Sometimes, you come across something that strikes a chord with you or tugs at the heartstrings for no other reason than it is there. It is almost as if the item was specifically placed for you to find. My hikes about the Bayou often present me with such treasures...treasures that most would pass over without a second thought but for some reason stand out as special to me. This morning's "treasure" was nothing more than a leaf but, for some odd reason, it "spoke" to me. (Not actually but you get the idea.)
Son and I were out getting more firewood early this morning. He was running the chainsaw and I had hauling duty. Even though toting the wood up the hill, around the side of the greenhouse and to the wood bin is tiring, I would much rather do this than the other part. I am getting too old to be wielding the chainsaw! It was on one of those walks with an armload of wood that I nigh on stepped onto the leaf. Although it was noticed, the leaf did not stand out as anything miraculous until about the fourth trip past it. Suddenly, I saw the leaf in a whole new light...literally. The sun cast a single beam of light through the leaves of the old oak tree and brightened the leaf. By the time I retrieved the camera from the house, the sun had moved on its merry way but the new found interest in the leaf remained. It was gorgeous...a perfect red heart! The leaf was photographed and toted back into the Little Bayou House. I knew exactly what I was to do with the leaf!
For years now, I have often given a "heart" to my sweet niece when she comes to visit. It may be a heart-shaped stone, a leaf or flower petal but never anything bought. Sweet Eva was coming today so I feel the leaf was placed especially for me to present to her. Yes, it seems silly but let me explain. This young lady has held a piece of my heart ever since she was a child. She would often come stay when she was nothing more than toddler. Now that she is grown, visits to the Bayou are special to me. She is the type who would rather have a simple, from-the-heart gift than the most expensive present that money can buy and fully appreciates even the tiniest of gestures. I knew when I saw the heart-shaped leaf that it was meant for Eva. Not that a leaf, itself, was worth anything but, still, it was priceless. The hearts that have been given to this sweet girl show that, even though the items themselves may fall the wayside (leaves whither, you know), the love this old aunt has will hold strong through whatever may come.
Gracious as she is, Eva accepted my tiny offering with a profuse amount of gratitude. She understands. She knows that even though the leaf was simply plucked from the ground, that it represented the fullness of my love. Oddly to say, she and I are kindred spirits. We both understand.
Have you ever noticed how critters seem to fully appreciate even the tiniest act of kindness? Without words, they can let you know that your actions mean the world to them. Today was the sort of day that all things went well and it was topped off with a show of gratitude that brought smiles to the face.
Mark and I had a busy day so late in the afternoon, we called it quits and headed to the pier. The fishing poles had sat idle long enough and we needed to put them back into action. The Bay was teeming with menhaden which is our favorite bait fish. Those shiners really can lure the fish to bite. We settled in with our baited lines to await the first nibble but it was not long before I was feeding our bait to a different critter! A Great Blue Heron came to visit us and the poor thing looked so hungry! This was a young bird that obviously had not mastered the art of fishing as well as it should have so it had taken to begging for a handout now and again. I was ready to oblige the bird and tossed it a nice sized menhaden.
At first the bird was hesitant to accept the fish. It was a bit skittish of the two humans sitting on the pier even though one was willing to supply its supper. After a bit of coaxing on my part the bird eased up closer to snag its fish. Another fish was tossed and the bird was quicker on the take. After six more fish, the heron would dart in to grab its fish with no qualms whatsoever. After a couple more fish, the bird did a happy dance to show its gratitude for the handout. Mark made the comment that I had made a new friend and I thought "Yep, and it will be back for more of our bait!" I guess we had better catch twice as much as we need if I plan on feeding this fine, feathered friend each day!
Today saw me in a full on chase with a lizard. Those little guys are fast so trying to catch one can be quite the adventure. Somehow, a small green lizard had found its way into the house and was climbing up the curtain in the living room. While I have no problem with one being inside, it is not in their best interest to be here. Lizards need water and there is not much to be found in my living room. So, for his own sake, he had to be relocated. That relocation meant catching the critter first. With most, I can just walk up to them and grab them. It is sort of a snatch and go thing...usually. This lizard was having no part of my attempts to help him.
First, the tiny critter scampered further up the curtain. FINE! I will show you, you little rascal! I shook the curtain and sure enough he came toppling down. Not good. I was temporarily blinded by staring at the off white curtains that were illuminated by the bright sunshine. I could not find the lizard on the dark floor. BUT! He found me! The critter ran up my pants leg and made a flying leap for the window. Thinking I had him, I made a quick grab and wound up with nothing but air. Geez! This little fellow was good! Ok, so now he disappeared behind the curtain. At least, he was sort of trapped between the curtain and window...or I thought. As I gently pulled the curtain aside, he made a dash to the floor once again. Come on, squirt! I just want to help you!
I finally was able to capture the tiny lizard as he climbed up the door. With my hand cupped over him, I made the gentle move to grasp him for removal. THAT RASCAL BIT ME!! Yep. I guess the poor baby was terrified and did the only thing he knew as defense. Well, now! I had a lizard biting down on the back of my hand and he had no idea of letting go. Well, now, that is gratitude for you! At least it did not hurt.
I took advantage of the lizard's fear and managed to open the door with my free hand. With the lizard still attached to my left hand, I eased my way outside to release him on one of the philodendrons. That was easier said than done. The little guy was not ready to release his bite. He held onto my hand as if it was for dear life. Ok, squirt. You can let go any time now. After about a minute, the tiny lizard decided that it was safe. He let go of my hand and made a dash for the ruby lilies. There he hid under some leaves until I left. He had conquered the huge monster that tried to capture him! I guess he has a gigantic tale to tell his friends now but at least I will not be finding a dehydrated lizard in my living room now.
