I’m still processing everything that’s happened over the last five days.

As mentioned last week, I went to see my parents in a whole ‘nuther state… and country. From me, I mean.

One of them is living in a rehab hospital at the moment. That’s Dad.

The other is living in an adorable cottage-like condo. That’s Mom. And it’s where I stayed.

My trip now feels — at least from this side of the journey — like sacred ground. It was a tender journey that made my insides all jiggly. I’m not really ready to talk about it. I may be later… or maybe not. I haven’t decided yet.

But… there was something extraordinary that I must share. Something silly and wonderful and packed with a big lesson for us self-helpers. Or should that be “we” self-helpers? No, on second thought… don’t think so. But I digress.

My dad is a spectacular wood-carver. These photos are not his work. They are the work of his friend. That’s Gene.

As you can clearly see, there is a mule and a hummingbird. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here’s what happened.

Gene walked in. Dad said, “Oh, I see you’ve brought some of your work.”

Gene handed me a hummingbird… the one above.

“What is this?” he asked with a twinkle in his eye.

“A hummingbird, obviously,” I said, smiling.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“No, not now,” I said, with a chuckle.

“Flip it over,” he said.

I did.

And there was the silhouette of the mule.

“Turn him around,” he said.

And the featured photo… a mule in mid-bray… greeted me.

What a delightful surprise!

We all chatted a bit longer and I knew I needed photos. So, here they are!

Perception is a funny thing. At least in this case — and I do mean literally.  🙂

Just something to think about.

I will be back with my regularly-scheduled bookfare and such tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy Gene’s work. It makes me smile.