Deep in the woods behind our house– okay, technically less than half a mile in the woods behind our house– there grew the spookiest tree in the world. The moment I first laid on it, it gave me chills. Even just the memory of it today gives me the willies. If a tree could be haunted, this one was haunted. If a tree could be cursed, this one was cursed. If a tree could dance naked by the light of the full moon and then go cackling away on a broomstick… this tree surely did.
I found a satellite image of the ol’ woods this morning and was thrilled to find that the Hands-Down Tree still stands. Now, I realize this is a bit like looking at a stranger’s ultrasound photo, but for the benefit of my sisters and some childhood friends, here is the image:
Look! You can still see it! It stands to this day! I hope some other kids have found it and now it invades their nightmares. Um, I mean that in the tenderest way possible. I miss you, old Tree.
The Middlest Sister 
Simply awesome!!
Thank you! :)
Whoa! The lightening kicks butt! Awesome! We had a really cool/creepy tree in the woods near us, called The Smokey Tree… to this day, I still dream about it. Fantastic Nicole!
I’m glad there are other spooky trees that invade dreams. The Smokey Tree is a great name!
It is a great name, and an amazing place in my childhood. It had fallen and we could climb up along it’s trunk, or shelter underneath… such a special place!
Why does everyone want to improve on our imagination????
Hahaha! I have to admit they are right, though. It did deserve a creepier name.
Oooh, it made my spine tingle just looking at it.
I’d love to see this tree one more time…
Now that’s a scary tree! I would be scared too and I’m not even a kid anymore.
I bet that’s the real reason it still stands– who would dare take it down?
You have certainly taken your work to a whole new level. I think I got goosebumps.
Thank you! That means a lot to me!
you are an ARTIST. love it.
Thank you :) This comment made me so happy
love your stuff–perfection
Thank you! :)
I LOVE this! That is all.
Thank you for letting me know! :D
I got a shiver from the satellite photo! it’s like those creepy trees in the Wizard of Oz.
Yes! The tree seemed to breathe.
You’re so good it’s crazy! I love the header.
Thanks Rae :)
That is so cool. You can do that with a computer?? ;) What a great tree to find too.
I love that tree. I’d love to pay it another visit.
Brilliant lightening! I just love your work.
Thank you!
Lol! Uaaaaahahaha!
The idea with the animated flashing picture is great!
Thanks! :)
Gif-like. Awesome!!
Thank you! I’m glad you like it!
My daughter and I just LOVED this one! So well done, Nicole! How cool it still stands to this day.
Thanks Darla! Maybe the next time I am in New England, I will risk trespassing charges to find it again and take a photo ;)
I bet the Blair Witch lives in that tree.
SOMETHING must!
Ooohhhhh, Spooky!
It was just before Halloween that we found it, too. Ashley and I used to run past it as fast as we could.
Are you sure JK Rowling didn’t grow up next to you? That could have been the inspiration for her Whomping Willow!
EXACTLY what I was thinking :-)
Ha! Maybe!
The Middlest Sister,
You’ve changed your font again? asked Le Clown late to the party….
Le Clown
I changed it months ago on the advice of a very brilliant lady. I like it– easy to read, but still a little messy and homemade-looking.
Another great post!
Thank you!
Welcome :)
Loooooove the lightning!
Thanks! I like it, too. I watched it lightning for at least a full minute before publishing…
Brilliant!
Thank you!
Wow, a tree that can make Chrissy concede to her sisters? It really must be possessed.
Hahaha! Excellent point!
You can’t trust a tree.
Didn’t you see “Evil Dead”?
You’re lucky you walked away from that tree with your virtue intact….
What fantastic artwork. Found you through Darla.
WordPress recommended your blog to me and I’ve just spent ages going through the archives. I LOVE it!!
One thing is confusing me though… if you are Nikki (the oldest) how are you the middlest sister? Isn’t Chrissy the one in the middle? Or have I misunderstood something?
No, you haven’t misunderstood :) I wanted Chrissy to sort of be the “star” since she was, after all, the middlest and tended to be overlooked. Thanks for reading, I’m so happy to hear that you like the comics! :)
Love the lightning – you so talented, girl!