This little squirrel looked into my window recently. I am blessed to be surrounded by such a variety of creatures in my yard. Five deer babies from this summer who are still zooming around, and then sleeping and resting in the grass. Squirrels galore. Skunks eating grubs in the yard without spraying any smells. Deer climbing onto the porch and looking into the window at me as I work. Chipmunks digging under everything. Quiet bunnies eating my weeds. Lots of birds: pileated woodpeckers, cardinals, doves, and so many more. The beauty of creation. I do not have pets – these are my pets.
I have some very hardy plants and flowers but am not a gardener, so I do not have to despair that the deer have nibbled the hostas to the ground. The ivy is resilient like the evergreen trees. Hibiscus flowers seem to be emerging in the middle of other bushes. And many flowers seem to be able to thrive no matter what happens.
The animals in my yard generally seem to be at peace. I would love to touch them, but I can virtually touch them by drawing them. I really like to draw animals – the ones in my yard, other people’s pets like a daughter’s dog below, or even zoo creatures. I sense something in animals that resonates with something within me. They think and feel differently than I do, but they still carry an awareness of the world that is similar to mine. I wish I could talk with animals, but maybe this silent communication is enough.
Do you have animals you have a relationship with? Are they out in the wild, or pets in your home? Do they speak to you in ways beyond words? If so, what do they say to you?
