It’s been a busy 2023 so far around here. In addition to working on some fun and interesting freelance projects, I’ve been enjoying spending time with friends and family—lots of good things here in winter after a fall that involved Covid and sinus infections and such.
The unexpected also has played a part in the busyness, of course. The most notable example of this was when my dog and I came upon a tiny bird struggling on the sidewalk last month. It appeared to have been hit by a car. My husband gently collected the bird, which he positively identified as a white-throated sparrow, and I took it to our wonderful local wildlife center, which cares for injured wild birds. They did what they could for this sweet little creature, but his injuries were too severe and, sadly, he passed away.
The corner where I found the little bird has proven to be quite the hot spot for animal rescues. A few years ago, I came upon a turtle that had been hit by a car not even a block from there. I took him to a local vet who works with the wildlife center to help injured reptiles and amphibians. The vet was able to repair the turtle’s shell so the little guy could be returned to the wild. And last summer we found an abandoned kitten in a patch of ivy near where I found the bird. This beautiful little kitty is now living in a happy, loving home with some good friends.
I’m so sorry the little sparrow didn’t make it. We’ll never be able to hear him sing his sweet song again: “My Sweet, Canada, Canada, Canada,” or “Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody.” But we did the best we could to help him, and it is comforting to know he was given the best care possible in the end.
So, have I made a lot of progress on Book 3 in the Edgemont trilogy since the beginning of the year? Nope. But such is life. You have to live it, and if that involves taking a little time to stop and help other creatures, great and small, or to enjoy the company of friends and family, or to take care of your loved ones, both human or animal, then it is worth the delay.
The book will get written in good time.
Take care!