This was such a fantastic read Robert. What an experience, to become so intimately acquainted with a raven. I loved the vignette about when your daughter came home and you didn’t mention that she would be sleeping near him, and how that morning unfolded.
Your tales remind me of a story a friend tells from his time up in Alaska at a gold mine during the winter. It was something like -30°F and he witnessed a raven flying around with a plastic Dixie cup as a makeshift windshield. Pure genius.
I have thought I would love to make friends with a raven, and now I am curious about sitting in the woods with an assortment of shiny things.
I am thrilled that you enjoyed reading about my friend Llikdaor! There is so much more to this story as you can imagine. I’ve started on part two but it’s emotionally draining. It was such a privilege to have him in my life. I had been working at an animal shelter before I got him. For nine months I started my day by putting dogs and cats, kittens and puppies to sleep. I was in a very dark place and I credit his friendship with pulling me back to a more positive place. Good luck making friends with your local ravens. How wonderful it would be if you could pull that off!
Whenever you share part two, I will be glad to read it. I understand how wild creatures, for me both in the plant and animal kingdoms, can be there for us - calling us back to a positive place. Your story is unique, and I'm thankful you are sharing it.
Love this story. I have no animals now except a ridiculous little Tuxedo cat my kids named Derp. I always had some wild things when I was a kid. Squirres, raccoons, muskrat, rabbits, even a pet hawk. My dad warned my husband at our wedding...if you stop...it's yours! My daughter carried on the tradition at our house. Her best pet was a rescued Blue Jay. Great story. I can understand your sadness at losing him.
Yes, I’ve been here now for over 32 years! It’s gotten in my blood. All the places that were wild that I grew up and wandered in Canada (Ontario) are all developed now. This is my new home now and it seems to be a good fit.
My chickens don’t like being scratched, but they sure love their treats! Often we pull up a seat and gaze at them like we are sitting around a campfire.
I love Llikdaor the Raven and I love everything about this story. Arya the Cockatiel does the same thing with his beak when he wants more rubs. I have to comply. Then he stays on my leg and grinds his beak. Happiness.
As a Catholic northerner living in Texas, I completely relate to your sentiments about getting use to the Baptist way. It takes awhile. This is a terrific story!
This was such a fantastic read Robert. What an experience, to become so intimately acquainted with a raven. I loved the vignette about when your daughter came home and you didn’t mention that she would be sleeping near him, and how that morning unfolded.
Your tales remind me of a story a friend tells from his time up in Alaska at a gold mine during the winter. It was something like -30°F and he witnessed a raven flying around with a plastic Dixie cup as a makeshift windshield. Pure genius.
I have thought I would love to make friends with a raven, and now I am curious about sitting in the woods with an assortment of shiny things.
I am thrilled that you enjoyed reading about my friend Llikdaor! There is so much more to this story as you can imagine. I’ve started on part two but it’s emotionally draining. It was such a privilege to have him in my life. I had been working at an animal shelter before I got him. For nine months I started my day by putting dogs and cats, kittens and puppies to sleep. I was in a very dark place and I credit his friendship with pulling me back to a more positive place. Good luck making friends with your local ravens. How wonderful it would be if you could pull that off!
Whenever you share part two, I will be glad to read it. I understand how wild creatures, for me both in the plant and animal kingdoms, can be there for us - calling us back to a positive place. Your story is unique, and I'm thankful you are sharing it.
Love this story. I have no animals now except a ridiculous little Tuxedo cat my kids named Derp. I always had some wild things when I was a kid. Squirres, raccoons, muskrat, rabbits, even a pet hawk. My dad warned my husband at our wedding...if you stop...it's yours! My daughter carried on the tradition at our house. Her best pet was a rescued Blue Jay. Great story. I can understand your sadness at losing him.
Love love LOVE this, Robert! You have a gift with words and storytelling. Magnificent!
Your connection to the Appalachian spaces and all your flying, pecking, screeching friends is something to behold my friend.
Yes, I’ve been here now for over 32 years! It’s gotten in my blood. All the places that were wild that I grew up and wandered in Canada (Ontario) are all developed now. This is my new home now and it seems to be a good fit.
My chickens don’t like being scratched, but they sure love their treats! Often we pull up a seat and gaze at them like we are sitting around a campfire.
Chickens are hilarious ! We do the same thing with ours . We give them voices and have them carry on ridiculous conversations.
I love Llikdaor the Raven and I love everything about this story. Arya the Cockatiel does the same thing with his beak when he wants more rubs. I have to comply. Then he stays on my leg and grinds his beak. Happiness.
There is no saying no. Impossible to resist. I think cuddling them brings us more pleasure than it does them.
True So true.
As a Catholic northerner living in Texas, I completely relate to your sentiments about getting use to the Baptist way. It takes awhile. This is a terrific story!
Thanks Ann. Religious behaviors are funny when they’re not mean or dangerous.
Thanks Jeanne, there is so much more to the story and Llikdaors life. I hope I can find the time to finish.