The new semester has begun at CSULB, and while classes weren't welcomed with the ninety degree weather we had at the beginning of the month, it has been a rather sunny and cheerful start. Going to class is a welcome change after winter break, and I think that I am going to be considerably more interested in more of my classes this semester than last. I did have Folklore & Mythology last semester, but this Spring, I will have a novel-writing class and other subjects with titles like "Discourse Analysis" that makes me feel smart and a bit snobbish.
I have particularly enjoyed the nice weather because I walk almost everywhere I go, which becomes a pretty miserable practice while carrying grocery bags nearly a mile in the rain. Now, when I have time off from work and school, and my silly knee isn't hurting, I can go for walks, just like summer!
However, I was truly disheartened when I came across a serious case of elephant-napping. For four years, I have walked to the Los Altos Library and Shopping Center by walking down Chatwin. There is one home in particular on this residential road that decorates their lawn with empty bird cages, wagons, statues and whatever other interesting objects (I can only imagine) that they come across. My favorite piece of this landscaping achievement is a small wooden elephant that stands in a painted flower pot right by the driveway. I walked to the library a couple weeks ago, passing that lawn and looking for my elephant friend, but he was nowhere to be found! I do hope that he has gone one some grand adventure or found another driveway to look after, with some other stranger to say hello to every week, but I can't help worrying about this awkward little animal. I am mostly disappointed, though, because since I first saw him, I have wanted to write a letter to the home owners, thanking them for the simple little joy of his friendship while I lived in Long Beach. Now, I am afraid to send them that letter next year, not wanting to bring up any sad memories of the abducted wooden pachyderm. So, Mr. Elephant, thank you for your company. I hope that you have a proper place to oversee, wherever in the world you are.
1 comment:
Don't worry Elizabeth, I am sure your elephant friend is on a great journey. I bet if you gave a note to his house friends, they will send it to him. I bet he would love to hear from you.
Or maybe he ran away to see what this world has in store for him, or maybe to find a long lost love...and in that case, GO ELEPHANT! I know he valued your friendship as much as you do (he told me the first time I met him), so I am sure that one day you will see each other again. Imagine the stories he'll have!
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