seven dancing ladies

I don’t know how it started. I think it had to do with reading The Twelve Dancing Princesses. But somewhere along the line, a few years ago, Sophie and I started calling the seven huge trees that live in front of a nearby church, the Seven Dancing Ladies. The idea is that every fall they are put on their most beautiful dresses in preparation for a grand, Tree Ball. It happens in the night, in Tree Time. Each day we drive past and we observe their progress in getting ready. At some point, we realize they are dressed, they are at the height of their beauty, and we begin wishing them “Happy Dancing!” every time we go by.

These first two are right next to each other and we imagine them dancing together.

Then there is this beauty, right by the road.

Here are three more, standing in a row, awaiting their dance partners. Sophie says the evergreens are the boy trees, lining up for their turn with the lovely Ladies.

And this gal, the shy one, stands off to one side.

They dance and dance, a huge Autumn Celebration, lasting for days and even weeks. We drive by and call out, “Dancing Ladies, you are so beautiful in your fancy ball gowns!”

But then we notice that the ladies are beginning to pack up and go home. They take off their dresses, and begin getting ready for sleep. They don’t all go at once. Usually a few linger, dancing a little longer. Finally there is only one dancer left. “Just one more dance!” she says.

When they have put away their beautiful dresses and are all tucked in for Tree Night, as we drive by we call out, “Good night, Dancing Ladies! Sweet Tree Dreams! See you in the spring!”

Right now, the dance is in full swing.

Here is the carpet upon which they dance:

Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the trees dancing?