Cats are notorious for lounging on the window sill. They can relax for hours as the bright sun warms their fur. With their sharp vision, they observe daily life on the other side of the window. Out there; people walk by, cars zoom past, squirrels frolic in the leaves and scamper up and down trees in search of the day’s bounty. Let’s not forget the birds that perch on the edge of the tree limbs and tweet out their sweet melodies or the tiny spiders that busily weave webs that stretch across the window pane. Cats are intrigued by it all and can lose themselves in the daily activities that surround them. Wait a minute, hold up, back up the bus…..
High above her cushy bed, Jellybean perches on her window seat. She basks in the sunshine, letting it warm her fur. Her eyes scanning the world outside the window, Jellybean watches as people walk by, cars zoom past, squirrels frolic in the leaves and scamper up and down trees in search of the day’s bounty. Let’s not forget the birds that perch on the edge of the tree limbs and tweet out their sweet melodies or the tiny spiders that busily weave webs that stretch across the window pane. Squirrels, people, and spiders, oh my! But wait, something is wrong with this picture. Although demonstrating cat-like behaviors, Jellybean by no means is a cat. For those who are familiar with my blog, you know that Jellybean is a spunky, sweet, precocious little puppy. She just happens to love spending her quiet time in the window, demonstrating cat-like behaviors. She watches. She stretches and arches her back. She licks her paws and preens her white fur to satisfy the diva in her. She watches some more. She sleeps in the sun as the world passes by her window. I’m not too concerned that she may be having an identity crisis, as the rest of her day is spent doing what dogs do; chewing on bones, playing with squeaky toys, hiding her treats, and yes, chasing her tail.
Just how did this penchant for becoming a furry piece of window candy come to be? Actually, I remember it quite well. It was Thanksgiving Eve, 2014. I was prepping for Thanksgiving dinner for the usual eleven family members. Jellybean was only seven months old, a rambunctious, care free pup running around the house getting her naughty on. While Thanksgiving dinner itself is not that involved; stuff a turkey, peel potatoes and make some gravy, for my family it is the infamous “second round” that requires the most effort. After the noon-time meal has been devoured, football games enjoyed, board games played, and respective naps taken throughout the day, we indulge in an array of homemade goodness. A spread of various salads, cheese & veggie trays, homemade dips, pickled eggs, baked mac & cheese or rich cream of crab soup, turkey sandwiches with all the fixings, pumpkin pie, cake, cookies, rich desserts, oh and don’t forget all the crunchy stuff like chips, pretzels, tortilla chips and salsa. It is a sight to behold and takes hours of prep work. I love to cook, however, and nothing gives me more pleasure than having my family over for a day of pure homemade goodness! Only this year, there was a caveat I had not experienced previously; namely my sweet, energetic, naughty little puppy. She was into everything, which created one interruption after another. Sequestering her in the kitchen worked for a while until a piece of onion fell to the floor and she made a beeline for it. At that point I needed a plan C. It was at that moment I noticed snowflakes falling. The large bay window in my kitchen allowed me the pleasure of enjoying nature during those times I would get my Betty Crocker on.
Hey, wait a minute! I think I have a plan C! I folded one of Jellybean’s blankets and placed it on the deep window sill, then picked her up and settled her on the blanket. She was immediately intrigued by the falling snow. A squirrel ran down the side of the tree and across the yard. Her eyes followed it until the bushy brown tail was no longer in sight….and the rest is history! To this day, three years later, the window is Jellybean’s favorite chill spot. She soaks up the sun and watches the world go by. She has actually become quite the neighborhood spectacle. Neighbors slow down as they drive by and peer out their car windows to see if she is in her spot of choice taking stock of the neighborhood. People out for a walk with their dogs point and chuckle at her. The mail carrier even takes the time to give Jellybean a wave. I am so glad I discovered Jellybean’s appreciation for the world around her, even if it appears she has taken her cue from her feline friends.
Perhaps we all could learn a little something from Jellybean and take the time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings, one squirrel at a time.
Bev Stiffler Smith - Children's Author 