Hi, I'm Willow Belden and you're listening to Out There, the podcast that explores big questions through intimate stories outdoors.

Support for this episode comes from Costa sunglasses. So there are a lot of good sunglasses out there. But if you're looking for ones that perform well on the water,

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They cut through the glare, they bring out all the pretty colors, and they help you see below the surface. Their hinges will stand up to salt water, and the frames will stay put on your face,

even if you're being buffeted around by wind and waves. I've been testing out a pair of

costas, and I recently took them on a trip to the Oregon coast, because, well, it's been winter

until about five minutes ago here in Wyoming, where I live, so I haven't had a chance to be out on the water much at home.

Anyway, I got to say, the costas were lovely on the beach. Everything was beautifully crisp and clear,

the colors were vibrant, and if I do say so myself, I looked great in all the photos with my new

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If you're thinking about spending some time around the water this season,

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And now, on to our story for today.

Have you ever wondered what trees would say if they could talk to you? I have to admit, it's not the kind of thing I usually ponder. But for Carolyn McDonald, trees have always had distinct

personalities. They've always been kind of like friends to her. And yet, Carolyn is not your typical

tree hugger. On today's episode, she tells her story. It's a story that takes us from rural

North Carolina to the streets of Paris, and it looks

at what it means to love something your own way, rather than the way society expects.

My tree love started when I was about seven.

We lived on a farm in North Carolina, and I'd frequently climb the Chinaberry tree in our backyard.

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