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A Story is a Living Being

By May 16, 2016March 30th, 2018Balance, Inspiration, Living

Story_Write Your StoryAs a writer, my inspiration comes from the world around me. From people and things I observe and engage with. What fascinates me, is how seemingly unconnected events magically come together in unlikely ways. This story was born in exactly that way from three separate unrelated “happenings”.

Happening One – The STORY

Saturday morning. I was excited to take a leisurely walk to the local Starbucks for my morning Chai and my daughter agreed to join me with her dog Gunnar. As we turned the corner from our neighborhood to walk along the main street, we noticed what looked like a baby squirrel very close to the sidewalk, only steps from the road. As we got closer, the squirrel ran right up to me, started clawing at my foot and climbed onto it. My daughter had run ahead with the dog, as he isn’t friendly to other animals and had been traumatized by a squirrel who got into our house recently.

Although I could sense how frightened this little squirrel was, I wasn’t sure what to do, so I guided it away from the road toward the grass on the other side of the sidewalk. An elderly man stopped to see what I was doing and we began a conversation about how we humans have displaced so much of the natural world around us. The squirrel followed us for a bit and I committed to finding a box, and come back and “save” the little squirrel from running onto the road and being hit by passing cars.

As we walked back, we saw a young man on his phone stopped in the place we left the squirrel. The squirrel was now on his foot and wouldn’t let go, so we told him we wanted to move the squirrel to a safer place. His mother had been feeding squirrels in their yard, so he believed this little guy might be this friendly because he was being fed by people in the neighborhood. He guessed the squirrel was about six months old. Really?

We easily got the squirrel into the box and my daughter walked it around the corner to a small parkette where it would be safe from the main road. The story could have ended there. It didn’t.

The Story Continues

When we got home, I immediately googled “care of baby squirrels” and phoned our local vet to see if they could offer any insights or help. The sad news was all they could suggest was we drive it to a Wildlife Sanctuary about an hour from our home. Then I called the Toronto Wildlife Services Hotline. No-one answered, so I left a message. We prepared some broccoli stems, kale leaves, and walnuts and drove back to take the squirrel the food.

It wasn’t hard to find him/her, as he’d already made it back toward the area we found him and was running toward a group of five Orthodox Jewish women on the sidewalk. They “Eeked” when they saw it, and we told them what we were doing. Did the squirrel recognize us, as he quickly settled on my foot again while my daughter ran to the parkette to retrieve the box? My daughter stroked the little squirrel’s back to comfort it and we got it and some food into the box so we could carry it back to our car. What do we do now?

What Next?

Baby Squirrel_The StoryWe started driving towards a large park close to our home, with the intention of finding a safe place for him there. My daughter’s friend who works at the zoo happened to call and was also unsure what to advise us. We drove around for about ten minutes, debating if we should take the squirrel to a more enclosed and wooded area farther away. Then I said it might be better to have the squirrel close to our home, so we could watch out for him. Would that even be possible? We turned around.

We parked in the community center parking lot and cradled the box as we carried it into the park. It felt important that we continue giving bits of food to the squirrel through the top of the box. We found the densest treed area we could and chose a secluded spot under some trees. When we opened the box, the little guy was munching away on the walnuts and broccoli and seemed content in his little enclosure. We looked for some evergreen branches to camouflage the box. I’m not sure why. My daughter felt we had done all we could do for now and we headed home. She was ready to let go of the story. Apparently I was not.

Plot Twist

Just as we arrived home, the phone rang. It was Toronto Wildlife Services calling me back. I asked lots of questions. No, squirrels don’t adopt other squirrels as they are relatively solitary animals. He was now on his own without being properly weaned from his mother. Maybe he had 24 hours to survive and they strongly suggested we take him to a vet to euthanize him or drive the hour to the Wildlife Sanctuary. Neither seemed like acceptable choices.

I felt crushed! Because of our lack of information, what I thought was the right thing to do, might not have been. She went on to tell me I’d left the squirrel to a painful death and subject to predators. Isn’t man the biggest predator of all to the natural world?

Immediately I called the Wildlife Sanctuary and she said to bring him in, as they rehabilitate baby squirrels and then release them into the wild. They had a 150 there already. We’d sent her a picture, as she asked if he had a bushy tail. It seemed bushy to us, but when she saw the picture, she messaged my daughter that he needed to be brought in to be cared for. We were committed. We rushed back to the park, now ready to take the two-hour drive there and back to save the squirrel.

The Story Shifts Again

We arrived at the park and carefully approached the box. He wasn’t there. My heart sank. Had we doomed him? We took off in different directions to find him. We searched around the park for an hour, even going through the neighborhood behind the park to see if he’d squeezed under a fence where the homes were. They had told me that when a baby squirrel so eagerly approaches a human, it’s a last ditch effort to survive. They aren’t aware yet that humans aren’t to be trusted and can be dangerous.

My daughter remained outwardly very Zen, continuing to encourage me to let it go and trust the outcome. We’d done the best we could. Easier said than done for me.

I’ve continued to return to the park to look for “Bubba” and leave food in the box. Isn’t it curious that we humans feel compelled to name everything? On the second day, I was excited to see the food was gone. Although I had no idea if it’s “our squirrel” who’s eating it. Wishful thinking.

Happening Two – ART as a Lesson in Rightfulness

Veil Painting_Blue and Art tonesThe following Friday, the art group I’m part of, started up again. It’s a comfortable group of regulars, with some new people this session. At the end of the class, several of the new people were questioning the Veil painting process, wondering if what they were doing was right or wrong. I listened, as I’ve learned when it comes to art, there is no right or wrong.

Our facilitator Jef spoke about “rightfulness”. Of making a choice in the moment that is neither right nor wrong. It just is. That stayed with me. At the end of the class, I approached him to discuss if this applies everywhere in life. Of course, it does.

Blurting out a very short version of the squirrel story, I said I’ve been tormenting myself, not knowing if, in my attempt to rescue the squirrel, I did the right thing or not. Feeling guilty and consumed with not knowing the outcome. His reply was gentle. “We don’t know what the story’s ending is.” Of course, we don’t.

Isn’t it just like us humans to want to know the (happy) ending? To want a neat and tidy outcome. As a writer who sees the world through rose-coloured glasses, I’d already envisioned a heartwarming children’s story that ends with the child and the squirrel somehow finding each other a year later.

Happening Three – A STORY is a Living Being

As often happens, the third piece of this puzzle took place the day after, while attending an experiential gathering for Biology of Story. It’s an expansive initiative, an interactive online documentary about “how we work with story, and how story works with us”.

The brainchild of film director, screenwriter, author and teacher Amnon Buchbinder, he’s assembled a vast, archive of filmed insights from those who work with story in a wide range of fields: screenwriters, novelists, storytellers, physicians, clergy, scientists, journalists, lawyers, and more. The intention: to explore “what is story” and how “stories work upon those who create and/or tell them (“authors”), as much as authors work with their stories.”

Here’s what wove everything together for me. In his clip, “Stories Are Living Beings. Period.”, James Sinclair, Professor of Native Studies, discusses the Anishinaabeg and their understanding of story, story as a tool of relationship, and the agency of living things. This spoke volumes to me. “An eagle chooses to fly in front of you; a rock chooses to enter your hand. Yes, I chose to pick up the rock, and yes, I see the eagle, but the eagle and the rock are as much a part of the story, as we are. The story will choose to be with you, but you have to choose to pick up the story.

The Light Switch Flips On

In that moment, it was like a light switch flipped on for me and I understood completely. The squirrel had shown up to offer me an opportunity to engage in the story. No one else who walked by the squirrel that morning chose to involve themselves the way my daughter and I had. The story had chosen us, and we chose to pick it up.

We kept the story alive by going back to give the squirrel food. The fact is, I have no idea how the story ultimately played out. There are many possibilities. Maybe the squirrel didn’t survive. Maybe some other person chose to feed him as we had. Or maybe someone found him and drove him to the Wildlife Sanctuary. Did the story continue? The compassionate animal lover hopes that someone else chose to pick up the story after it left us.

Saying, “Yes” to The Story

It was a profound reminder that we’re offered this opportunity to engage with the world around us all the time. Do we say, “Yes” to the stories that show up for us? Are we so caught up in the meaning we inject into our lives, that we lose the objectivity to see the multitude of choices we’re presented with? Are we so interested in perpetuating our stories that we don’t let them go to live on apart from us? Can we approach life from a creative place, allowing new stories to emerge? So many questions.

It’s a week-and-a-half since this story started and I’ve let go of knowing the outcome, blessing the squirrel to continue on his journey. Although I did go back to the park today to leave more food in the box. Just in case. Ever hopeful.

What part does story play in your life?Story is a Living Being

Beverley Golden

Beverley Golden is a writer, storyteller, peacenik and health & vitality consultant, who loves testing unconventional ways to shift paradigms in the playing fields of health and wellness, storytelling and creativity as a path to world peace. Her passion is turning the “impossible” into the possible, using her own experiences with a lifetime of health issues, to inspire and support others to live their life to the fullest. You're invited to a Complimentary Health Consultation, starting with the True Health Assessment that offers a customized personalized snapshot of how healthy you are in the areas of lifestyle, heredity and nutrition. Contact me to get started!

66 Comments

  • Lori English says:

    Beverley,
    I am so delighted to read this article about a story and listen to how writing your own story is a lifeforms that takes it’s own form. The article resonated with me because Writing my story is part of what I am engaged in now on my website. It is perfect timing and truly love the views you take and what you stand for as a writer and personally.

    Thank You ,
    Lori English

    • Thanks so much for your kind words, Lori! I appreciate hearing that this article resonated with you and that you read it at the perfect time for yourself. Writing our story is both cathartic for us and can be healing for others who get to read it. It’s wonderful to know that you love my world view and what I stand for as a human being! That is so very important to me. All the best as you continue writing your own life story!

  • Adanna says:

    I could not stop reading this. It brought back so many childhood memories of rescuing animals. But really Beverly the story lives on in each of us who read the story and we pick up where you left off with our own imaginations.

    In my story baby squirrel is alive and well getting fatter with every morsel of food that you leave behind.

    • Thank you so much for your lovely perspective on this piece, Adanna! Yes, the story does live on, especially for those who choose to pick it up and allow it to percolate in their imaginations! I love your story of the baby squirrel being alive and thriving. That is my story too!

  • Joyce Hansen says:

    Your story reminds me of how the brain responds to the flow of a storyline. It wants to have completion. You notice how upset the mind becomes when there is a disruption and the story ends abruptly. You’re left not knowing the ending and the mind wants to fill in the blanks. What we choose to fill in the blanks with expresses our deeper feelings. Usually, it’s for the happy ending, as we are optimistic. As in life, we wish everything to have a happy ending. It’s the optimism in us, but the reality is what gives our life meaning.

    • Thanks so much for adding this info, Joyce, as I appreciate hearing about how our brain wants a storyline to flow. Yes, we humans do want completion and it seems we always look for the silver lining or happy ending in every story. It’s nice to know that most people are wanting the happy ending because they are optimists, however, like you said, life isn’t lived with happy endings only. The reality of life is what gives it contrast and I know how important it is to live in polarities. That is the reality of our human journey!

  • Kimba says:

    I love story telling in all shapes and sizes. And it’s true, a story often chooses you, if you choose to then write/tell it. I think that baby squirrel gave you a great present and a lovely story.
    Kimba recently posted…Always Take the CannoliMy Profile

    • Thanks for your lovely comment Kimba! Yes, I do believe the squirrel offered me a wonderful gift by “choosing” me to show up for and I am grateful to have had this opportunity to share this story with others. I also love storytelling and really know that as much as we believe we are choosing, we are also always being chosen.

  • Nice of you to take care of the lil squirrels.. while they are cute, they sure do cause a ruckus and are evil when they live in your attic, I would know, so not so sure I could be as kind. Cute story though
    Kristen Wilson recently posted…Why Bother with Guest PostsMy Profile

    • Having had a scared squirrel in my house, I get that they aren’t necessarily people or house friendly, Kristen. This baby squirrel needed help though and my hope is that the bit of love and tenderness we showed him, helped him on his way!

  • Loved the story of the baby squirrel , Beverley 🙂 Yes your heart was definately in the “right” place! As I was sitting here reading I was visualizing the entire scenario and because of your caring, he had a chance at living 🙂

    Thanks for sharing!
    Joan M Harrington recently posted…The Step By Step Method To Become Anything You Want To BeMy Profile

    • Thanks so much Joan! Happy you enjoyed my baby squirrel story and that you saw that my heart was in the right place in the choices I made. I’m also delighted you could envision the whole scenario playing out, as that is really at the crux of what I always hope my pieces bring to the reader. 🙂

  • What an inspiring post Beverley! You did a great job with this squirrel story.

    Stories are powerful–they change us. They are the means by which we communicate our experiences, and our experiences have shaped us into who we are today. So by telling stories, we are effectively communicating who we are as a person, and how we became that way. To really become good friends with someone, we can’t just share facts or opinions– we have to share self, and stories are how we do that.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted…16 Habits of Ill-Fated EntrepreneursMy Profile

    • Thanks so much Rachel! I appreciate hearing you enjoyed this story. I agree with you that stories are powerful and they have the ability to change us and to teach us things about ourselves. Yes, by telling stories we are communicating who we are with other people, which is really a beautiful gift to offer someone. I also agree with you that intimacy in friendships, requires us to be in authentic communication with them and this we do through story!

  • Beautiful, heart-warming story that demonstrates how nothing is too small to enjoy loving care from us as humans.

    Thanks, Beverley.

    • Thank you so much Yvonne! I appreciate hearing how this story impacted you. Yes, there is nothing too small that we cannot extend some loving care to. That is why we are here, I believe. And to not lose site of it in our busy, daily lives.

  • Sara says:

    Each time I choose to visit your site I am blessed by your words. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I will now challenge myself to “pick up the story’ and regret the passing of stories that have chosen to move on.
    Sara recently posted…Monday Motivation – All You Gotta Do Is Just TryMy Profile

    • Thank you so much for your support, Sara and I am delighted to know that you enjoy my writing and my stories! To have you say you feel blessed by my words, really means a lot to me. Stay open for the stories that are coming to you, and enjoy the ones you chose to pick up along the way.

  • Latrelle says:

    This was just beautiful, Beverley.

    After reading this, I am beginning to see the stories play a much bigger part in my life than I ever realized. Such a wonderful way to view life’s unfolding. Makes me wonder what stories are out there, waiting for me to pick up 🙂

    • Thank you so much Latrelle! I very much appreciate hearing that this piece has you in a state of open wonder, curious what stories are on their way to you, to be picked up. I love living that way as well, as it makes our lives such an incredible and unpredictable journey. 🙂

  • Suzie Cheel says:

    I love love this, and the images, have pinned and shared. As i am writing my healing story there are many points here for me to refer back to and include- thank you ?
    Suzie Cheel recently posted…True Freedom Is In The JourneyMy Profile

    • Thank you very much Suzie! I appreciate knowing that something I experience and then share through my writing, is speaking to you. Look forward to seeing and reading your healing story as I know all of our stories are works in progress! <3

  • Your story was wonderful to read, and then when you concluded by writing about opportunities to engage with the world around us, it landed in a deeper way; I felt invited to look at where and how I hold back. I am very grateful to have read this today.

    Blessed be.
    Sue
    Sue Kearney (@MagnoliasWest) recently posted…Website pages — how many and which ones?My Profile

    • Appreciate hearing that this post offered you something that resonated for you today, Sue. We do have these opportunities offered to us all the time..it is a matter of whether we open up to them and say “yes”. Happy explorations! xo

  • Poor baby squirrel. So sad and touching. Thanks for being there for him. You did what you could, and right or wrong, your heart was in the right place. I hope he’s living it up with his squirrel buddies!

    • Thanks Jackie! I made a choice in the moment and hope it brought some comfort and love in the moment for the baby squirrel. I also hope he is living it up with his squirrel buddies!

  • Millen says:

    I love your tale of the “story”, Beverley! and your beautiful storytelling… it felt like reading a poem… and love this thought that “A story is a living being.” It is so true… To describe the story, you need to see it as an observer and make it live…You have a gift of storytelling… that only great writers have!

    • Thank you so much for your very kind and supportive words Millen! I really appreciate hearing that my storytelling is reaching others. I also love the idea of “A Story is a living being”. It really speaks to me. We need to be able to say “yes” to the stories that come towards us, and then to stand back objectively after and “see” the story to share it with others. Appreciate your support! xo

  • I had to come back and read your story a second time Beverley because I got mentally sidetracked comparing your experience with the squirrel to the baby bison that had to be put down because a tourist put it in their car because it “looked cold.’ Anyway, shifting back to the point at hand, which is lovely, of course, I agree with you about the power of stories and as a writer myself, stories are part of my whole life. Even though I write primarily nonfiction, i have a rich fantasy life and love making up stories about things I see and the people I meet. Wonderful article and thank you for the inspiration!
    Marquita Herald recently posted…Today, Let Us Make Time to PlayMy Profile

    • Your sharing of the story about the baby bison, has me back thinking that just because we believe what we are doing is the “right” thing, it may not be. It is a choice we are making in the moment that appears right to us. It is wonderful to hear that you enjoy creating stories about things you see and people you meet, Marquita. A wonderful way to use your imagination. I often observe people and also sense what their story is. Happy you enjoyed this post and that it brought some inspiration to you today!

  • Thank you for sharing this story. And I LOVE that it has an open-ended “ending”. Because all too often we think we MUST have everything all wrapped up…

    Never underestimate the POWER of story to transform our lives!
    Kim Eldredge – New Frontier Books recently posted…How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?My Profile

    • Yes to an open-ended “ending”, Kim. It really offers a freedom to allow the story to unfold as it will. As someone who loves story, I agree with you about never underestimating the power of story to transform our lives and the lives of all the players who participate in the story.

  • Jenny says:

    Beautiful post, Beverley.

    I love the idea of a story as a living being, because it allows for a feeling of dynamic growth and longevity. If we don’t like where our story is going, what can we do to change it or get more comfortable with it, in that moment? How aware are we that we’re co-creators of this story, and how much input we have in the choices we make? If we see all of life as a dynamic story, a living being, we engage with it differently than if we see it as something to provide our needs or fill a perceived hole. It also means we see everything as an agent in our story, which allows for it to play out as it will. Thank you!

    Big Love,
    ~ Jenny
    Jenny recently posted…When I Forget I am MagicMy Profile

    • You totally get the essence of the message of this piece, Jenny! Thank you for that. And you really understood how every living thing has agency, something we often forget. I appreciate your understanding of how we are always in co-creation when it comes to story. We are contributing and either saying yes or no to the stories that show up for us. We can choose in each moment to change the direction of the story. I agree with your that if we see all of life as a dynamic story, a living being, we do engage with it differently than if we see it as something that is only one-sided. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! It really is appreciated how you related to this piece. xo

  • Reba Linker says:

    I love this post. I love this: “The story will choose to be with you, but you have to choose to pick up the story.” That is life itself. Every moment is a new opportunity, a new story. Will we accept? Will we even notice? I just LOVE this topic. I love the phrase “A story is a living being.” Just say those words and I’m ready to settle down by the campfire and hear tales of animals, adventure and wonder. This post just totally floated my boat. Thank you, Beverley! xo
    Reba Linker recently posted…Stepping UpMy Profile

    • Thank you SO much, Reba! I love your enthusiasm and understanding of this post. Stories are living beings. Once we embrace that, we open ourselves up to the most unanticipated and joyful life experiences. And, I love your idea of sitting down by a campfire, ready to hear stories of animals, adventure and wonder! I am so happy this post “floated your boat” today, Reba. I’m smiling as I am typing this reply! Your comment just added to the encouragement I’ve been receiving about this piece and how important it is for us all to share our stories and to say “yes” to life. xo

  • Julia says:

    What an interesting read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I believe that we all cross each other’s lives for a purpose, and surely part of your purpose in the life of this squirrel was to shower it with love and, as you did so, know yourself as love. It’s in saying Yes to what was in front of you that you opened yourself up to this opportunity. I too hope to say Yes more and more to knowing myself as love.

    • Thank you for your beautiful comment, Julia. It really struck a chord with me and offered me another way to look at how our actions impacted the little squirrel’s life. To see it as “love” is a wonderful feeling. I’ve been practicing saying Yes, in my own life and do encourage everyone to do the same. There is something very life affirming about it, and having read your post this week, I would say you are saying Yes more often to life and your journey is very rich and deep and filled with sharing and being love.

  • Lesa says:

    Two weeks ago, a peacock showed up in our yard and has provided us with an opportunity to be part of his story. He was obviously raised by someone and escaped, as young peacocks sometimes do. Free range peafowl will hang around where they find the environment hospitable — lots to eat, places to roost, room to strut — of their own free will. Two different times in the last two weeks, “Fred” has disappeared and we thought him gone forever, only to have him show back up. We miss him when he’s gone, but its always an opportunity to remember that he is writing his own story and we are only minor characters in it.

    Knowing how things turn out in “the end” actually only happens in books. In real life, we often don’t know the impact we have on others. A smile, a kind word, a small kindness can often have a profound impact on those we meet, even if only briefly. Here in Seattle, there’s a column in the paper called “Rant and Rave.” The Rave’s often feature small kindnesses done by strangers for one another. Sometimes strangers save a life and don’t stick around for a thank you, but most often it’s little things — letting someone in when the traffic is thick, paying a check, returning a lost item, or offering great service with a smile. It’s a nice reminder that what we do does make a difference, even if we aren’t always aware of what it is. I am sure your little squirrel remembers you and your kindness, even if he never gets a chance to tell you that himself.

    • Absolutely love your perspective and sharing about “Fred”, your Peacock visitor, Lesa. Your understanding of how we are only minor players in so many others’ life stories, really resonates with me. We make connections all the time and often we have no idea how the interaction, brief or otherwise, has impacted the other person, animal or bird. Your understanding is very healthy. It amazed me how caught up in the “story”, I was and the not knowing if I did the “right” thing, was tormenting me. It really took the other two events to be able to detach and clearly see from an objective view.

      I think you are right too, that knowing how things turn out in the “the end” is only something we read…it isn’t something we control in real life. Firstly, I love Seattle, and the newspaper column sounds like a wonderful way to share positive deeds that might otherwise go unnoticed. I think it is a wonderful way to honour our humanity and to remind ourselves that even the smallest of acts of kindness, can reap big outcomes. And, we don’t always have to know the result. I appreciate your kind words and I am seeing now, that our small act towards the squirrel and our intention behind it, was what really mattered. I’m holding that as the “good” in it all! Thanks so much for sharing, Lesa.

  • Teresa says:

    Reading your posts make me want to be a better storyteller and writer. I am not much of either but do attempt in my own way for my blog. I love how I am learning through writers like you that a story lives on forever and the meaning of it. The quote you mention – ‘a story is a living being’, is profound and I’m grateful that you have passed it forward too.
    Teresa recently posted…Finding love. It’s not about him.My Profile

    • Thanks so much Teresa, as it means a lot to me to hear that reading my pieces makes you want to be a better storyteller and writer. I think you are doing a good job sharing what you do on your blog too. Yes, a story does have its own life and once we embrace this, I find it is freeing. We don’t need to hold on to the story so tightly and want to know the outcome. Happy that the idea that a story is a living being resonates with you and that you will remember that in your own life too!

  • Ellen says:

    Beverley, I loved these three stories. People generally don’t take the time to become involved in situations due to indifference or time. You on the other hand have a deep commitment to all beings animal or not. You care about the welfare of others and I admire that quality in you. Keep telling us your stories.

    • How wonderful of you to read this post and then share such a beautiful comment, Ellen! I so appreciate hearing how this occurred to you from your objective view in. I think you are right, that many people will not take the time to become involved and one of my main intentions is always to shake people out of their complacency to see the world in a different light. I’m happy to hear you see that in me and this piece and in my life! Thank you so much for your supportive words, as I definitely plan to keep on telling my stories!

  • Deb Nelson says:

    What a great post, Beverley. Yes, we learn at a very young age to love a tidy, happily-ever-after ending to our stories. This post is a beautiful reminder that our stories don’t just happen to us – we play a key role at every twist and turn.
    Deb Nelson recently posted…Do You Hate Vacation – or Just the Sand?My Profile

    • Thanks for your wise words and understanding Deb! Yes, we are an equal participant in every story we say yes to. As are the other players who show up for us too. It’s been interesting to see how many people are like me and who wanted a nice and tidy, happy ending. Yes, you are right, we do learn at a young age and somehow we root for the happily-ever-after ending for all our stories.

  • Kimberly says:

    This story could have been about me and my son! We are always rescuing little things that have either flown into our window or been inhospitably greeted by our cats! Love how you wove the 3 pieces together to gain understanding.
    Kimberly recently posted…The “F” WordMy Profile

    • Thanks for sharing about you and your son being animal lovers and how you rescue them, Kimberly. I appreciate hearing that you enjoyed how I wove together the three happenings to bring clarity and understanding.

  • Pat Moon says:

    A very captivating story! Yes, I was drawn in even though I was a little critical of the young man who said his mother had been feeding the squirrel. Why didn’t he take it back to its familiar location and let his mother take responsibility once again since she had started this human, wild animal interaction? I am a country girl but recognize that wild animals need to remain in their environment in order to survive as God intended. In other words, don’t feed the bears or the squirrels! Now back to the idea that a story can and often is a living being. Well, maybe not a being but it can certainly seem to be alive when we, as living beings, allow ourselves to be drawn in. A story is living to me when I continue reading because I want to know what happened or because I have an opinion about the contents. You certainly did drawn me into your squirrel story… it was alive in my mind as I read it and continues to be as I am responding to it. Thanks for a great story!
    Pat Moon recently posted…Chronic Disease… Are We Overfed Undernourished?My Profile

    • In answer to your question about the young man, I don’t think he knew what to do either, as all the squirrels his mother had been feeding, were probably older and living in his back yard area. The fact that he thought the squirrel was 6 months old, when it was probably only 6 weeks old, leads me to believe that he wasn’t all that familiar and was just offering his input in the moment. He had no idea what to do and it was good timing that we came back with the box at that time. I agree with you about how man has displaced the natural world around us and how we have little understanding or compassion for leaving these creatures in their natural habitat.

      Having worked in the realm of story and understanding how native cultures honour every living thing and how all things are connected through energy, I do understand the idea of a story being a living being. We engage and help to create and shape the story, so without us, it isn’t a story we will know about. When we stay open to the possibility, I see how we are presented with “stories” all the time. It is up to us choose them. I really appreciate your reflection on this piece, Pat, as it is very interesting to hear how many people have an affinity and compassion for animals and how many are holding a space for this little guy to have survived!

  • Your story does resonate, Beverley. The power of story lets us know that there’s something rich and deep there. I feel the call of story is so much stronger at 63 than when I was younger. And I am purposely more attuned to what shows up for me.

    • It’s wonderful to hear that you are find yourself more open and attuned to the stories that are showing up for you, Jane. I agree that it does come with age. There is something we become very aware of as we gain years and experiences. It has to do with doing the work. Happy to hear this story resonated with you and that you also have an affinity and a call to story!

  • Interesting story. To me, a story is all about the experiences and the lessons we learned.
    I hope the squirrel survived. Maybe you will see him or her again some day. Thanks for sharing.
    Sabrina Quairoli recently posted…Saving Time Using Pinterest – Advice For Your Small BusinessMy Profile

    • Thanks for your contribution to the conversation, Sabrina. I am happy you found it interesting to read and I agree with you about our stories being about our experiences and lessons we takes way from them. I appreciate you holding the thought that the squirrel survived and that there is still a possibility we will find each other again.

  • Just love this, Beverley! Of course, anything “story” is right up my alley 🙂 But what a wonderful way of weaving a real event into the philosophy of stories!
    I believe into my very bones that stories choose us. And yep, we just have to open up to them. They’re always there, whispering on the wind . . .
    Susan Mary Malone recently posted…This Texas Winemaker Found Bliss On The VineMy Profile

    • So happy you enjoyed this piece, Susan! I know it is right up your alley and appreciate you getting the essence of how the real event and the philosophy of what story is, somehow wove themselves together in this piece. I love that you are also someone who sees how stories are presenting themselves to us all the time and all we have to do, is to say “yes” to them. They are indeed whispering to us, and it is up to us…to listen. 🙂

  • This is one story which I hope reaches a happy ending with a post next week telling us that Bubba was found and is now happy in the sanctuary. We actively participate in creating our own stories, chapter and verse Beverley. Amazing story, now for the ending everyone wants.

    PS. Please continue to take food for Bubba.
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    • Thanks for your tender heart and your optimism, Vatsala. I keep hoping for the “happy” ending, although all I can do is go back and leave food for little Bubba. Yes, we do actively participate in creating our stories and they are presenting themselves to us all the time as well. It requires that we are open to saying yes to them. It is wonderful to know that everyone is holding a space for the happy ending, as that is the energy I didn’t think of before, but that I want to create. Yes, I took food back again today and straightened out the box.

  • It is because you demonstrate through sharing this experience/story, who you are in life & in the world, that also makes it endearing. It so is a portrayal of you the person.

    • I really appreciate hearing that this piece offers an inside look at who I am in my life and in the world. Although not everyone might read it this way, I really value you and your ability to read “me” into the words. xo

  • Tamuria says:

    I really loved reading this Beverley. Your little story of the squirrel had me in at the start and I think your humanity and kindness are outstanding. What really had me thinking was how you then went on to ask the important question about whether you are prepared to say ‘yes’ to the story. I really hope the little guy survived but either way, you made a positive impact on his life by choosing to be part of his story and making his story part of yours. I think that is what life is all about. Truly wonderful post.
    Tamuria recently posted…HOW TO MAKE HEADS TURN WITH PAPER MACHEMy Profile

    • Thank you so much Tami! I appreciate how you “got” the essence of how the squirrel and I created a story and how we were each part of the other’s story. I hope I made a positive impact, as that is what was most difficult for me, to think I might have done something to harm him. Yes, I am always questioning what happens to me and around me and see the “story” in most things. I agree with you, that that is what life is all about. About being open to what is coming towards us and choosing, because it is a choice, to either say “yes” or “no” to it. I very much appreciate your love and support!

  • Tina Hull says:

    Great piece Beverley, our lives are full of stories and opportunities. It is our choice to be open enough to embrace them and allow them to become part of our story.
    Lovely, I hope the squirrel made it too.
    Tina
    Tina Hull recently posted…You have 60 minutes to spare on marketing what do you do?My Profile

    • Thank you so much for reading this piece, Tina and I appreciate hearing that you enjoyed it. Yes, we are being given the opportunity every day to engage in story. It is about being open to saying yes to what is showing up for us. Yes, I still am holding a space for the little squirrel to have made it and living a wonderful life! I appreciate your comment.

  • An extraordinary piece of writing. I could say I was captured by the story of the squirrel, and I too wanted another ending, but that is only a piece of this writing that is captivating. I am someone with many stories and I enjoy telling them, and they fall in the realm of recreating/sharing an experience. I never thought of a story as a living being & I see it. If the story stays inside, hidden, it has no life of its own and it’s not the story itself. It is the telling that brings it alive.’
    As you can tell, I so enjoyed this & love how you wove so much of your day to day into it.

    • Thank you so much Roslyn! I am never sure if what I share will resonate with people and you continue to affirm that my “stories” are impacting others in ways that even I would never have imagined. We are always engaging in story in our lives and being given opportunities all the time to “pick up a story” that presents itself to us. Like you say, if we don’t engage and allow the story to be created, there is no story to share. And, if we don’t share the story it doesn’t have a life. At least not through us. I really am happy you enjoyed this, as this one was truly a labour of love and it was a personal expression of who I am and how I am in the world! xoxo