I once found a flattened frog under our cat’s bed in the kitchen. It was pancake flat, like something out of a Tom and Jerry cartoon. Now I get the feeling you will be wondering how often we clean our house! To be fair, this was at a time when our house was a building site for many months.
"The German harrumphed." Heh, so aptly captured. ;)
I didn't know you were editing! Now I do. Good to know, too! I prefer Lucca over Pisa, having been to both. Exciting news about the move! Fingers crossed.
Thanks A! We've heard good things about Lucca, yes - we're staying in Lucca and just visiting Pisa for the day, but you never know - just the first of several fact-finding trips probably.
“I quickly put in my wallet just in case I run across a potions recipe calling for ‘the feather of a baby bird retrieved within moments of its death.’” — loved thats line. So fun!
I won't lie, this specific sentence made grin: "just a single tiny feather remaining which I quickly put in my wallet just in case I run across a potions recipe calling for ‘the feather of a baby bird retrieved within moments of its death.’"
You just never know when you'll come across an apothecary calling for such.
I still have the feather! Here's hoping... I have visions of the bird reincarnated as a chihuahua who now terrorizes Guillerma on the daily... Thanks Nathan!
Loved this, Troy: “just a single tiny feather remaining which I quickly put in my wallet just in case I run across a potions recipe calling for ‘the feather of a baby bird retrieved within moments of its death.’” Your writing has a beautiful voice. I believe our natural writing voice emerges naturally when we write simply, about simple things. Simple things are always the most profound.
P.S. - I see you’re looking to move to Italy. How nice.
I've already had at least one offer of that potions recipe, so all is not lost. We are hoping to move - 6 years in Spain has been fun, but we are ready for a new adventure. Thanks Silvio!
I just read this. Giving up Sitges? Well, of course, Italy can be just as fun and perhaps a bit less expensive? Moving is a big deal, wherever you are. Been there a few times in my life. Best of luck to you and yours.
No worries, I am also VERY late - we’ve been to Lucca and back - and Pisa, Viareggio, Pietrasanta and Florence - the big surprise was Pietrasanta, such a beautiful, chill little town!
Oh, this makes me want to be there! Not the dying bird, but the whole scene, and your photos. I have a dream of making Writers Daily Dive a winter retreat in Italy, Sicily, etc. I spent last winter in Sicily and was in heaven. Any interest in joining forces on this idea?
It is "funny" to think that on the one hand, ripping a bird to pieces with claws and teeth and eating it is less horrible than kicking a cat, but there you go - one is nature, the other cruelty. Thanks Terry. 🐈⬛
It's always good to have the ingredients for a magic potion nearby! We watched our kitty pull this stunt many times and were always torn in two because we equally love the birds in our yard. My husband put up some fencing around one of the main bird trees to try to stop her from getting to them which at least helped some birds.
The ending of this wonderful essay (I also love the pictures) was an absolute delight, it couldn't have been better!
Our cats were always indoors so we'd never had the experience of a mouse or a bird brought home as a trophy as we so often hear people talk about - this was eye opening! And yes, the concierge was one of the best parts of the trip - it was like she'd never met a gay couple before and had just discovered her new favorite thing. 😂 Thanks Donna!
I was proofreading my manuscript last week and there was this line, so appropriate for your post. I'm talking about the bad guy in the story and saying that his "was not the casual cruelty of a domestic cat"... don't go stealing that one, Mr. Editor!
We have a local huntress cat whom I call Captain Feathers. As bird watchers, we try to keep her away, but occasionally we find piles of feathers in the yard…
I love cats, I absolutely adore them. But, yeah, when a cat is being a cat... 🫢
It was grimly fascinating for sure...
I once found a flattened frog under our cat’s bed in the kitchen. It was pancake flat, like something out of a Tom and Jerry cartoon. Now I get the feeling you will be wondering how often we clean our house! To be fair, this was at a time when our house was a building site for many months.
Guillerma, you beautiful monster you. Bless you guys for trying to intervene. Also, hit me up for all your potion ingredient needs! 💜
Resistance was futile, in the end. ;) Potions with Chloe - sounds like something in a dream! ❤️🪄💛
"The German harrumphed." Heh, so aptly captured. ;)
I didn't know you were editing! Now I do. Good to know, too! I prefer Lucca over Pisa, having been to both. Exciting news about the move! Fingers crossed.
Thanks A! We've heard good things about Lucca, yes - we're staying in Lucca and just visiting Pisa for the day, but you never know - just the first of several fact-finding trips probably.
“I quickly put in my wallet just in case I run across a potions recipe calling for ‘the feather of a baby bird retrieved within moments of its death.’” — loved thats line. So fun!
Also, I hope you enjoy your travels :)
Thanks Michael - there will be virtual postcards in future posts :)
I won't lie, this specific sentence made grin: "just a single tiny feather remaining which I quickly put in my wallet just in case I run across a potions recipe calling for ‘the feather of a baby bird retrieved within moments of its death.’"
You just never know when you'll come across an apothecary calling for such.
Great read, Troy, although RIP bird.
Exciting news re potential move!!
I still have the feather! Here's hoping... I have visions of the bird reincarnated as a chihuahua who now terrorizes Guillerma on the daily... Thanks Nathan!
Loved this, Troy: “just a single tiny feather remaining which I quickly put in my wallet just in case I run across a potions recipe calling for ‘the feather of a baby bird retrieved within moments of its death.’” Your writing has a beautiful voice. I believe our natural writing voice emerges naturally when we write simply, about simple things. Simple things are always the most profound.
P.S. - I see you’re looking to move to Italy. How nice.
I've already had at least one offer of that potions recipe, so all is not lost. We are hoping to move - 6 years in Spain has been fun, but we are ready for a new adventure. Thanks Silvio!
That sounds exciting! Here to help, should you need any. :)
I just read this. Giving up Sitges? Well, of course, Italy can be just as fun and perhaps a bit less expensive? Moving is a big deal, wherever you are. Been there a few times in my life. Best of luck to you and yours.
Thanks Dan!
Thx - Do you live Italy?
I do! (Sorry for the late reply, Troy. I’m kind of perpetually swamped here, lol. Trying to get to comments at least once a week.)
No worries, I am also VERY late - we’ve been to Lucca and back - and Pisa, Viareggio, Pietrasanta and Florence - the big surprise was Pietrasanta, such a beautiful, chill little town!
Yes, that's a nice area. Although I'd rather focus on a bit less touristy places. But these are great, beautiful cities rich of history and culture.
Oh, this makes me want to be there! Not the dying bird, but the whole scene, and your photos. I have a dream of making Writers Daily Dive a winter retreat in Italy, Sicily, etc. I spent last winter in Sicily and was in heaven. Any interest in joining forces on this idea?
Let's talk more about it - I've never been to a retreat... We had a couple of adventures in Palma, this was the most memorable (*mildly traumatic*)...
Guillerma was just doing what cats do, but it's pretty horrible! I get rather angry at people who kick animals. It makes me want to do it to them.
It is "funny" to think that on the one hand, ripping a bird to pieces with claws and teeth and eating it is less horrible than kicking a cat, but there you go - one is nature, the other cruelty. Thanks Terry. 🐈⬛
Don’t read this story to Lamb!
Had exactly the same thought!!
😂😂😂😭😭😭
It's always good to have the ingredients for a magic potion nearby! We watched our kitty pull this stunt many times and were always torn in two because we equally love the birds in our yard. My husband put up some fencing around one of the main bird trees to try to stop her from getting to them which at least helped some birds.
The ending of this wonderful essay (I also love the pictures) was an absolute delight, it couldn't have been better!
Our cats were always indoors so we'd never had the experience of a mouse or a bird brought home as a trophy as we so often hear people talk about - this was eye opening! And yes, the concierge was one of the best parts of the trip - it was like she'd never met a gay couple before and had just discovered her new favorite thing. 😂 Thanks Donna!
I was proofreading my manuscript last week and there was this line, so appropriate for your post. I'm talking about the bad guy in the story and saying that his "was not the casual cruelty of a domestic cat"... don't go stealing that one, Mr. Editor!
Ha! So true, cats are monsters (I should know.) 💜🎩🐈⬛
We have a local huntress cat whom I call Captain Feathers. As bird watchers, we try to keep her away, but occasionally we find piles of feathers in the yard…
Captain Feathers, how perfect. 😂
Also, thanks for the mentions! We are so happy to have you working with us at Two Birds! 🐦🐦
Loved the concierge, how she turned a small event into such a beautiful important one!
She was a hoot - and the hotel was kinda quiet so I think she was just glad for the gays.
Genius, Troy. Love many lines but I was tickled with the one about the feather and your wallet. And...I did not know you are a freelance editor!
I have a vast collection of found ingredients. And yes, I'm an editor - Andrea and Michele at Two Birds are great to work with. Thanks, Sharon. 💜
I have that potion recipe. Hit me up if you ever need it. 😉
Good to know! Will do...
Ah....the circle of life....
Guillerma was quite a huntress. That poor bird never stood a chance.
Especially not with us as its bodyguards. 🍗