So, last Friday I returned from the Southern Hemi (I saw Friday twice...trippy), and since my return the image of the fox has followed me. No, I didn't have the pleasure of playing with or seeing a wild fox. Instead, I encountered a delightful woman who believed us homo sapiens are capable of communicating with animals. While I was shopping around Melbourne, Australia's "Vic Market," I was having a pleasant time, but nothing to really write home about--other than an overwhelming sense that several of the booths were owned by the same merchants. But when I came across a booth advertising "happy pants" I knew I was in for a treat.
After thumbing through a collection of silky hammer pants, oversized ponchos, hobo bags and head wraps, I discovered the merchandise's owner, a most likely 65-year-old woman who was the image of all things hippie. As I approached her to make my purchase, she was immediately drawn to my necklace, which happened to be a bronze fox that I picked up in Austin, Tx.
She identified the animal and began to tell me of the fox's grave misfortune. Naturally, she is reading a book about a group of people who have apparently developed the ability to converse with animals. These people had spoken with a group of foxes who told them they are planning to leave the planted because us humans have been killing them all instead of learning from them.
After bagging my purchase and handing me my change she reminded my to, "think of the fox." It's too bad we can't actually talk to animals...but I sure am thankful for that woman who quite literally made my day at the Vic Market.
