17 July 2008

A little clip I wrote in half and hour...

Gadget came bounding up the sidewalk to the step. He had only just seen the bird reach the branch and was determined to bring him down. (No one could make him believe he was a creature of inferior tree-climbing ability.) He sat down below the bottom step, pawing the air, trying to picture how his maleficence could reach new heights. Run at the tree, leap up the trunk of the tree, climb onto the branch all while remaining silent. The plan was infallible. Then all that was left was to sneak down the branch and storm upon the nest.

He readied himself for the attack just as he heard a susurration from within one of the shrubs that lined the porch. His ears perked, his head turned, searching for the spy. Electrolytes stirred in his veins, causing a tremble of excitement. Should he go on with the plan or risk attempting this task when the cat could be watching? He looked at the tree, then back at the shrubs, then back at the tree. The bird peered over the edge; the rustle of the shrub willed him to try and dared him to fail.

He readied himself once more, rising on all fours and glaring into the base of the trunk. He started at a trot, moved into a gallop, then darted at full speed running vertical up the trunk, grabbing hold of the branch with his two front paws. He had made it, but only barely. He had not put on such a farce since January’s incident with the snow. With all his might he pulled himself upward, swinging his legs down the branch, hoping to grab on. The branch shook; the leaves rustled.

Gadget let out a whimper as the cat bounded up the trunk and onto the branch above him, mocking his feeble mission. The bird, seeing both Gadget and the cat invading his branch, gave up his perch and flew into the shrubs. Gadget, unable to hold on any longer to the branch and fearing the cat’s ruthless mockery, let go of the branch, accepting his failure. The cat, feeling superior to both the cowardly bird and foolish Gadget, sauntered down the branch which creaked and cracked more loudly with each forward step. The bird began building a new nest but did not watch, Gadget sashayed to the backyard but did not bark, and the cat did not notice until he went soaring uncontrollable to the ground to the mocking laughter of the successful Gadget.

02 July 2008

Living with Cats

I have officially moved in with two cats, a missing closet door, blinds that don't work, a litter box, a broken porch step, and internet that doesn't seem to want to work. Not the best of situations at the moment to say the least, but I'm making do.

I am glad to finally have a day off of work after working 7 straight days while moving! I would NOT recommend anyone attempt this activity as it is extremely dangerous. I haven't been quite that drained in a LONG time. Drained and exhausted and living with shedding creatures.

Life can be terrifying, but then I'm sitting outside at a coffee shop drinking fruit tea because the internet at my new place refuses to cooperate, and I can't help but remember that life is also beautiful! And I am, despite the current less-than-perfect situation, pretty darn blessed.