Mighty like a Mountain Lion

 

I took this photograph of the original Mister Pickles way back in 2015. Dr. Thompson and I had first moved to our farm in the Hudson Valley. Up until then, Mister Pickles had only known the indoor life of a Cape Cod cat. Poor guy--he could only stare out the window overlooking Waquoit Bay, inhale the salty ocean breeze, the mysterious scent of hermit crabs, scallops, clams and a whole lot of salty water. Coyotes roamed the beaches and so we never let him out, no matter how much he might cry and beg and plead. However, by the time we moved to our farm, I took pity on him. Also, he was older by then. A mature cat. And I figured, I could trust him to stay close.

And indeed I could. He became an excellent companion and would follow me around the field, into the woods--just like a Golden Retriever. He was a sight to behold—the way he walked across the river using a fallen log as a balance beam. As dangerous as some of his antics might seem, he always landed on his feet. He knew himself—what he was capable and what he was not capable of.

It was a thrill to see how much he enjoyed his senior years. Inspiring.

He taught me that one of the great advantages to growing older is the importance of knowing when to pounce and when to wait.

By the time you reach a certain age, you know this—there will always be mice to catch. And you know where they’re all hiding out (yes, under that pile of kindling by the garden). At a certain, you become philosophical and you have the patience and wisdom to stay still and wait, and finally pounce only when the moment is right.

Creative Friends--you work with what you’ve been given. Perhaps you will let go of a handful of youthful dreams, hold tight to your abiding talents. Hone old skills, and challenge yourself with new skills. Have faith, work hard, be patient and be ready to pounce when the time is right.

And finally, stay creative.

Love,

Jamie