The other evening as I was “closing up shop” on my day, putting files away, and cleaning up my desktop, I happened to look out the window and spied a bird on my fence I’d never seen before. It was a hawk, but too small to be a red-tailed hawk. What was it?
First, I took a few photos through my office window lest I go outside and frighten it away, and then went to Audubon’s website for a little research. I found that we have eight hawks native to New Jersey, and this is a sharp-shinned hawk, also known as a sharp or sharpie. My reading on Audubon identified it as a juvenile. It stayed there for quite some time, and I stayed staring at it for quite some time, mesmerized by its beauty. Seeing an animal like this so close is always a gift to me.
And on to sillier matters …
I went out to get the mail down at the road, and my 6-year-old neighbor was taking an outdoors break from his online school day. He had a white toy animal which he quickly explained to me was a Komodo dragon he’d gotten for his birthday last year. “Wait!” I said. “I have a Komodo dragon, too!” And I showed him what you see below. He loved it, but was called in by his Dad for his next class. Inspired by his enthusiasm, I took a few photos and texted them over to my friends for him.
Here she is rock climbing in the back yard. The carving came from a now-defunct store called Two Buttons which was in nearby Frenchtown. The owners of the store were local author Liz Gilbert and her then-husband, Jose, she being the real-life Elizabeth Gilbert who wrote Eat, Pray, Love. (She was played by Julia Roberts in the movie.)
And playing on the porch. Two Buttons was an amazing import store that sold the wares of artisans from all over the world. This little dragon is carved from the root of a tree that grows in Indonesia, and is about 11″ long. They had different sizes, including one that was about 7′ long and breathtaking. If I had a few thousand dollars doing nothing, that one would be in my living room now.
Exploring in the grass. I am reminded to be grateful, in these unusual times with all their challenges and frustrations, that there’s still something silly in me – and in those of you who are enjoying the dragon photos – that has survived and seems alive and well. Cheers to us!
And on one last note … it’s spring here in New Jersey, and the pollen seems particularly intense this year. Witness my car a few hours ago.
Coming back up my driveway, the wind suddenly whipped up, and a cloud – I mean a CLOUD! – of pollen pursued me up to my door. I’d say Pollen-10, me and my car-0. And tonight we are expecting high winds. Woo hoo!
Life brings with it innumerable changes. This past year has brought with it many that have been massive, widespread, and often out of our control. And yet we’re still here … coming through on the other side – maybe a little frayed around the edges, feeling a little beat down – maybe a lot beat down – but have not given up hope. What just came to mind were the immortal words of John Lennon, “And we all shine on.“
Still A Dreamer 
Ha ha! I LOVE your Komodo Dragon, Jeanne. It sounds like Two Buttons would have been my go-to store. It’s disappointing when our favorite haunts close, isn’t it? And I agree, silly is invigorating and elevating…that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
And, oh, my goodness, YES! The pollen here is whipping off the pines in clouds like some alien gas that will transform us into flies in our sleep. Very Kafka.
We are a resilient species, yes; I hope we’ll come out of this ready to be very creative and energetic in meeting the effects of climate change and mitigating its progress. 🙂
Thank you for a lovely post, Jeanne! What a spirit-booster! xoxoxo
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You are so welcome, of course! The worst on the pollen is that I had the top half of my storm doors down so the screen would let in fresh air, and I think half my kitchen now needs to be wiped down. 😦 I’m glad you enjoyed the silliness. It was my little neighbor that inspired it .. he was so excited to show me – socially distanced, of course! – the one he had. How could I not reciprocate? LOL
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Oops, PS: I LOVE the hawk, too; we also have sharp-shinned hawks. They’re very impressive, although it’s hard to watch them take down a songbird. The circle of life is mysterious.
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Yes, my friend down at the wildlife refuge told me that if I had a sharpie, I would soon have less other kinds of birds. And here I thought that now, with my neighbors’ two bird/mouse hunting cats passed away, we’d have plenty more songbirds. Maybe not … it sure was a beauty. Hope I never have to see it hunt.
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What a gift indeed to see this magnificent bird. Funny, at first I thought it was an owl. So thanks for explaining what it was. I also can appreciate your silliness. How fun to give life to your dragon. It actually even looks real when perched on your steps.
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It really was. And for me, additionally exciting to see a species I’ve never seen before. I’ve always loved that little Komodo dragon, and as you probably know, she is always present on my desk overseeing my work. 😊
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What a great visitor and you obviously also have illustrious shopkeepers in your neck of the woods 🙂 The komodo dragon is an unusual and attractive companion!
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Very handsome, indeed. The downside of this hawk is they prey on other birds, and we have so many birds in this area. The dragon really is a cool companion. With pollen slowing down a WEE bit, I might get to take some new pix tomorrow! 🙂
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It’s almost an other-worldly feeling – seeing a rare animal up close. Even the not-so-rare ones, especially when you can tell they’re looking straight back.
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Isn’t it? I always feel so honored that I’ve been able to see some creature in all its beautiful (or even frightening) detail. It’s very grounding and connecting, too.
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What a lovely reminder your dragon is to keep alive our sense of wonder and play and gratitude.
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Thanks, indeed it is. In fact, I just made her the wallpaper for my phone, as a reminder! 🙂
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Just catching up, Jeanne. That is a beautiful hawk, and I love your dragon. Yes, pollen season has arrived. 🙂
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Hey Lavinia, By that little smile, I gather it’s booming by you, too. It’s slowing down, but still not stopped here. Still everywhere, but this, too, shall pass.
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