All photographs ©Vijaya Sundaram, December 23rd, 2015
Holly and I took a walk together earlier today. It was a warmish-cool afternoon (in December!), with the temperatures between 57° and 52° degrees, and yes, the world is slowly coming to an end, while global warming and climate change do their gritty business, fulfilling their promise to the humans who began it all … but it was still a pretty day.
There were scores of ducks on this shallow pond two miles away from my home, quacking up a storm. I even saw a drake mating, or attempting to mate with its partner, who seemed to be drowning, but shook herself, and sailed on.
It was a beautiful, if somewhat sombre afternoon, with grays and red-browns dominating. Duck-lust was in the air, but the dog couldn’t care less. I expected Holly to strain and point at the ducks (which she did when she was younger), since Standard Poodles are duck-hunters historically, but beyond a cursory look, she padded on, more interested in checking her pee-mail (I have to credit my husband for that pun!), and checking out the new surroundings, fully ready to protect and serve.
Walking with my dog always puts me right. The world could be falling apart around me, and the skies could be raging with methane fires, but with my dog by my side, and a wooded area, with some water, I can steady my breath, and feel whole again.
Happy almost-Christmas Eve, for those who celebrate, and for those who don’t, well, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!
__________________________________________
by Vijaya Sundaram
December 23rd, 2015