16 1 / 2012
I have had a strange day.
When I got off the train and stepped to the end of the platform this morning, a red-tailed hawk flew out directly in front of me, maybe a foot above my head. I have been seeing them often in the last few months (just a week ago one flew above me, circled, and then landed on a church steeple that I was about to pass), but have never seen one that close.
I received a very kind email, so kind, that I’m not quite sure how to respond to it yet. Strangers have been writing me lately, asking questions and sharing stories. I love it.
On the way home I was waiting for the T at downtown crossing, keeping my eyes on the ground like I always do when I’m at downtown crossing, and a man with his dog sat on the bench next to me. The dog studied me for a few moments, then stood and moved towards me and put his head against my knees until I began to pet him. I told the man that it was the best thing that had happened to me all day, but what I really meant was, it was the best thing that has happened to me in weeks. Then, when the dog stood by my side until the subway came, I cried.
I stopped for groceries on the way home, and when I stepped out of the store afterward snow hit my face. Snow. By the time I got to Davis, the ground was covered, the first time I’ve seen it white this winter, and I walked home instead of catching the bus, even though it was already past 10 and the groceries made me late, letting it stick to my clothes and freeze my cheeks.
