wolves in the neighborhood

A few years ago, I watched a full moon rise and turn orange in the month of October.  I won't even attempt to try and explain why, but I felt the need to howl.  So I did.  Right there in the 7-eleven parking lot.  And it was so liberating that whenever I see a full moon and feel so inspired I go outside and howl.  I can ignore the sound of my phone, the doorbell, and people, but not the call of the moon.  

Two friends emailed me today as a reminder that Friday the thirteenth, the moon would be glorious.  So tonight, I went out when the moon was high around 10 p.m., threw back my head and howled like there was no tomorrow . . . and the strangest thing happened.  One of my neighbors joined in, then another, then another.  And no I don't know which neighbors were howling but I'm pretty sure I have a pack!

So the next time the moon calls to you, don't question it, just answer.  You might be surprised to know you're not the only wolf in the 'hood. 

and I am gratful

Whenever I start to feel stress creeping into my body, making my heart beat a little too fast, I stop what I'm doing and head outside.  There is always a cure for stress in my backyard.  This time of year, there is a pine tree with a yellow-crown night heron's nest situated on one of the lower branches.  From my own perch on the dock below this branch, I have been privileged to watch two eggs produce a pair of breathtakingly beautiful little birds.  At dusk, I watch them come out to the edge of the nest where they stand in wait of a breeze that unleashes that instinct to stretch first one wing then the other, testing their strength for the day they will fill those wings with wind and fly for the first time.  I hope I'm there to witness this marvel, but even if I'm not, my heart has slowed and peace now courses through my veins.