Bunny Time

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 3^rd 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. 

 Yesterday, I met some delightful people who want to rent my Town home in Logan. 

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!