“The Smallest Tree”© Bento Box
As I was packing this bento box, I thought of a story that would fit the design and layout of the food items. After all, how would I explain the black rice, the red orb, and the really skinny looking tree! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, those of you would create kawaii, charaben, kyaraben… bento boxes. I am humbled. I cannot do cute, so I thought of a story instead and writing it on the fly so bear with me. It’s a short and corny story…a quaint little tale which supports this bento’s design.
Today’s featured bento box is a depiction of a holiday or Christmas story of “The Smallest Tree”. Imagine how this forlorn little evergreen felt out there in the forest, hidden beneath the boughs of it’s bigger and stronger cousins…hoping someday to be selected then adorned with tinsel and lights. “Someday there will be presents snuggled under me”, thought The Smallest Tree. But year after year The Smallest Tree was overlooked. Folks would pass it by without a second glance. Until one clear night, a sympathetic full moon gave a mighty puff and blew away the newly fallen snow from it’s tiny branches. Then the moon made a pact with the north star. “If you point down to earth and adorn The Smallest Tree with your glow, I will dim my brightness so you can shine with all your might”. The north star, touched by the moon’s kindness, agreed and gleamed it’s light upon The Smallest Tree just as a family stepped into the forest. A modest family, that year after year had sought a tree of their own, but never succeeded. The night grew darker as the moon dimmed, but in the distance the family saw a shimmer… it was The Smallest Tree! “Look, at that tree shine!” “It’s perfect! “ The family members all agreed and they carefully brought The Smallest Tree into their home. The Smallest Tree now had lights, tinsel and presents snuggled under it’s branches. And the family renamed it… The First Tree! The End. ( my COPYRIGHT here) 
Now for the real story… the bento box contains a layer of shoyu tuna, the recipe is on yesterday’s post. On top of the tuna is a layer of egg white omelet (snow) and the black rice (night sky). The north star is egg yolk. Roasted asparagus spears- The Smallest Tree. And of course the hero of the tale, the red moon err… umeboshi! ©
Nice story Debra! Can you write some more? Nice effect on snow dropping … love it!!
What a cute little story!^^ And your Charaben is really cute! Don’t say anything other
Love the tree and the story! Beautiful bento.
This lovely story adds a beautiful extra dimension to your Chistmas bento–thank you for sharing it and extending the creative parameters of bento to include the written word! I loved this especially: “Until one clear night, a sympathetic full moon gave a mighty puff and blew away the newly fallen snow from it’s tiny branches. Then the moon made a pact with the north star….”
I don’t think I could even eat that lunch – it’s so cute!! Love that you made a story to go with it too!
Lovely Christmas tree bento
You have hidden your talent from us! You’re a bento-er and a writer. Wonderful!
Love it!
Thanks everyone for your generous comments. hehehe… Writing is the most difficult thing I do each day and sometimes I wonder why I started this blog. It is hard. So I truly appreciate your support.
ha ha Love how you came up with the idea! Clever!
Saw your blog on The Foodie Blogroll today and just wanted to say how cute your “The Smallest Tree” Bento Box is and such a nice story too. Great job!
Aloha,
Deb
Oh that is adorable and so creative!
Hi, I have just found your blog and I think it’s great! I had never seen anyone writing a story to go with their bento before. I hope you do it again. I’ve added your blog to my reader. Happy creating!
Katie.
Thank you all for letting me know that you are enjoying this little holiday story.
How very creative to use your bento box to weave a story. Nicely-done, and it looks delicious, too : ).