I saw an owl this afternoon.. it was perched on a tree outside of our house.. I started at it for a while before i recognized what I was looking at..   She… (I’m sure it was a she, somehow).. was more than two feet tall and was perched motionless staring out over the river. Then she slowly swiveled her head to look at me.. stared at me for a moment then spread her wings and glided off.   I was stunned for a moment.. i’ve never seen such a majestic bird so close up….

I’ve been thinking about the look she gave me all evening.. it was peaceful and knowing.. not ominous.. but I can’t help remembering that seeing an owl.. especially during the day.. is considered a bad omen in many cultures.. In some cultures it warns of death,, while in others it comes as a messenger.. a harbinger of change.. In others it’s a a totem animal… a sign of wisdom.. a bringer of magic.

What do I.. on the eve of my birthday .. comfortably middle aged.. and happy.. (if in a lopsided kind of way )  choose to make of such a sighting ?    Do I choose to take it as a warning of some kind  and brace for something ? Do I take it as a sign of coming of age and wisdom.. or do I take it merely as a very hungry bird out looking for an unlucky snack ?

You know.. the wonderful think about being where I am now in life is .. I don’t have to choose.. in fact I don’t get to choose.. .. I’m at that point of surrender where I know i don’t get to choose my fate any more than anyone does.. and .. that’s kind of nice..

On the eve of my birthday I reach out to all the other me’s in the 52 years past.. and who-know’s-how-many future and say.. happy birthday me.. .. I hope you’re enjoying your day… ..

-nite aall, nite sam

-me