Was it a sign?

I think the universe sent me a sign last night, but it was a bit cryptic.

I’m still trying to decipher it.

I was walking the dogs in my very urban neighbourhood and my inner monologue was muttering about the misery of being an empty nester.

I ducked down a paved laneway opposite a local cafe, tossed a poo bag in the bin and turned to head home.

My mouth dropped open.

Sitting on a metal bollard less than two metres away from me was a small, gorgeous owl.

He stared at me with his big, round eyes. I stared back at him with my big, round eyes.

For some unfathomable reason I’d gone on my dog walk without my phone, so I could take a photo of him. Dammit.

We continued staring at each other, silent and still.

I finally stepped forward and the little owl flew off into a nearby tree.

I was so delighted by the encounter that I felt a bit teary.

I took the dogs home, put them to bed, grabbed my phone and headed back to the tree to look for him.

He stared down at me solemnly. I stared up at him in wonder.

The photo I took doesn’t do him justice.

As for the cryptic message from the universe – maybe it was a reminder that there are unexpected moments of joy to be found in the everyday grind.

It also reinforced to me that being among nature and wildlife are my happy places. Finding the time and spending the money to immerse myself in them are worthwhile pursuits.

As I said to my friend Cathy last night – I feel so privileged that I can go on holidays to faraway places and see magical things.

PS Do you think it was a baby powerful owl? It’s hard to tell from the blurry pic.

Song of the day: George Benson “Gimme the night”