Who is Ani Birch?

Hi Readers. I know my name is at the top of the page but the stories I plan to share are not at all about me. For generations I've been keeping an eye on one very special family. You can say I am a Watcher with eyes that see and ears that hear but I am always in the shadows or at least providing the shadows. One day I hope to share a completely fantastical unbelievable out of this world story but first you must get to know this family.

Iggy and Liz are two of my favourite young girls, born two decades apart but connected by blood. These young girls are so very different but have a deep love of nature especially for the birch trees at Fox Lake. I know this because I am one of them. I did say I was a Watcher and who is more patient or observant than a hundred year old birch tree? My roots tunnel deep into the Canadian Shield and I've been standing here overlooking all the happenings long before these two dipped their tiny new toes into the crystal clear waters and I will be here long after they move on from this world. Through long searching roots my eyes have spread all around the lake. What I haven't witnessed myself, I have been told by the ravens, the mice, the spiders, and all the other Fox Lake creatures who share the same fascination that I have for these two.

Their whimsical stories will be shared in no particular order, just as they come to me. I have stored them in the rings within my wood and I'll pluck one out every few days to share with you. What I write is truth, well at least my truth. I am a tree so take that with a grain of salt and like a game of telephone, (hopefully you young'ns still know that reference, if not, ask your parents and give it a try with your friends) some of these tales have passed through many ears before reaching mine. So, I am not presenting them as facts. My hope is that you will come to love these two girls as we all do here. When you do, please send me a note. I'd love to be able to share this secret amazing fabulous magical story that I am holding tightly within the craggy knots and branches of my body. Like Peter Pan and other magical tales, I need enough children believing before I am allowed to let that story out into this world.

It is late so we will begin once I am rested. Hundred year old trees need a lot of sleep. Goodnight for now, dear children. Goodnight Iggy and Liz, wherever you are.