Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Safe haven, wrapped in love

Although it's really hard for all of us at this time, I'm staying with my dear friends Josh and Sarah in their "compound," a many-layered multi-level house with rooms and cubbyholes everywhere. It was purchased a few years ago, right after I left Boulder, so I never had a chance to see it before. It's been a long time and a lot of work, but there are only a few rooms that are not finished yet. It's filled with love and life everywhere you look. When I left Sarah three years ago, she was still recovering from the loss of her two beloved cats and had no animals. That has certainly changed! Here are three of my favorites:
These are, left to right, Peanut, Yellow, and Green. These parrots get the opportunity to leave their cage and fly around the living room. They have this unique little hang-out space there, and they love to swoop over my head, lifting my hair a little, on their way from one place to the next. Yellow and Green are brother and sister, a little less than two years old, while Peanut is a rescue bird of about five years. These parrots live to their mid-twenties, usually. Peanut, until coming to live here, had never in four years been able to fly and was in a cage about the size of a canary's. She wouldn't leave her cage for a long time, but little by little she has joined the other two and had to learn to fly as an adult. She's not as proficient as the other two, but she is happy and a real delight. She's my favorite, and her call is different from the others. She can also say "nighty-night" before the cover goes over the cage at night. Other than their shrill squawks, they are extremely well behaved.
Then there are the fish tanks. I haven't counted them, but there must be at least fifteen of them all through the lower level, all but two being salt water tanks, and every fish has a name. This picture shows the largest tank and the parrot cage when they are not out flying around. You can see a chair in the foreground for sitting and watching the tank. Everything you see is alive: the coral, crabs, shrimp, and of course the different fish. Three rescue cats and a dog round out the inside animals. Outside in the yard are numerous bird feeders and squirrel feeders. This morning we saw a kestrel catch a bird and take it home for a snack.
Nemo and the coral beneath him seem to be in a symbiotic relationship. He dives into it, peeks out, seemingly snuggling and scratching his fins with the coral. It's mesmerizing to watch. I've now spent quite a lot of time watching the fish tanks, which are so soothing and restful to my spirit.

I'm in good hands, and tonight Sarah is preparing a ten-person chili party of friends I knew when I was here before, with a few new ones I'll meet tomorrow thrown into the mix. It will be nice to see them without the ordeal that we will all face tomorrow at Emily's memorial service. I am so blessed to be in a place where I can see and feel the continuity of life and the love that surrounds this place.
:-)

19 comments:

  1. DJan, I'm glad to know that you're finding some comfort at this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your friends and their critters with us. I'll be keeping you in my best thoughts.

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  2. What a cool place to be...I would love it! I hope you all get a little bit of closure tomorrow. Am sending my love.

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  3. What a delight and had no idea that live coral was a possibility in a fish tank. I've always held a certain fascination for parrots.

    Stay n Play was boarding a beautiful white cockatoo when Luc and I were "working" the lobby in the ongoing effort to get him ready for therapy dog certification. Anyway, this cockatoo would whistle and show off by swinging back and forth on the cage door to lure you over to his cage. When we laughed, it would laugh. Only one problem: it reaches through the bars to bite if you get too close. One of the owners of the kennel was bitten to the bone so a huge warning sign was placed to the side of the cage along with a small barrier to keep people from getting close. But, it was terribly interesting how that bird would do all kinds of tricks in an effort to get you to come close. lol

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  4. What a beautiful, warm, and inviting home, full of life and love! Although I don't have any animals inside my home (Kitty stays out in the patio), I wouldn't mind paying a visit there. I am glad you have such great friends. Have fun at the chili party!

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  5. So glad to hear you're in such loving company. The birds are beautiful. Take care DJan.

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  6. I would be in heaven surrounded by that menagerie of animals. The birds and fish tank are beautiful. It would mesmerizing and relaxing to watch all the activity.
    I am glad to know that you are surrounded by friends and feeling comforted in their presence.

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  7. I am sure she will hear the love of all of you rise to her in Heaven and she shall smile down upon you all.

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  8. smiles. good to be around friends...and how cool about the parrots...bet they are a trip...and so pretty...and fish as well...very nice..

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  9. I am so glad you are with friends during this hard time!

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  10. That's amazing. I'll have to share these pictures with Jordan tomorrow; she'll love them. It's wonderful that there is something to balance the sorrow a bit. You're in my thoughts.

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  11. These pretty birds look like conures - sun conures. Whatever they are, they're beautiful and truly symbolic, it seems, for your friend's journey elsewhere. Take care.

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  12. D-Jan,glad your in the mist of such nice company.Those birds are so cute!Love the fish in the tank,how charming.This will relax you a bit.So sorry for your friend.But glad you get to meet up with old pals again.

    Wish you and Guy a happy Christmas...well,I know how you feel now,but do have a nice day.

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  13. The first thing Jordan said was, "It's Nemo!" We enjoyed these; thank you.

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  14. That truly is a pretty unique place; would love to see it.

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  15. Love the parrots and the Nemo fish. Gorgeous mixture of wonderful animals and birds. They will help you all to get over the loss.
    Did Smart Guy come with you?
    Blessings, Star

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  16. This looks like the perfect place to land for awhile, especially at this time.

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  17. Good friends will help you through the tough times..I know this is a difficult time for you..you have my love and support. Merry Christmas DJan to you and Smart Guy..every new day is a gift:)

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  18. That is the coolest house. I had open cupboards in the kitchen at the last place I owned. Your friends look like and sound like caring and down to earth people. The fish tanks and the birds are beautiful. I am so glad you have this atmosphere to stay in while you are working through the loss of Emily.

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  19. The aquarium with live coral and that beautiful clown fish, Nemo, enchanting. What a welcoming home from your gracious hosts.

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