’ll do it again!” Ollie felt a little shaken, even with his acorn helmet on, but he didn’t give up. He swung his sword and hit Oscar on the arm. “Ow, ow!” Oscar cried. “You’ll pay for that!” And he swung his sword back again. Down on the forest floor, Fairy and Gnome could hear all the noise and commotion up in the branches. - - And suddenly, as Fairy and Gnome stood looking up, the two acorn warriors tumbled down and landed right in front of them. “Ow, ow,” said Oscar, trying to get back on his feet. “Who pushed me down? It wasn’t you, was it, Ollie?” “No,” said Ollie, taking off his helmet and rubbing his head. “But then who was it?” A deep, rumbling sound came from the Oak Tree. Brrrrmmmm. “It takes a lot to make me angry,” said the Oak Tree in a slow, deep voice, “but now I have had enough of you two greedy little creatures. There will be no fighting on my branches.” Oscar and Ollie looked at each other with wide eyes. “You both know very well that there are plenty of acorns for the two of you—and for many other animals in the forest,” the Oak Tree continued. “When will you learn to share and live peacefully together? This is the same fight every year. If you don’t learn soon, I will gently shake you down again every time you climb up. Now figure out how to be good friends and share.” Oscar and Ollie looked at each other, embarrassed, and then at Fairy and Gnome. “I’m sorry,” said Oscar. “I’m really sorry I behaved so foolishly. Shouldn’t we help each other gather acorns instead of fighting?” “Yes,” said Ollie. “That’s a very good idea. And I’m sorry too—for hitting you and for being so angry. I won’t do that again.” Fairy and Gnome smiled at the two squirrels, and Gnome said, “Yes, I think it’s best you listen to what the Oak Tree says. It wouldn’t be very wise to argue with the one who gives you food. Remember to be grateful for all the acorns the Oak Tree grows for you—the ones that help you through the winter.” Oscar and Ollie took each other’s hands, tossed their swords far away, and quietly went home. They had a lot to think about. The Oak Tree returned to its peaceful calm, enjoying the warm sunlight as it gently touched each of its beautiful green leaves. Conversation Starters • Have you ever had a disagreement with someone? • What does it feel like when people are upset with one another? • Can people be friends and still disagree sometimes? • Do you know someone who often gets into arguments and finds it hard to make friends? • How does your body feel when you share something with others or help someone? • How can you help people who are having a disagreement? Empowering Affirmations Oak—Peace I am oak, and I stand strong and calm. • I am peaceful inside, and I choose peace with others. • I can let worries and conflicts shake loose and fall off. • I am strong like the oak tree, with roots that keep me calm and safe. I stand steady in my own strength.