BRISKLY TOTTERING INTO 2023

Sheila Yates

Is Briskly Tottering a presage of my sometimes imperfect gait? You betcha!

One aspect of my octogenarianism is accepting the perfectly imperfect. Oh dear!                                                                             Because at times, my uneven walk is not exactly a graceful glide.                                                                                                                     It borders on a stunning zigzag. Gee Whiz!

  Bringing to mind an alternative solution written many years ago by a favorite author and creative prime mover.                                                                                                                Fleur Cowles

 I found it intriguing when author, editor, and artist Fleur Cowles* asked over 100 world-famous personalities,  “If you could be reincarnated as an animal, what would it have to be, and why?”

Although I was not among the 100 questioned, a bell rang and I immediately thought what animal could better exemplify San Diego and ultimately me than the panda!

The panda put San Diego on the map with our zoo’s amazing panda birth population and apparently nary a sexual encounter. Of course I cannot lay claim to that feat. What truly draws me to the panda is its stylish attire. I love the enchanting black and white ensemble, although, there is this consideration. If my girth is over two hundred fur pounds, will I technically exude a sophisticated look? Hmm. But, there is a “positive,” have you ever viewed a panda that is not cute, cuddlesome, precious?

I didn’t think so!

If you are of the female persuasion, which I am, giving birth to a four ounce baby would be a snap and futhermore they appear to have a sweet nature.

The only hurtle could be this. Do I really want to dine on bamboo stalks for sixteen hours a day?

I think not!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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From the Sweet-toothed Sleuth:

Fleur Cowles compiled fascinating responses from her reincarnation query of famous celebrities in her 1986 book, “IF I WERE AN ANIMAL”

 

 

 

For example:

British broadcaster, actor and author, Ned Sherrin  contended that, “he has beautiful legs, would like to multiply his assets—as a centipede.” Ian McCallum director of the American Museum at Bath chose the rat “because there is a very good chance they will survive when the human species vanishes.” Lady McIndoe answered, “A bookworm: It will be my pleasure to eat other people’s words rather than my own!”  Beverly Sills Opera Star and Director, New York City Opera retorted,                                                   “Oh, to be a giraffe who could sing!                                                                                                                                                              Imagine the joy I could bring?                                                                                                                                                                              With my long neck and throat                                                                                                                                                                                      I would hold a high note                                                                                                                                                                                            And watch jealous birds take wing!”

Thoughts from my favorite teenager, bar none:                                                                                                                                                         “As Forest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”. This can be interpreted in many different ways- in the case of this excerpt- as the afterlife. A body can come back to continue its journey as a spirit, creature, or human being. No limits. For me, I would be reincarnated as a dachshund. More specifically, a dachshund that is a dog show winning, family-man type of dog belonging to a family with rich ancestry. Their proportions of legs to torso leave little to be desired, for I would use these stunning features to win every year. I would be a fierce competitor, leaving the others to respect me, but also be my friends. We would create great memories in between segments of practice. With this busy schedule, there will be little spare time, but I would use all of it to care for and to love my family. I would love them so much that they would immediately get sick of me—except for the fact that they could never get sick of me. Eventually they’d want to take a vacation to cool off. And they’d bring me, of course! They’d use their wealth (previously mentioned) to travel to endless lengths giving me the chance to see every inch of our fair planet. I’d love to see Iceland and Greenland, but the possibilities are endless! I would be exploring every spot that I could and I’d be doing it with my favorite people. Nothing could be better! I’m so excited for the great opportunities ahead, in this life and next. I’m even more excited and proud to be featured in “by SY”- the incredible blog created by my even more incredible Granna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My final decision:  After studiously appraising different species, I’ve chosen a convivial existence full of bold, snazzy colors, a possible fifty year life span, no predators and a sizable flock of friends.                                                                                            “Rumble, Rattle, Crescendo!!!”                                                                                                                                        The Cherry-Headed Conure, better known as a red and green parakeet.****

Luckily for me I will be able to return to my old neighborhood because there is an airborne group soaring around my former home  known as the Wild Red Crowned Parakeets. I loved hearing a distant cacophony and rushing out on our deck as they approached our yard  flaunting their Christmas colors as they whizzed by. Now that I’ve decided to join them I feel a sense of entitlement with my own red head of hair, plus my vocal pitch equals theirs!

Because we are small, we make a concerted effort to be vocally assertive as we streak across the sky in our flashy attire. At times, there might be forty or fifty of us on the wing and we are just as first-rate as the Blue Angels. Our precision group effort excels at near-death defying formations.

Granted our vocalizations are not the sweet sound of an Chopin étude and you might think we produce a barrage of belligerent squabbling. Not true. Actually “we are one for all and all for one. Our sounds protect us because communication is at the core of our very being, somewhat like a group vying for attention at my Retirement Realm, it is essential for our survival!

 Someday, instead of  “BRISKLY TOTTERING INTO 2023” I shall be “BRISKLY FLAPPING INTO THE FUTURE!”                                                                Need I say more?

Sy’s Salient Points: At our previous home, our wild Red-Headed Parakeets arrived a few times a year with their Screaming Streaking Christmas Jingle. (Actually, some web-sites describe them as rowdy and loud-mouthed. Not to us. We loved their visits.)

 

 

P.S. If you feel so inclined I’d love to include your animal reincarnation predilection preference in a blog. I use initials if you prefer anonymousness. Thanks.

 

 *lushergallery.com › fleur-cowles-biographyÚ FLEUR COWLES (1908-2009) was an influential writer, painter, illustrator, and creator and editor of the short-lived but legendary magazine, Flair….a work known for its provocative design.”                                     **AsianBrush Stroke Painting Watercolor on Rice Paper: From my friend, Diana Kam                                                                                 ***Daschund Sketch: Blaire Delaney Lynch                                                                                                                                                            ****Cherry—headed Conures: Feral populations of escaped pet or breeder birds exist in the United States. Breeding populations have also been observed in San Diego County, Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley and Sunnyvale. The most well-known feral populations in San Francisco have been documented in the film The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill by Judy Irving.

Happy 2023, My Darling Blaire