Happiness in the absence of a tree stump

Secret campfire

I found happiness in the absence of a tree stump. Fire your imagination and play.

“I would usually leave a campfire all set ready for you to enjoy” I explained to Paddy, although I can’t on this occasion as it’s so dry – I don’t want to risk a wildfire. The fire pit is a simple affair – just an iron grate surrounded by a ring of five old tree stumps for seating – well large oak logs to be precise - but you get the gist. He was very understanding and said not to worry, they would find other ways to spend time together.

After the weekend I returned to prep for the next visitors – once again, a campfire would not be possible. But hold on a sec, somethings changed – did they have a fire? Only four large logs remain… surely not. I had a good look around, no sign – just a circle of long grass and a patch of bare earth where the log once stood.

It was so strange I felt compelled to ask – “Hey Paddy – just curious – what happened to the tree stump?” Like me, Paddy had noticed something missing but thought nothing much of it… until my email landed.

After a quick exchange, it transpired one of the young boys had found the perfect solution to not having a fire. He made an imaginary one. Hidden away behind the pond amongst the blackthorn scrub there is a little secret clearing. In this little patch there stood the stump – a small pile of twigs formed the pretend campfire, few large stones from the pond formed an entrance to this new camp. And there it was. Happiness.

Thank you to this young boy – you made my day.