You know how we all have our things to deal with; some include jobs, kids, families, illnesses, financial concerns and those general crummy days that seem to weigh you down? Of course you do, we all have them. Then you also know how every once in a while there's a little gem that shines and you feel like it's just for you, no matter how small. It makes you feel special, like you were part of a sweet, singular moment in time that, for an instant, made everything else drop away.
As I left work and pulled out of the parking lot tonight, there were five deer nibbling on grass at the gate; two adults, three much younger although none young enough to still have spots. The closest was at a distance of 12 feet with the others being no more than one or two 'deerlengths' beyond. My window was down and I gasped out of sheer surprise. Deer are not what I expected to see on the South Side amid all that congestion even though there are some trees nearby. I thought my lights and general presence would frighten them off but they were so calm. They looked at me with as much interest as I did them. One of the adults tried to walk in front of my car, toward the traffic and I moved my car forward a couple of feet with hopes of deterring him. Instead of running, he studied me. Really studied me. He took a few more steps and I moved my car up again. He turned to face me and eventually sauntered back over toward the others. I figure he was wondering what in the hell I was doing. I'm sure it was his turf and I must've appeared pretty nervy but if he would have gone much further, the outcome may not have been pretty. I had the chance to sit and watch them, and yes, I talked to them. I can't help it. I talk to all the animals I see. Silly as it may sound to some, that was really special for me. Deer aren't the most relaxed of animals and for them to be aware of my presence and still go about their business (while I was so close) is exceptionally cool. Me, I love animals. Probably more than people for the most part. For all of an estimated two minutes they were the only thing on my mind. They were my little gems. Everyone needs that now and then, no matter what form it comes in.
Of course, now that I think about it, they have a camera in the parking lot. It will most likely look like I'm talking to the security gate arm and erratically pulling my car further up. I'll appear certifiable! Heh. Cool.
14 comments:
It would be interesting to check the tape to see if the camera captured the deer - unless you were just talking to the security gate arm and erratically pulling your car further up.
On the bright side, the security people will now think twice before they come talk to you, which gives you licence to do... quite a lot, really.
"They were there, Officer, I swear they were!"
So you don't need roses, deer will do, don't they, er, dear :)
Heh that explains why you have a tendency to talk to cats. ;-)
awwww - I love those moments!!
and I talk to all the critters too - sometimes it's nice... and sometimes I'm cursing at them and threatening them with bodily harm if they don't get away from my bird feeders!!
but mostly it's nice =)
Wow, that's a rarity for you. Glad you took the time to notice.
girl, U made me feel relaxed too. . .and just by reading this :)
thanks for sharing :)
Kyknoord - I think I was talking to deer, but with me it's kind of hard to say sometimes!
Anne - Ooh, I never thought of that. I like the way you think.
Terri - They'd be more apt to just toss me in the car and drive me to the psych building! =)
Banzai - Well, cats are my favorite... ;)
Kitty - Oh, I've said my feir share of not-so-nice things to them too. Like the birds that insist on WALKING out of the path of my car. You have wings, damnit, use them!!!
Jay - A rarity indeed. They were kind enough to hang out and I savored the moment.
Beelze - It was a wonderful thing to be a part of. I do think the simplicity of it was what captivated me the most.
Tigress - I'm glad it relaxed you; as I recall you need a healthy dose of that right about now. =)
Hey there, Mrs Doolittle.
What do deer talk about these days? Not global warming, I hope.
haaaa I've never understood WHY birds insist on either walking in front of cars or just flying so low that they get hit... they can go way up high in the sky so why on earth are they getting hit by cars?!!
we had a deal!! hehehe
You'd love my woods. You could talk to the bear now and then too, and literally talk turkey!
One spring we came across two little newborn fawns staggering across the road on their wobbly legs--surely on their very first walk. We slowed the car way down and finally stopped, and the babies just walked up to it with big wondering eyes. I hope their mama taught them quickly that cars are not their friends--but that innocence was so heartrending.
Chitty - Yes, that's me - Lucy Doolittle! =) Funniest thing, they were talking about X and Y chromosomes! Guess word travels fast!
Kitty - Now I guess we know where the phrase 'bird-brained' comes from!
Jarvenpa - I imagine I'd love it there; never can seem to get quite enough of the critters. As for those fawns, that must've been incredible. You are probably one of a handful of people that have had the pleasure of such a magical experience.
That sounds really lovely. I've never seen a deer, well, apart from the ones that live on the deers farms, and while they are still cool it just isn't the same.
Seeing animals where you don't expect them is a great experience.
Fence - There is a big difference in seeing the animals in their natural settings vs a confined one, but they are still beautiful. Unless you find an uninvited critter in your house, it is great to see them when you least expect it; just not in your kitchen or something. ;)
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