Was in Kauai for a week and these little chickies were everywhere. So incredibly cute and vulnerable and vocal. This little one, I'm sure, was spring's official spokesperson.
- Diane
MAMA RACCOON
Spring has arrived early in California; the fruit tree blossoms are already abundant, the birds are singing and raccoons are finding their multiple mates.
This beautiful raccoon will soon be a mama. My husband and I had the unique opportunity of watching her mate in the wild. I wondered how long it would take before her babies were born and learned it would be just nine short weeks. She will raise approximately 3 to 5 “kits” entirely on her own. The babies will be blind the first few days and deaf for the first three weeks, making them completely dependent on her. Immediately vocal, the infant may sound like a human baby if in distress. If confronted by danger, this mother raccoon will furiously protect her young. They will learn to forage for food with their mother and will remain with her through the first winter until they gradually leave. Their short lifespan is only 2 to 3 years in the wild but they can live up to 20 years in captivity, which makes me want to coax a few home with me!
I ask myself, what will I do in the next 9 weeks as spring gushes with growth. If this raccoon can be so prolific, then I certainly can too. I won’t be bringing any new babies into the world, but I am inspired to to go forth and bring new creative life into fruition!
See some wonderful raccoon videos on PBS. This one is the babies first night out.
YOUNG EYES
Your young eyes look out at this world
with hope for compassion —
I hope for you as well.
- Diane
JUST SHY
The mistress did not want to converse,
so she turned her head with a curse,
with my kind goodbye, she sighed a reply...
"oh dear, oh my, I am just shy!
BLESSED
Leaving the nest and dressed in her best,
she headed west on her journey’s quest
and all the way professed:
I am truly blessed!
- Diane
GALLOP ONWARD
Vibrant and strong, we shall gallop onward.
- Diane
OUR DIFFERENCES
It’s mystifying how we all try to fit in, when our differences
are what make us so profoundly original.
- Diane Varner
YEARS OF ROAMING
After years of roaming, the heart knew it was time to settle down.
— Diane Varner
COMPLETELY NOURISHED
Surrounded by all that could sustain her, she knew it was not enough — for only when she could run free, would she be completely nourished.
* * *
This little critter (aka gopher) was caught one day when it had the courage to run across the yard. Just a baby, it most likely didn't know better and was lulled upward by the warm sunshine and blue skies. Upon catching her, I put her in a bucket of veggies and took her for a ride to a larger field where she could run free. Just before releasing her, she looked up at me with her sweet, knowing gaze — it was one of those looks that I shall recall whenever our lawn starts erupting dirt mounds. I now can't help but love these little beasts!
— Diane Varner
