One of the joys of being home now that I am retired is to be available to greet visitors that may arrive unannounced, like this turtle.
She had wandered in to a garden area I was about to work in and, as most of the other turtles that I have encountered, looked up straight into my eyes – not at my feet. Her back was scraped, as if a lawn mower had sliced her shell years ago since it was now well healed. I put her into a bucket and brought out some blueberries, a slice of banana and some tender lettuce – all of which I’ve found turtles like – but each with their preferences.
She went right for the blueberries and demolished them as you can see, as well as the scrapes on her back. It was wonderful to once again watch and hold a sweet turtle, one of many who have more personality, preferences and awareness than most people would expect. And there is much to learn from them, like patience and pacing oneself one step at a time, but also keeping your eye on the goal and overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way.
So glad I was home to welcome this garden visitor.
How wonderful – what a gift
Comment by Jill — April 17, 2011 @ 9:42 am |
I had an experience with a turtle (Tortoise) when I was a kid. He would disappear every winter but returned come summer. I looked forward to his yearly visits with joy.
Comment by woodnymph — April 17, 2011 @ 11:01 am |
How wonderfully lucky you are to have such an esteemed visitor! I believe that the universe sends us just what we need to remind us to follow suit. Thank you as I need to slow down.
Comment by Sally — April 17, 2011 @ 11:56 pm |
When I was a child, a tortoise made himself at home with us and stayed for 35 years.
Comment by Pelican1 — April 18, 2011 @ 6:51 am |
Lucky you were there at the right time. I always considered my backyard a sanctuary and loved to watch all the visitors. I once had a turtle wander into my basement. My cats were fascinated. Strange thing was, there were three tall cement steps leading down from the garden. I put him back out in the dirt and the next time I looked he was at the edge of a step ready to fling himself off!
I carried him way to the back of the yard and that was the last I saw him.
Comment by porchsitter — April 18, 2011 @ 10:24 am |