Hard to believe in another 8 days I will have lived here at my DreamCatcher ranch 9 months! And, what seems so interesting is that it all works so well with me inside. It’s not outward appearances that matter, it’s what appears on the inside of us that’s of import.  I see the snakes (small ones and no rattlers yet!), swarms of ants (happily not near my house), evidence of raptors that have killed baby bunnies (alas) and…DRUM ROLL, PLEASE…there’s a desert tortoise  who came with this property whom I’ve named Johnny (as in “Here’s Johnny”!).  Porter likes him too…sniffs for him outside around the house when we don’t see him, and gets up close and personal when he greets me at the front door these days to get his daily dose of lettuce.  He lets me rub his head, and so help me, I think he ‘runs’ to me when he sees me cuz he knows he’s getting fed.

The most interesting thing about Johnny is that he went missing for almost a week, and I found myself feeling sad.  I had seen him eat a tarantula – boy, this was an interesting sight to behold! – and I thought maybe that had killed him cuz I have pest control here to keep scorpions and other pests out of the house, and I had found tarantulas dead because of that too, and I thought maybe a poisoned spider could kill whatever ate it.  Anyhow, lo and behold, Johnny surfaced again, and I think I figured out he hides when it gets really hot.

What I’m trying to convey is that my heart has been extended to Johnny and I was well aware of it when he went missing. It’s funny how Life becomes more keen to recognizing other Life when we identify with it. I didn’t like seeing the dead baby bunny that had been mutilated by a raptor either.  But, we’re all here for our purpose while we’re here.

I’m getting to know the ‘bones of the place’ just like every other home I’ve had.  It’s a process of easing into my new lifestyle…not unlike how we ease into everything else that confronts us every day.  I’m socializing more here than I did in Phoenix in a city neighborhood environment as against a country lifestyle.  My friend and I see each other almost every week and we get together for family meals fairly often too.  I’ve become more of a ‘mozier’!  I’m slower by necessity and because of this I’m observing more in a quiet sort of way.

There’s a lot to be said for changing one’s routine and surroundings…like taking a different route to work or school or to the grocery store once-in-a-while.  I moved out of state and totally changed my lifestyle, but I think it’s important not to get into a rut over anything (or anyone either, for that matter).  I think we stay sharper and more interested in what’s going on around us when we have diversity and surprises too.  Like when I first saw a centipede here (which are common in this neck of the woods).  Eew! It’s amazing how well we can go with the flow with it all (Smile). I think my countenance is milder and more accepting.  I think I’ve grown to understand that there’s always something new to contend with no matter what so why get overwrought about any of it.

You’re creating your wonderful world to enjoy. Blessed Be.   ~Gaya

Bless your own life and others’ lives too. Stay Safe.  Be Well.