I need to preface this story with a brief comment about how I believe the universe works. If you're moving with the flow of the universe (or your universe), then, generally speaking, things move smoothly. If there are obstacles and lots of them and you're not happy, chances are you're misplacing your energy and need to find a new path. If there are some obstacles and you still feel happy or "right" about what you're doing, chances are it's the universe teaching you things you'll need to know at some point in time. The corollary to this is if you're not flowing with your life's path, things will happen to guide you or tell you the direction you are supposed to go. This was the case with the tigers.
I honestly believe my connection with the earth and its energies comes from being Native American and an intelligent being. I look for subtle hints to guide me. Some say, "If you can hear the whispers of God, then you don't have to wait for Him to hit you with a 2 by 4 to get the message." So, I try to listen closely, I'm not fond of 2 by 4's.
After the first refuge, as I'd mentioned, every time I'd hear a car downshift, I'd hear the tigers moan. I'd look at knotty pine and oak and see the faces of so many lions (granted, I was drunk at the time, but the experience was a valid one; it's stayed with me over time as if I'd seen them yesterday).
Then other things started to happen. I'd be walking in the grocery store and something would tell me to turn around, and I would. I'd turn to see framed pictures of tigers for sale. In the grocery store.
I met a guy named Tiger who'd moved to Boulder from Oklahoma in the hardware store...what are the odds of that happening??? I kept meeting people from Oklahoma, over and over and over again.
In the meantime, I found my smile again by learning how to skydive. I was going to Eloy, Arizona to a skydive party called a boogie. This is where hundreds of jumpers get together and get the chance to dive out of unusual and unique aircraft such as WWII carriers, hot air balloons, helicopters, etc.
I was driving to Eloy and something told me that I should get a sweatshirt. This was odd because I'd packed for both hot and cold weather. Then as I was passing a store on the side of the highway, something told me to pull in there. So I did.
I went in and they had pottery and mandalas. A mandala is a willow branch tied in a circle with feathers and a painted animal skin in the center, stretched onto the willow. On these skins are paintings of eagles, wolves, cliffs, Native Americans in prayer, mountain lions, forest scenes...things a Native American would encounter in living the tribal earthy life.
I asked the guy in the store if they had any sweatshirts. He said no, but there was a store 20 miles down the road just over the New Mexico border. As I turned around to leave (and I swear on my life this is true!)...as I turned to leave, I saw a mandala on the wall, and in the center was a skin with a tiger painted on it. I was totally blown away. I was also upset because I realized then that the tigers weren't letting me go and I had no idea how I was going to answer their call.
Off I went to Eloy and had a really great time. I asked myself, "What are the odds of this happening??"
Then the most bizarre thing happened. As I was driving down to Colorado Springs to find the third refuge, I was driving through Denver on a Friday afternoon. It was a 10 0r 12 lane highway, packed with cars, everyone was headed out for the weekend. I was driving in the far left lane because I was driving through to Colorado Springs, wondering how I was going find this refuge.
So, I'm driving along on the crowded highway and this small truck cuts right in front of me. I had to step on the brakes and I was cussing him up and down. Then I saw the sign: Caution Wild Animals On Board. Then I looked at the writing above that. Above that was the name of the refuge I was going to go look for.
Okay, any reasonable mind would say, "No way." It did happen indeed. Just like that. I mean, again, what are the odds??!! I looked up at the heavens and said, "Okay God, you have my attention now." I followed him all the way to Colorado Springs. He eventually pulled over to see who was following him. We talked awhile and he invited me out to the refuge and gave me directions.
I swear this is all true. I have an analytical mind, not a creative one; I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
Now I had no doubt in my mind that rescuing big cats was what I was supposed to do. Then the "it" hit the fan with the third refuge and I realized that I needed to open up my own sanctuary.
When a Native American finds an eagle feather, it's a very powerful statement the earth is making, especially since eagles are an endangered species.
I'd decided to move to Oklahoma and put my house up for sale. I was living in Boulder city proper, having moved from Nederland in the high country (I was trying to live a life my parents would understand). I'd called the heating/air conditioning repair to make sure everything was in working order for the sale. I ran out from the house to my Jeep to get my checkbook and on the way back there was an Golden Eagle feather lying in the middle of the road. This verified to me that I was finally on the path destined for me. Once again, what are the odds of my finding an eagle feather...in the city???! Astounding validation of the earth or the universe guiding, teaching, loving its children.
Next up, looking for a home.
Until next time,
Peace.
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