Tree

An island in the Pacific Northwest provides a beautiful home for its plant and animal residents. Life flourishes in a small valley created centuries ago by an earthquake and volcano. While life struggled to recover from the Great Quake a Douglas fir rooted on a crest broadcast a thought, "Do what you can with what you have, make each day count the most." Life in the valley incorporated that thought into their energy patterns. Life began to notice that their circumstances became better, perhaps just a little more so, each day. Small individual achievements engendered a better life for all. Tree's thought also assured that each day was lived to its fullest, adding a joy to living in the valley. One morning, Tree added a challenge, "Do you know the value of yourself, standing there alone?" Tree's challenge restored a sense of identity through purpose. The thought to try, to believe in oneself, became a form of energy prose. Prose became lyrics; lyrics evolved to Songs of the Valley; songs established a unique local culture. A shared belief emerged: "Where energy flows, life surely goes. As we believe, things come to be." Valley life became self-reliant. Ben Frog, Olivia Beaver and friends successfully confront a toll plan advanced by Elizabeth Jay and Harvey Crow. Amos Raccoon aids positive efforts, telling the story about the raccoon life group's previous hardships under the reign of Randolph Penrod Raccoon. Their success produces a commitment to create a way of life that does not accept divisive politics. Valley life creates positive energy that spreads throughout the valley, across the globe, then to the cosmos. "Tree: One Life That Made a Difference 12th Anniversary Edition" includes twenty-seven works of poetry or prose that present a philosophy of life in the valley.
About the Author: Personal life experiences of Mr. Kjono were the inspiration for Tree: One Life that Made a Difference. Observing a repetitive pattern of similar political and economic cycles from the 1990s to the first decade of our new millennium inspired publishing the 12th anniversary edition. Mr. Kjono lives in the Seattle, Washington area. He served thirteen years in the U.S. Navy, including submarine service and several tours in Viet Nam. His professional interests include services as a financial analyst, expert witness, free-lance writer and public policy advocate. Readers can communicate by email with Mr. Kjono through www.blustonepegasus.com.