The dog days of summer. It's been over 100 degrees for 14 straight days here, and no significant rain since early June. This is why I left the southwest many years ago. My yard & flower beds are haggard, we have a watering ban in effect. It saddens me to see things this way.
Of course, office buildings and businesses are still allowed to water. What? I don't have an investment in my landscaping? Just another way THE MAN will keep you down.
But I stray from my point. Today is the day when I accept the obvious. A so-called dear friend has betrayed me, and trampled my soul. I have known this for several weeks, but the optimist in me says to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps denial is a better word.
One would think that your feelings would grow callouses over the years, be less sensitive for the wear and tear. This is not the case. The feelings remain, I just hide them more deeply, and keep them away from others more readily.
No, I don't feel sorry for myself at all. I am just sad about broken trust. There is never an explanation, nor is there ever a good reason. Another example of people just looking out for themselves and have no concern for the feelings of those they impact. I am always OK, but I still don't know what sort of ride out of this I am in for. I intend to pack a lunch, for I will be there all day. I don't ever start these things, but I have finished them many times.
To close on a happy note, I met a wild bird today. At the office building where I work, it has a mirrored exterior and many trees nearby. Dozens birds have met their fate from flying towards the trees they see, then crashing into the side of this monster of steel, concrete, and glass. I hate that, and anytime that happens it breaks my heart.
Today I was going towards the entrance and heard that familiar "clang" sound, and a tiny Tennessee Warbler fell at my feet. I thought it was a goner, but to my surprise, the little guy hopped to his feet and looked punchy. I stayed to keep careless co-workers from stepping on it, he became very comfortable and seemed to perk up.
I had to go begin my day, but I wouldn't abandon it to fall prey to pedestrians, cats, or other predators. I reached down and offered my hand and it climbed right on my finger! Awesome! I carefully motored to the end of the sidewalk, a few hundred feet, and talked to it all the way. Seemed to understand me.
There was a small tree just off the sidewalk, so I put it next to the lower branch and coaxed it off my finger. When I came back 15 minutes later to check, it was still there. I picked it up again and held it into the air as far as I could. It took off and flew away into the real trees.
It was a sad day, yet my heart was soaring. Hope is always on the wing.
Best wishes and thanks for reading.
Charley
