August 23, 2011

Light of Foot ~ Light of Spirit



Times like this find me wishing for a zoom lens. This is a western diamondback rattlesnake.  He spent the better portion of a morning last week wandering my back patio.  I spent the better portion of the morning freaking out. 


This is Todd...my hero.   Yes, that is a snake tattoo on his lower left leg.  He is passionate like that.  He lives in the neighborhood and will come and relocate snakes for free.  He is passionate like that.   And because he is passionate like that, he came all the way from Round Rock, in the middle of a work day, to relocate my unwanted guest. 


A second encounter today with another rattlesnake (on the trail) and this anole spotted on the leaf of a sweet potato vine remind me of the importance of being light of foot.   As the anole eyed me suspiciously, just as I had eyed the rattlesnake, he slowly and ever so lightly walked along the vine with nary a disturbance.  The leaves barely sagged under the weight of its step.  This is how I'm determined to live at the moment; light of foot.   


These beautiful, young people I've been graced with caring for are growing up and I'm treading lightly into this new season.  We'll be feeling our way along, determining just what our new 'normal' will be while our oldest is away at college.


Treading lightly into new roles and responsibilities.   Purposefully being light of foot in order to remain light of spirit...


I used to live in a room full of mirrors; all I could see was me.  I take my spirit and I crash my mirrors, now the whole world is here for me to see.
                                                                                                                Jimi Hendrix

26 comments:

  1. I know the kids and you will be fine cause you are a great family!
    As for the rattlesnake I was hoping K. was kidding. Now, I might never move to TX. Unless I have Todd's phone number tattooed on my arm ;-)

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  2. Well, YIKES on the rattlesnake, but your patio sure looks like a lovely place to hang out -- when it's cooler, that is :-) One day at a time on the adjustments of life, one light step at a time :-)

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  3. That was a lucky rattlesnake! A lot of people would have killed it. Lucky for you there was a snake relocater in the neighborhood. Great post! It is difficult, releasing our hold on our children as they grow up. The years fly swiftly!

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  4. What a scary experience! I admire snakes but I would be freaking out too! But how great is that to have a go to person to help you out! I had a funny experience yesterday...brought in some rugs I had drying outside and brought in an anole with them. I had to chase it around the house to put him back outside where he belonged.

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  5. So lovely, Cat, your sentiments... NOT the snake. We're seeking a "new" normal as well. It is all good.

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  6. That snake is amazing but thank goodness for the equally amazing neighbour willing to take it away!

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  7. Cat--I loved your post about the kids and finding your new "normal." You always take thinks in stride and I love that about you.

    As far as that snake.....you know how I feel about snakes. Sadly, that means you will have a hard time getting me to set foot back there again for a while. Hope you're patient with me!

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  8. Cat you have a lovely light touch with words and pictures. Sad to see the young fly the nest but the closeness of your family will keep you together across the distances. Beautiful shots - even the rattlesnake.

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  9. Beautiful sentiment, great post.

    Even though it causes lizard/snake jealousy on my end.

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  10. Hmm, am torn between envying you seeing a rattler so close and being very grateful that it wasn't me. Thank goodness for Todd! Treading lightly seems like a good way to live - good luck with the transitions, hope they are smooth and full of unexpected delights.

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  11. What a truly outstanding post!
    I LOVE that Anole photo!!! I'm not afraid of snakes... UNLESS they are poisonous! I would have been freaking out too!

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  12. Love this post!! Except for the snake. Yuck! Excellent philosophy! I'm trying to stay light of spirit as we end our week with a hurricane after starting it with an earthquake. At least I won't have to water for a while. :o)

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  13. A beautiful transition of thoughts/photos, Cat ... Such a wimp regarding snakes, the diamondback would set me back fearfully, probably never, ever, wanting to venture onto the patio again. Now, the anole I can handle ... as your daughter, so beautifully pensive in the photo. And the ending quote ... perfect!

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  14. Cat, What a lovely, thoughtful post. Ironically, the rattlesnake looks almost harmless in your neighbour's hands.
    Initially, I was thinking that there is no comparable menace in my garden, but then I remembered that there are things that could cause harm. They are smaller, less obvious threats, but they are out there in the garden none-the-less. It is wise to tread lightly and be aware of everything around you.
    P.S. I love the black and white portrait.

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  15. Recently, a copperhead was on my patio and went after a skink. I, very carefully and cautiously, relocated him or her. It was scary because he was under the hose reel cart, and if I had not seen him peeking out from underneath, he could have easily bitten my foot or ankle. It must be difficult to watch your young ones grow up and away...you are so wise to take the 'lightfoot' approach.

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  16. Great photos.

    I enjoy seeing snakes on our wooded property, but NOT the kind shown here! Very scary. The Anole Spotted is beautiful. We don't have those here in Indiana, just Salamanders. :D

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  17. Here are a few wise words from a wonderful friend "God didn't bring you this far to drop you on your head." When it does rain I hope it comes gently and soaks your parched ground. Your rainless days just can't go on forever!

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  18. Ok SO would have freaked out. Luckily you have a friend that took care of the snake for you. I would still be screaming I am sure.

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  19. Where does Todd relocate the snakes?

    You'll ease into your new 'normal' gradually. From reading your blog this past year, I have a feeling everything will be fine, no 'treading lightly' needed.

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  20. Bom, he relocates them to a preserve a few miles away or he gives them to a friend of his who uses their venom to make antivenom.

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  21. Zoot Cat! That snake. Love the Jimmy Hendrix and I too have college going offspring. Quirky and fun.

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  22. scary snake encounter, so glad you had someone to help out humanely, he sounds like a really good person,

    you will ajust to your new normal, discover things and rediscover things laid aside as you nurtured your best blooms,

    and I love the rose portraites in your wordless Wednesday post,
    Frances

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  23. Oh my! Cat that snake would have freaked me out completely. You are most fortunate to have someone to care care of it for you.

    I love the photos and the sentiments you've expressed in this post - just lovely! I think your children are blessed to have you as their Mom!

    PS: Glad to have you "back" in Blogland :)

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  24. Love the rattlesnake. I have always liked snakes, but if I knew it was a diamond back I would be freaking a little too.

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  25. Hi Cat, I think I would be freaking out if I saw a rattlesnake in my yard...my gartersnake is nothing compared to this;-) I understand the need to try to find 'a new normal' after a change like a child going to college. Am still working on adaptations to that event (and ones like it) even this year, as she is in graduate school & my son begins high school.
    One of the constants of life is change...so as soon as we get used to things the way they are, we have to be ready for the surprises that will inevitably come. Bittersweet, these changes are;-)

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