Every year in late spring, I take my owl ornaments out of their winter seclusion and place them over my deck railing. I love to walk out of my door and see them sitting there.
A few years back, I visited my son in Boise, Idaho, for the Mother’s Day weekend. One of the places we went was the botanical gardens. We had a wonderful time wandering through the gardens, but after a few hours, we were thirsty and stopped at the cafe for a drink. Looking around the gift shop, I saw the owls in the picture and fell in love with them. My son surprised me by buying them as a Mother’s Day gift. I was delighted and knew just where I would put them.
Back home, I attached the three owls to a frame to fit over the railing by the small table and chair near the back door, where, on warm sunny mornings, I often have my coffee and breakfast. Since that summer, I have added two more owls to the three and rearranged the furniture. The owls will be a cheery welcome each time I step out of my back door for the rest of the summer!
The following week, Sita, one of the Blue Bottles Writing Studio group, responded with the delightful story of Sol, the large, metallic owl, outside the dining room where she lives.
S.A-R
I greeted him, Hi, Sol! You seem sad. Whats the matter? He said he was distressed by the lack of human presence and wondered where everybody went and for how long. I explained and asked if he would like to go on a ride with me. He perked up, fluttered his wings excitedly, and said, Lets go. I drove through town, onto Roeder Ave, and Marine Drive. Sol was thrilled to see the trees and the water and the houses, although the roads were devoid of people . . . As we walked through the gate, Sol squealed with delight . . . Then he turned around, and there they were, three little owls perched on a wooden ledge, overlooking a small table. . . Look, owls, my family, lovely little young ones. I introduced them. . . Sol: Howdy, kiddies. How are you? ( Oh, my! You look so wooden. What is the matter on a sunny day like this?
Benjis: Oh! You look so gorgeous and colorful, though old; we…
Sol: Interrupting, never mind my age. Why are you looking so blah?
Benjis: You are so stunning, and from the city, living in a modern housing complex among all those great folks and with the attention they give you. But look at us. We are in a rustic environment, without many other contacts.
Sol: But you are so adorable, living in an enchanting garden full of fragrant and vibrant flowers and shrubs, surrounded by free birds, butterflies, and other living creatures you can see. You breathe refreshing air.