George

Lately, I’ve been letting people know that if they’re interested in a Quaker Parrot, my pet bird, George, is available. Of course, it would completely shatter my heart if someone actually took me up on the offer. But as I prepare for my road trip, I’ve been thinking a lot about George’s life—a projection, perhaps, of contemplating my own mortality at midlife. Still, I’ve begun asking questions like: Is George happy? Am I the right companion for him? Is he a “studio apartment over a garage” kind of bird? And most importantly, will he be an untroubled, healthy bird with the amount of attention I’m able to give him? (He needs it ALL THE TIME.)

As I try to understand George and hope that George is somewhat understanding me (we do have funny bird calls we exchange—me squawking from my chair, George from the top of his cage), I remain hopeful that we’ll figure things out and that he’ll become more content. In an effort, for his Christmas gift this year, I gave him a new perch so he can sit closer to my chair (and see me at all times!). Yes, George is a bit clingy, but don’t all relationships have their ups and downs? I guess that goes for the ones we have with our animals, too. So unless some awesome, kind, caring, and giving person wants to adopt my baby, the next step might just have to be couple’s counseling. They say there’s a turkey vulture accepting new clients near some roadkill on the way to Berryville. Grace!

But fret not, dear reader. During my road trip, George will be in loving, capable hands, and I think he’ll relish having new company. Or he might growl and scream and completely scare any new love away. I’ve been there.

Advent 2024

Today is the beginning of Advent, a time of expectancy, of imaginatively wondering possibilities and hoping them into view. And in seven days, I will begin wandering on a long road trip to the Northeast to celebrate my mentor and dear friend’s 90th birthday and to hug Christmas with my beloved friend, both of whom are mutually adopted family after decades of friendship. Sure, I’m not the brightest colored bulb in the box by choosing to do this particular road trip in winter, but alas, time is moving too quickly these days for me to wait on weather that may or may not happen. It’s been strange enough as it is and extremely unpredictable, as if the Earth is experiencing some sort of psychological trauma due to humanity’s growing abuse. But I am digressing. Anyway, it’s a holiday-type roadtrip, even if a “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” weather situation or “Christmas Vacation” craziness. Hey, I’m open for the adventure. (Well maybe not too much adventure.)

Yes, a winter road trip to blow the leaves off my brain, to warm my heart with chosen family, and to birth a naked perspective on life. Last Christmas, bells clanged instead of chimed and holiday songs fell flatly upon my ears. It felt sad to me, as if the magic and wonder of the season was losing what made it most significant. The narrative and its meaning. There’s a reason why that ancient story of Jesus has been told for nearly two millennia among humankind, and it hasn’t been and is not always due to fear. And though there is still a chance that I might not feel Christmas again this holiday season, I have decided to choose to force my perspective toward love this year. After half of a century, I am throwing my hands up in the air in surrender and just going to love the hell out of everyone.

> So, in regards to this winter road trip, I knew that in order to get to see people along my route and attend certain holiday events, I had to be in certain places along the route at certain times. Therefore, ChatGPT. And wow, it planned the whole thing for me. It did require a lengthy conversation to get all the details exactly right, but once it was finalized, I was able to make the reservations and get prepared. This really is a technological marvel. Let’s see how many years it takes before humanity starts using it to destroy each other. On the road trip, I'll keep you posted along the way! Stay tuned to see how it goes!<

Parallels

Parallels