Squirrely for Autumn
With an original image from Midjourney
Melli reached for the binoculars she always kept on her kitchen windowsill to get a better look at the white squirrel frolicking in the autumn leaves of her back yard. He’d been out there every morning this week. Melli had planned to rake but couldn’t bring herself to take away the little creature’s fun.
She chuckled at his antics as he tumbled about in the leaves, wishing she could play with such abandon. And then she wondered, why not? She waited until the squirrel had had his fill of play for the day, then grabbed her rake from the porch and headed for the yard.
She raked the leaves into a huge pile, then, taking a running leap, threw herself backwards into them, flailing her arms and legs as she landed. She lay on her back, tossing leaves into the air and watching them waft about on the breeze before gently making their way back to earth.
As she smiled the most contented smile she could remember in a very long while, Melli made herself a promise to find new ways to play and started planning the snowmen she would make and the tobogganing she would do when the snow came. Maybe she could talk some friends into joining her. She could taste the hot chocolate already.
I was really pleased with how this little squirrel turned out. Despite my allergies always being so much worse at this time of year, I love autumn (fall to my American readers, I think).
I haven’t played in leaves since my own children were young. I don’t have anywhere I can makes piles of leaves for my grandsons, but maybe I can borrow a friend’s yard. Our leaves are just beginning to turn in the Fraser Valley. I have some time to plan.
Do you have any special memories of childhood fun in nature? I also remember making snow angels. Now I’m wondering if I could convince Midjourney to make such a picture. Hmm…
Love the story. Who among the adult community hasn't thought of acting like a kid again? However, the first thing that came to my mind when you wrote about the cute white squirrel was the strange contradictions people have when it comes to attitudes toward rodents. Squirrels are seen as cute, loveable and playful. Rats are seen as ugly, evil and worthy only of death in a trap. Both cause damage to houses. Both can carry disease. Both are intelligent, though rats are likely more intelligent. What's the difference? Squirrels have fluffy tails. Rats have hairless rope like tails. Humans seem attracted to the illusion of soft and fluffy. Seems unfair doesn't it?
Yes to more play! We built fires and made willow tea, had tree forts and a special Kool-Aid tree.