An old tree (a trumpet tree, catalpa bignonia) in the Mirabel Garden has been growing sideways, close to the ground, for many years. Children love to climb on it. Even though I’m past that stage, I like to go by and see the action. It’s a popular spot on a nice summer day. In this painting I have exaggerated the action by showing more children and passers-by than I have ever seen at one time. The photo shown here is only one of many I’ve taken over several years. I’ve also added figures from other sources to round out the fun. Having grown up in the suburbs, where people mostly only go outside to do yard work, I love it in the city, where people go outside for the pleasure of it.