I have been asked why I used a Hollow tree on the cover of the book – Hidden Within. I did some pondering and thought I’d share some tidbits about Hollow Trees. My first thought was: I mention in the book that I was well aware of Little Lois and that I had intentionally placed her inside a hollow tree to keep her safely hidden. But as I considered the question, I thought I’d add some other thoughts.

Some trees are dense and harder to injure; I am thinking of a classification called iron wood. This is not one particular tree, but rather a group or species of trees that are slow growing, so their wood is very dense, heavy and durable. They are known for their resistance to rotting. Typically, these trees are used to make tools, build furniture, for fence posts and in building construction.

Another classification for trees is soft woods. Trees in this group would be pine, cedars, Douglas fir tree, spruce, and balsa. These trees are more prone to damage as they grow and age. Usually, the damage does not happen when they are young and just beginning to grow. Often injuries occur because of where they are…no fault of their own. Or they may occur because of what type of tree they are. They can be injured by animals, such as woodpeckers pecking or bears clawing them in search for food.

Hollow trees are usually older and have been damaged by injury or disease. They can be damaged by nature, such as a lightning strike that chars it, leaving it unable to heal. Another source of damage to trees is too much weight on the branches during fruit season. As the fruits grow and mature, the weight can be too much for the branches causing them the bend and then break off. Depending on where the break is the damage can be severe to the tree. Damage can come from windstorms that cause limbs to be torn off, which results in an open wound for insects and decay to do further damage. These “wounds to the tree” are often used by other animals, seeking safety and protection from storms and other animals. Birds, raccoons, porcupines, squirrels are but a few examples of those who use the wounds in trees for cozy homes.

If the tree is unable to seal over the wound and continue to grow. Then decay usually continues until the tree dies. After it dies it usually falls to the forest floor to finish decaying, adding nutrients for the surrounding plants and animals.

In some parts of the world people believe that hollow trees hold secrets or even wisdom. Trees are resilient; even if they have wounds or are hollow, they continue to grow and give shelter to others. I believe I chose a hollow tree to hide Little Lois in because it like a safe place; not totally dark and scary but not open and exposed either. She was protected but also able to see out and enjoy the changing beauty of nature around her.