Hi, friend. To say that this was one of the emotionally hardest weeks I’ve had in a while is an understatement. Thank you for making the load a little lighter with your kind and thoughtful messages about my granny’s passing.
For weeks now, I’ve been looking for a sign from her in nature, a hello of sorts from wherever she is in the universe, and I think it came yesterday afternoon.
(Yes, I know it might seem silly to some, but it’s something that really helped me when Tabs died.)
Connor and I were headed to the dance studio for practice. She opened the door, stepped outside, and then, with a very calm, steady voice said, “Mom, don’t freak out, but there’s a baby snake right next to the doormat. Stay calm and don’t scream.”
So, of course I screamed. And then I jumped about 20 feet into the air!
The baby snake quickly scooted away underneath the house, and I swear, it looked absolutely delighted with my reaction.
Seeing snakes in our neighborhood this time of year isn’t surprising because we’re surrounded by open space on the hills with tons of animals, but I’ve never seen a snake right on our doorstep.
Later that evening, we looked it up because Connor desperately wanted to know what type it was. Apparently it was black with a red collar around its neck — details which she provided because I was too busy freaking out, ha ha ha. We found out it was a ring-necked snake, which lives in our area but is a very rare sighting.
I want to believe it was granny saying hi while keeping me on my toes. Now that I think about it, she was way too feisty to send me a sign through a delicate butterfly or a dainty hummingbird. A spunky snake wearing a red necklace and showing up unexpectedly on my doorstep is totally her style. I’m sure wherever she is, she’s cracking up.
I totally recognize that it could’ve been purely a coincidence, but here’s the thing. Today she’s being laid to rest; I can’t help but acknowledge the splendid timing of it all.
Anyway, I’m so emotionally tired. I’ve been sad and happy at the same time… It’s a weird feeling.
So, today, I’m going to take time to care for myself by focusing on the glimmers, which are the opposite of triggers. Glimmers are moments that happen throughout your day which spark moments of joy and peace.
Writing this has sparked some joy, so thank you for listening.
Please take some time today to find your glimmers, if you can. They’re out there waiting for us. Sometimes they might even show up as a spunky baby snake on your doorstep. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
