Life Jackets ... and Owls...

I realized that Eastern thought had somewhat more compassion for all living things. Man was a form of life that in another reincarnation might possibly be a horsefly or a bird of paradise or a deer. So a man of such a faith, looking at animals, might be looking at old friends or ancestors. In the East the wilderness has no evil connotation; it is thought of as an expression of the unity and harmony of the universe. - Justice William O. Douglas

We love kayaking and SUP with Jack and Gracie. They enjoy it too. This pic is one of the first times Gracie went out with her life jacket.

Jack (the Papillon) accidentally went overboard with his and was very relieved to be quickly hauled back in without being completely swamped (the leash was also attached). The look on his face the first time he lost his footing and got rescued was proof enough. Clearly, he had been terrified. He's a pro now.
  

Fall Color starting to pop ... Gracie in her life jacket.

Lake encounters usually include a varied assortment of birds. Hawks, Eagles, Herons, Crows and all the smaller birds who crowd the feeder. Ducks, Geese and sometimes Pelicans are also part of the scene.

The sights and sounds are often a highlight of the visit. When I am lucky, I get a great photo to add to my collection.

Our lake encounter this time was a Heron and then when we returned home, there was a new visitor to the yard. 

My clue: Jack refused to go into the backyard. Unacceptable. That's where bathroom activity is designated. I decided I needed to see what the problem was. Of course, I didn't see anything but escorted him until he was ready to return into the house.

Only then did I hear the Owl. Fifteen minutes of non-stop chatter. I was glad I honored Jack's wishes to be accompanied and glad the Owl spoke up and let me know why Jack had been concerned.

I also love Owls - this vid is a perfect capture of an engaging personality.

  

In regard to Owl as Totem and Spirit Messenger, when an Owl pops into your life, it could be a reminder to step back and connect a few dots. One interpretation:

"Open your eyes and truly examine how things are, you will be surprised that suddenly you can see things that are normally hidden from view – like the motives of those around you. External appearances will give way to the truth and meaning hidden beneath." Source


The world speaks to us in many ways. Listening is a skill - interpreting is a talent. 

Adventures with Millie the Rock Climbing Cat

Time spent with cats is never wasted. - Sigmund Freud

Friends with paws ... 

"Millie has all the qualities a good climbing partner should have. She never complains, no matter how bad it gets. She always wants to go higher, and she pushes herself hard. But she also knows when to stop. When she’s done, she’s done. She’ll find a cave or climb a tree and won’t move until she's rested." - Craig Armstrong on his climbing partner who also climbs with her friend Kenneth. 

More pics and details can be found at Backcountry

 

Millie Climbing. Photo Credit - Craig Armstrong

I love her pictures and the fact she's even doing a thing I am not really inclined to pursue. But it would appear she and her partner are having a ball.

A nice piece about Millie on Huffpo


There are amazing partners who accompany us on our life journeys and the really cool thing is  they aren't what anyone else would consider ordinary or typical companions.

No. These life partners and adventure seekers are pets and animal friends. And the joy they bring along for the ride is worth every effort it takes to accommodate their traveling. With them in tow, we are challenged to create new ways to view the world and different assessments of the discoveries and circumstances we find.

Pets/animals just bring us to a new level of human being, where doing isn't the most important element. Being becomes so much more intense and electric. We know the world in a different way and connect to extraordinary moments we could easily have overlooked if that companion had not been part of our journey.

The love in life is our investment. And when we invest it in beings who are often considered to be less worthy on the societal scale of merit we recover the true wonder in life. There is no less worthy and there is no other. Each is connected in ways beyond our knowing to a oneness we can sense.

The heart is where the dots meet. Other is one who simply chose to show up in a different package to see who would be self aware enough to open the present. 

Today is a day like any other day, and yet, with my pets and the presence of the incredible animals of the world that day has a sparkle, a light, a glow, a jello-y whimsy that makes it special beyond words. When I carry that out into the world I remember we are all an amazing miracle, wrapped up in mystery, each and every one. And life - well - it's just a grand thing to behold. Wow! Climb on!

Celebrating Millie - the rock climbing cat. Here's a page with lots of pics. Makes me want to get out and hike. However, I may have to settle for paddling with the dogs. Chloe is not an enthusiastic outdoor adventure cat. She does however, enjoy activities that involve squirrel encounters.

Might be a lure to get her onto a nearby sidewalk and that's just fine. She's the cat who chose me. I'll accept her terms for adventure and haul her along on vacations to the in-laws. (She prefers flute music for long rides.) Fortunately, she also adores my husband Andy.

Thank you, Craig and Millie.