I am not having a very good week. I am on the move yet again, this is not my choice, I have been forced to give up my home. This has happened to me more times than you would believe.
Eviction, what an ugly word, it sounds aggressive and it is. I was living in a lovely place close to the woods. I had a home with such wonderful views and an abundance of places to eat all around me; a very desirable place to be. I loved living there; it was my favourite residence so far. I could while away many hours watching nature take its course, the amazing autumnal colours could take your breath away; a joyful place.
I had the very best views of the sunrise at break of day, with hardly anyone to spoil the peace at that time of the day. I liked to think that I shared that wondrous experience with only the select few; those who could be bothered to get up that early, or those who had to get off to work, did they have the time to stop and admire mother nature at her best? Then in the evening; I could admire the amazing red, a ball of fire in the sky as the sun went down; it never failed to lift my heart. I was generous enough to share that sight with many others. I'm not sure they were aware of my existence; but I certainly knew they were there.
I felt quite safe from my viewpoint; no-one bothered me and I could come and go as I pleased. However, I came back to find that my home had been demolished. I had missed all the signs. Had I become complacent and stopped looked for the danger signs? I should have known I would be homeless again some time; it's becoming more common place in this ever changing world.
So here I go again, looking for somewhere else to live. I think I'll try somewhere it town again; it's getting colder as winter is on his way and it might be easier for me to find a good location. I am going to try and find somewhere way up high, away from the perils down below. High rise living is not as desirable to most, so there may be a little more choice. I will have to check out the neighbourhood.
I am not terribly fussy, but like everyone else I have my preferences. If I am lucky, there won't be many cats. I can't stand them. Sashaying around with their tails held high, so arrogant; they strut around, acting as if they own the place.
I think I've seen just the area to suit me; it has just enough people around, but not too many. Decision made, I'm settling here. The couple in the garden next to me appear to be neighbourly, they have a nice neat garden and they have just put out some food for the birds. I like to see caring people; in fact I have had to rely on folk like this in the past.
One day when I am settled and feeling brave I may go and introduce myself. Yes, this is my new home. I spend most of the day flitting backwards and forwards; picking up bits and pieces no-one wants; and using them to make my home as comfortable as I can.
I have always recycled everything, my parents taught me to do this; as had theirs taught them. It was our way of life; long before it became the fashion; most people now know about being environmentally friendly; and trying to save the planet. Welcome to my world. I have no more than I need; I live by my wits and forage for food. If I am lucky some kind person may help me out and feed me in the depth of winter. I live a very simple life; but it comes with its own challenges. I am small; and constantly worry about the dangers around me. I cannot afford to relax as high rise living is not safe. I may be of small stature but I am not a pushover, and if need be, will stand my ground. I suppose we can all be territorial but that's the only way to survive.
I'm not sure how long I will stay here; it all depends on whether I can get along with other residents. As I said before I like the look of the folk in the garden next to me, but I haven't seen many of the neighbours. As I look out surveying the homes around me; I see a gormless looking dog in the garden to my left. He shouldn't be a problem and may in fact keep those snooty felines away.
It's interesting just how much you can see from up here. People are usually far too busy going about their daily lives to even notice me. I am an observer of the world; I can see there are many issues and problems from the constantly changing skylines; the redevelopment minefields . . . can building on green belt land ever be acceptable? Does anyone look to me to advise them? Of course not, I am one of the many unseen, ignored aspects of life that could show them how to make changes that would benefit everyone.
I like the simple life, I do, it suits me; up early, watching out, I can sing to my hearts delight and no-one seems to mind.
Maybe tomorrow I will pop in and visit the neighbours, to see if they need any help in the garden; it's one of my best skills. I usually arrive without any fuss or introduction. Where I have lived before I met two or three neighbours, but I find I make good friends with one family and visit them daily. I normally pop in two or three times a day, never staying too long, just a little bright and breezy hello and then off I go again. If I make a very good friend and feel especially safe I may stay longer. It isn't unknown for me to help with the digging. I bet most of you will have met one of my family at some time or another. I think we are welcome, after all who can resist the cheery little robin red breast? Certainly not those flipping cats that's for sure!