So, when you're over 50, and in the midst of
immense change, thoughts seem to come out in blurbs, often disconnected.
One very important element of Twinkle and Luna is the
CD. The music to the story remains in my
head for now, except when I sing for friends and in the car, or on walks...(too
cold for those walks lately, I'm afraid!) After I get the book perfected,
I can focus on recording and publishing the CD that goes with it. So,
stay tuned. J Thank you, Erin, for this darling photo of your
daughter enjoying my first attempt!
Recently, a dear friend and I were talking about
what we’ve learned from our dogs. However, then she asked if I’m learning anything
from Ginger, my bunny. Ginger was
abandoned, and has a healed over cut or rip in one of his ears (I think it’s a boy). So, the first thing I’m learning is how to
couple firmness and with a very, very gentle touch. His insatiable curiosity is adorable to
watch, as he scopes out every room and item in any given room, sniffing as far
up onto walls as he can reach and behind every nook and cranny. But then, he wants to teeth on everything, including carpet, power
cords, furniture, tape on an antique tea box, wood railings, and more. This is an ongoing battle, and there are
more “NO’s” than “Yes’s” involved in chewing options.
But, we’re making progress. I no longer worry about the floor’s carpet—most
of the time. He found a place to pee on
it recently, which resulted in more cage time.
But,…one day at a time. Here’s
our routine: first, when I let Ginger out of his cage, I snuggle and kiss him
and coo sweet nothings in his long, fluffy ears. If I carry him somewhere, I put him down by
letting go at floor level, so he’ll lose his fear of being carried. Possibly he’s been dropped? He’s learning to navigate the stairs and can
go up to do his biz in the tub! I call
him “good bunny” when he chews on allowed surfaces and/or hops away from what’s
taboo. He loves being petted, and I love
petting him—soooo soft! When Ginger
starts chewing on anything forbidden, a very stern “NO” catches those ears of
his, usually. But, when he ignores that,
I clap, which works, usually. The moment
he stops chewing, perks up and listens, I reward him with a warm, encouraging
“good bunny,” more pets, and alternate chewing options, like cardboard, celery,
or lettuce.
Who knew rabbits can be as affectionate as dogs
or cats?! He often follows me around;
and when I sit down on the floor, sometimes he stays close and licks my
knee. Typing on my laptop on the floor,
he hopped over and under my hands, checking out what I’m doing. The most important thing I’m learning from
Ginger is the importance of “bunny time,” for both of us. That means quiet, unhurried, just watch each
other and connect time. I don’t make
allowances for that sort of time usually, and it’s nice—really nice.
Just before Christmas, the week before, in fact, I put both of my homes up for rent, because I
resolved that there’s no way I can keep paying 2 mortgages—especially since I’m
still seriously underemployed. Toward
that end, I put Ginger’s cage downstairs in the laundry room, instead of next
to my room, in the little hallway upstairs.
Ginger didn’t care for the change.
I think he felt as displaced as I was feeling.
He’s grown very accustomed to his 3rd
floor world of bedroom, bathroom, tiny hall and cage. He settles behind the toilet on the tiles
like a little cave, poops and pees in the bathtub or cage (MOST of the time)
and hops around my room, testing out what he may and may not chew, and hovers
close to be petted by me. With his cage
in the laundry room on the lowest level, he had to be carried up all the stairs
(heart-stopping terror for him, every step of the way) to return to the world
he knows. Here’s the thing—showing my home, with all its
quirks and issues, to disapproving strangers, was horrific for me. I like my own “bunny time,” with all that’s
calm, peaceful and familiar, as much as Ginger does.
So, when Jordan and Karli spent Christmas eve
here, sleeping in the basement area, Jordan moved Ginger back upstairs to his
usual spot next to my bedroom. The newlyweds were happy with their privacy and
Ginger’s so content in his spot.
Christmas morning, after I took him down to meet and greet, he hopped
back upstairs to hang out while we opened gifts. It was wonderful, warm family time for all of
us.
Right now Ginger’s laying behind my bed, napping. He’s followed me around since I settled into
doing stuff up here today, and let me pet him for longer than ever.
I couldn't
be happier, because, no matter how much I like that place up there, this place
in Midvale is Home. Ginger’s attachment to his part of the house
helped me recognize my own attachments. Having
the ability to have Jordan and Karli spend Christmas here, as well driving down to see the rest of the family on the same day, and then a sleep
over tonight before the couple flies off to Seattle early tomorrow morning, adds to the value
of living so close to the SLC airport. Residence in Logan would put me so far out of
the loop.
Further, the idea of trying to
fix everything that’s amiss in my old house, in order to make it acceptable to people who don’t
care, is not only exhausting, it’s degrading and mortifying. I really don’t mind most of the issues this place has. It's charming and I can tackle whatever tasks need to be done,
one at a time, and live my life, which needs to include “bunny time.”
Let's enjoy the soft, peaceful moments of just being with those we love this year. They are worth more than any Walter Mitty adventure. We saw that movie together on Christmas day, btw--it's fabulous! But, I don't envy him. When the weather outside is frightful, being inside with family, including a pet bunny, is soooo delightful!
