My Ongoing Love Affair

In the original post of this title I spoke of my love of France and why it has always (since the 8th grade) had a pull on me. I do love everything about France - the history, literature, art, architecture, music, food, culture. I love the slower pace and that they still take 2 hours to have lunch! What a very civilized (and healthy) habit! 

Since returning to Colorado I have renewed my other love affair and that is with God's creatures - great and small.

I love going to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! I love my weekly visits with my special zoo friends. By now most of the animals know me and the gorillas will come to the window to "visit". Asha, our 31 year old female is especially friendly. She loves to see what's in my purse. She will sit in front of me with her legs crossed and wait to look inside. On occasion she will pull up her stool to sit on so she can see the photos on my phone. I adore her and feel so humbled that she wants to spend time with me. I know all of our gorillas and enjoy their personalities but Asha and I seem to have a special connection. I remember when she was born! 

My other "love" at the zoo is Elsa, one of our 9 year old "cubs". I have loved her since she was born! She has two brothers but she was always the most curious and the the most feisty. And the most agile! She figured out how to jump up onto the deck (where mom, Lomela, would hang out to get a break from her three kids) long before her brothers did. You could tell how pleased she was with her new-found ability. She would jump up there with Mom and then look down on the boys as it to say "nanny nanny boo boo". The boys were not happy!

Else is also Daddy's Girl. She still loves wrestling with him and cuddling up to him when they sleep. 

The zoo has become my happy place. Its a special feeling to spend time there. I always learn something new which makes my visits even more special. 

I do visit with all the animals, but I spend the most time with Asha and Elsa. Although lions don't really visit! Ha! But I know she knows me and recognizes my voice.  If she's in the outdoor habitat and I call to her from the upper visitor deck she always turns to see me. 

My other love is, of course, is dogs. Especially my three whom I will write about in a later post.

We all need love and compassion in our daily lives. I feel blessed to be only 15 minutes away from one of the top rated zoos in the nation.  And three lovely rescue dogs are always excited to greet me when I get home.

I will always have a passion for France! Once I'm  back from a visit I'm ready to play my next one.

Find your passion, whether near or far, and you will find joy.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Merci infinement!!