April 2011

A FEW ANIMALS STORIES FOR EASTER

On this kind of rainy, foggy, misty Colorado day, we’re so grateful for the moisture … and so are the lawns, bulbs, and plants. I’ve been watching the ospry pair fishing in the lake, enjoying another visit from our bachelor swan, who when he feeds, upends himself so just his rear end sticks up in the air. He’s been gone for a few weeks and we kept hoping he’d (she’d?) return with a mate. Sigh. Not yet.

And now we have a single goose next door. They always come there as a pair but something went wrong. No babies this year. And then there’s our pup, Jesse. But she’s not “wild life.” Well, sort of wild now and then but mostly calm and sweet. She’s a pro at catching the Frisbee now, at least until a really good smell catches her attention … then, forget it.

Reminds me of another “wild life story.” A few years ago, before we moved from our ranch, our neighbor’s cat, an orange tabby they called Robert but was most assuredly a Roberta, decided to use our barn for her spring litter. This I did not know until a mini orange fluff ball went tearing through the barn loft, around boxes and other stuff that needed to be disposed of, and disappeared down a hole between the walls. Mama viciously guarded that hole, hissing like a mountain lion, oblivious to my distaste for the dead mouse carcasses strewn in front of her. I had wondered what was happening to Smokey’s cat food and water, thinking raccoons, and now I knew. The whole place, and it was a huge barn, smelled of cat pee. And I had no idea if there might be a sibling in hiding up there, either. If they weren’t feral critters, it might have been fun. I did get more cat food, and sure enough one fine day I saw a tiny black and white furry blur racing around with Goldie. They eventually left and so did the odor. And so did that hole! Jeeeez.

Someday I’ll share stories of the pack rats and porcupines. Boy, can they ever be destructive!.But for now, there were cute little bunnies around and I prefer to think of them this Easter day, and think about all the other things I’m so grateful for. We wish you a wonderful day, filled with love!

REMEMBERING THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR LIFE….
How often do you stop to recall those incredible, life-changing, good and bad memories of your life? I’m talking about the ones that have such deep meaning to you and you alone that it would be difficult, impossible, for someone else to understand how much they meant to you. But those times are full of lessons, lessons that help shape who you are. I’m not talking about things like walking down the aisle. To me, it’s more important to remember how you felt when you first knew you were in love, that flutter in your heart, that look in his or her eyes that reached deep into your soul.

One of my high moments occurred when I had been given the lead in a play many years ago. I always loved acting, but this was the first really big role in little theater. The play was “Angel Street,” the stage version of Ingrid Bergman’s movie, “Gaslight.” It was very dramatic, especially the last few scenes, and I had to have an English accent. The applause, the standing ovation, not to mention a reviewer who asked me what part of England I was from, were beyond description for me. Another moment in time was standing on top of a mountain at Tahoe on my skis, seeing the incredible vista below me and then taking that mountain. It was so exhilerating and I was so proud my myself. Those are just two examples of special moments that, when needing a boost of attitude, gratitude and self esteem, I’m able to bring that special feeling back … and I smile.

Of course, the births of my children and the years that followed were awesome gifts that keep on giving. My fourth son, born with a birth defect, was also a gift and changed my life in more ways than I can say. He died two months later but precipated so many awakenings for me. He was a precious baby, and although he presented many challenges to the family, he made a huge difference in my life, a blessed one. April 1st would have been his 42nd birthday, and I always spend the day remembering the highs the and lows, remembering him, and thanking God for the experience and for my baby.

The intensity of the highs and lows are what make us feel alive and in the moment. Bring them back when you need to be lifted, and then be grateful for them. I’ve been given so much in this life and hope you all have, too. I send love and joy to you all.