Thursday, July 29, 2010

The Good-bye Chronicles Chapter 6. We Have an Answer

7-29-10 We have an answer Skywatch Friday Sycamore Canyon Sunset 7-17-10

July 20, 2010

I awaken in the middle of the night hot and restless. The night is calling to me. Through the closed door I hear the soft dripping of recent rain from the downspouts. I slide my door open and step out onto the patio into air scented with the sweet ashy smell of creosote bush. It’s just before four a.m., but I hear birds twittering. Though it is almost pitch dark, I hear them singing somewhere, if they are birds at all. It sounds like the friendly chirping of purple martins, but do they fly at night? The lights of Tucson illuminate the undersides of the soft gray clouds above, but I do not see any bird silhouettes passing under them. Could it be toads or frogs? Could there be that many around here? Do they sound like birds? I realize that I have yet another desert mystery to solve.

I take the two steps up onto the terrace and gaze off to the north and west. The hum of air-conditioning units fills the air as one after another turns on. In the distance I hear what sounds like a loud motorcycle shifting through its gears, then it fades away. After another hot and steamy day here yesterday the rain cooled air caresses my skin softly. It lifts the night heat from me. I fold my arms across my chest. My nightgown flutters in the breeze. I stand here and think about what it will mean to leave this place. Today could be the day we know for sure. I stand here listening to the morning sounds, drinking in the scent and the feel of the night in this place. I want to preserve this memory. I may need it someday. Eventually I turn and head back inside. Chilled now, I crawl under the warm covers and Gus instinctively wraps his arm around me. Soon I drift off to sleep.

A bad dream awakens me 3 hours later. It’s one of those dreams where one of my children is in trouble and I can’t find them to help them. It’s one of those dreams where you feel all the emotions as if it were real as if it were happening. I resist waking up. I want to save my child. Finally consciousness frees me from my terror. I am here in my bedroom in Sycamore Canyon and everyone is safe.

Due to the rain of the previous night I do not have to water the flowers today. I filled all the bird feeders yesterday, so I am almost free. I visit Sherri in the morning, then return home to watch birds and blog away the day. It is afternoon when Gus calls me. He got an email with an offer from the company in Boston. Now I will know. Now it will be decided. Gus tells me that he will take the offer.

We are going to move.

The Good-bye Chronicles 

Skywatch Friday

24 comments:

Jim said...

That's awesome. An amazing sky.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I've read all of these posts with a lump in my throat. But you know Kathie- you and Gus will be OK no matter where you land. I am a firm believer that most things happen the way the are supposed to. Or at least these changes allow an opportunity for better times. You have such a solid, open, big heart- no matter where you land- your life will be filled with laughter and love.

Barb said...

Hi Kathie, I'll miss your Sycamore Canyon posts if you move, but I'm sure you'll find something amazing wherever you land. Good Luck!

denapple said...

Kathie, Arizona will always be a dream for you no matter where you are. We only got to stay for a few days, and envy you the three years you have had. It will all work out OK. Just be sure to keep in touch with everyone.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry you have to move, Kathie. As the others have said, I am sure you will find new wonders and treasures wherever you end up. I will miss your beautiful photos and seeing all the birds - particularly the hummingbirds. It has been an absolute joy to share the beauty of your canyon. Look after yourself.

Bill S. said...

Beautiful picture and post. Great work.

Gaelyn said...

The waiting is over and wherever you perch you will see the beauty around you. I too will miss you in Sycamore Canyon yet look forward to seeing nature through your eyes in a new place. You have a true gift of taking us along. So when does this new journey begin that takes you on another life adventure?

Regina said...

Like a painted sky.
Great post.
" Happy SWF weekend "

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful sky photo, I will miss your Arizona post and photos. But, I am sure you will find lots of birds and beauty at your next place. Happy skywatching!

Anonymous said...

The waiting is over Kathie.

Ruth said...

Transitions are not easy but it is good that you know what you are dealing with. Uncertainty is very stressful. I hope all the pieces fall into place quickly for your move.

trav4adventures said...

Kathie, your situation has caused me to think about how I would feel if we had to move, but remember, every place has its own beauty and I'm sure you will find new beauty to explore. Good luck to you and Gus! You have been my inspiration and one of the reasons I created this new blog, Deep Canyon.

Mridula said...

It is such a beautiful picture and your words are lovely too.

Kim, USA said...

Love your post and the words fits the photo. And your photo is so gorgeous love it!

SWF~Fiery

Larry said...

A new door is open and I know that you will do a great job describing what is beyond that new door.

Splendid Little Stars said...

such a beautiful photo! wishing you well in your transitions.

Nita said...

I have enjoyed seeing the Arizona I loved through your pictures and words. Look ahead to all the beautiful warblers and others that may be new for you.
Nita

Kathie Brown said...

Dear blogging friends and readers, I am overwhelmed by everyone's kindness! You have all been so supportive. I see many new faces and comments by readers I did not even know I had! And for those who are faithful readers and friends, I thank you deeply and love you dearly.

Do not fear. Though I am moving on I will not stop writing. When I finally leave Sycamore Canyon a new blog called "Kathie's Birds" will be born. I hope that all of you will follow me there wherever it leads me. I do hope to take you all on many new adventures and help you see the beauty and wonder of this magnificent world we live in.

Just forgive me if I grumble about the gray and the cold! It helps me get through it all if I can complain about it!

My visit and posts will be sporratic over the next few weeks as we go through this transition. I will do my best to visit and answer questions. It means so much to me to know that so many of you are out there and that you care. I cannot thank you enough. So many times I use to feel alone in this world. Now I feel like I have so many friends!

Carver said...

That's a stunning sky. I hope the move with end up being a good one although it must be devastating to leave such a beautiful place. I've been following your goodbye chronicles and they are all filled with such beautiful shots. The post after this one is so good and you provide such great information. I have a sister who has lived in Nantucket, Mass which is so beautiful and there is a lot of New England that's great for birding so I hope you will be discovering new and beautiful places when you move. I don't know if you've lived there before so you may already be familiar with the area. If you will be living in Boston I know that will be a hard adjustment from where you live now but I wish you the best of luck.

Kathie Brown said...

Carver, thank you. I am from New England but I have never lived in or birded much of Massachusetts. When I lived there before I was a bird watcher and not a birder. So, that will be exciting for me. Because I have lived in CT and ME I know what is in store for me as far as the weather goes. Because I have travelled through Boston I know what is in store for me as far as the traffic goes! It will be an adjustment but I am trying to look forward to the adventure and I realize that I will just have to deal with the rest of it. Thank you for your encouragement and good wishes. I do look forward to seeing family again and birding and blogging old as well as new places!

Candice Suter.....Sweetstuff said...

I just knew that this would be the answer. But it is all going to be ok, I just know it. You have a wonderful spirit and I can't wait to read about your move and see your new blog Kathie's Birds.

Warren and Lisa Strobel said...

Well, it looks like you will just have to be the queen of bird blogging in Boston!

Kathie Brown said...

Candy, I feel that it will all work out as well. Thank you for the encouragement!

Warren and Lisa, well, I quess I will! Thanks!

Dawn Fine said...

Howdee Kathie...
New England is ready and waiting for you.
The birdies are flying here from the north just for your arrival..How cool is that?!