Cat Can Cook

We recently adopted a new little bird from our local Freecycle here in Guelph. She was in need of a new home, and given that we have “experience” with budgies, my heart spoke to me and said “you must adopt this little bird!” She came to us with the name “Fluffers” and although it is a *cute* name, I have since changed it to Skye, as she is the most beautiful shade of blue mixed with white (the clouds) What a little beauty.

I will say though, that she is one odd duck, or Budgie rather. She has some strange habits, and I am not certain if these are her so-called tricks, performed for our benefit, or if she is just playing to amuse herself and pass the time. In any case, her latest spectacle this evening included poking her body in and out between the bars of her ladder, getting stuck mid way through (picture Winnie the Pooh) and making a very annoyed sound…then doing it again immediately following. This pattern was repeated at least six times that I witnessed. I know birds are not overly gifted with intellect, but this game seems rather ridiculous and maybe even a bit painful.

Skye has brought me so much joy in this first week, and I do treasure her very much already. It is amazing the fondness for an animal that seems almost instant. One week in, and she’s stolen my heart. It was this time last year, that our little Kiki passed away, and although Skye does not take her place, she sure has brought back some of the fun and antics I had missed in having two birds. Our resident geriatric bird, Toby, also seems quite taken with the new girl in town. While we have always made an effort to be especially attentive to our guy who will turn 9 this year, Skye has given him something new and interesting to look at!

A house full of animals, kids, plants, and the happiness and mess they all contribute to on a daily basis, but you know, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Since moving to Guelph (and especially since the birth of our children) I have been overwhelmed at the kindness shown to our family by our friends and even people I only *just* met and later became friends with through a women’s group I attend. It amazed me when Gwyneth was born, when my Grandmother passed away and when we moved, the number of offers of freshly prepared meals, help with the baby, packing, moving, and the visits (all with gifts in hand) Thinking about these totally unnecessary but such welcome acts of kindness and generosity still makes me smile.

At the time I remember thinking “I want to give back” and since that time, a few of these people have had babies, or life events that have provided me an opportunity to give back to them, but I want to do so much more.

Recently on Freecycle (a local Yahoo group that offers unused/unneeded items to others so that they do not go to waste) I noticed a post that caught my eye. It was about a local woman who is struggling to make ends meet as she copes with a sudden separation from her husband. The message said that she has 4 small children. I wrote back to the person who had posted looking for items for her children, and was amazed to learn that I actually know this person…Guelph is indeed a “small town” afterall! Today I purchased some toys for her children, and hope to help her with some clothing and home-cooked food this Christmas.

The Christmas season is already upon us. This weekend, we were in several stores where the sights and sounds of the holidays were all around us. I happily shopped, and enjoyed my time as I always do at this time of the year. Indeed, it is so easy to forget and get caught up in the moment, that there are people that struggle.

This Christmas, make a point of giving. Do something nice for someone you know, or even someone you don’t! Someone you think could use the help, or even just someone who deserves it. Play Secret Santa, and deliver a Christmas stocking to someone anonymously. Make meals or do some baking for some special people that have done kind deeds for you. Give extra money to a favorite charity or chose more than one to donate to this year. Our family likes to remember the “furry friends” at the Humane Society and take in a donation of food and treats. Local charities can always use help of money, supplies or even your time.

Give back this Christmas…remember those around you that might not have as much. Such a small thing to do, with such a profound impact on someone else’s life. Pay it forward. It feels so good.