Maybe it’s because they spent so much of their lives confined indoors, but the Cle Elum Seven have a wonder and an appreciation of the natural world that’s inspiring. This time of year, the humans at the sanctuary can often be heard grumbling about the frigid temperatures and the icy roads and the neverending piles of snow to shovel. We get so bogged down in the inconveniences of the season that we don’t often take time to appreciate what each day has to offer. But each morning when we open the door to Young’s Hill, the chimps line up to see what Mother Nature has up her sleeve.
Like the last pic and the face. Burrr!
I love that even though the chimps might only sniff the cold air (brrr!) or take a step or two outside and steal back in, they nevertheless now have a compelling enough connection with the outdoors that they miss it. They want to know that it is still there and that they can choose (what a wonderful word!) to go out or not. While we and our children spend too much time inside, they teach us to walk out the door sometimes, especially because we are free to do it.
I love that last sentence, Francoise.
Beautiful words, Francoise ! 🙂
Elizabeth and Francoise, you both have inspired me get out more during these cold days. It is a gift to experience and enjoy the natural world. We should all follow Annie’s lead and greet the day with a smile (and maybe shiver too!).