It's a peaceful Sunday morning at the UZ. All of the critters have been fed their morning meals and at the moment, all are taking their morning naps. This is one of my favorite times of the day-- cup of coffee nearby, TV morning news providing a little background sound and the anticipation of what's ahead for the day.
This past week, there was some excitement in our town regarding urban chickens and I stepped forward with other chicken enthusiasts to speak out for all who have had city chickens but have had to hide in the "chicken closet." Amazingly, we made a difference and now the birds are allowed in town (for the moment) under the pretense that they are considered a "pet." Speaking out in front of city officials was something that I had never done before and I was shocked that several of us speaking about how beneficial the birds are and how much they mean to us caused the Board of Zoning Appeals to rethink their original decision of now allowing them. I can't say how much of a relief it is now that I don't have to hide my excitement for owning these unique creatures!
I'm pretty sure that I've been driving people nuts with my telling and re-telling of my experience that evening with the BZA and I had to laugh when one person told me I was a Tree Hugger. At first, I thought "No, that's impossible." Tree Huggers, in my opinion, were people that dressed in knit caps and cool looking leggings. People who shop at Whole Foods and play guitars. People who recycle everything and stand up for causes... wait, hey, those last two things described me! I quickly changed my doubting attitude that being a "Tree Hugger" was a bad thing and embraced the title.
I don't like "fitting the mold" that everyone follows-- I do enjoy being different and putting my own touch on things. It's why when it came time to building the coop, I swore that it had to be one that was purple and screamed that it belonged to just me! It's why I have empty beer bottles, in many different colors, repurposed as a tree ring in the backyard. It's why, when trash/recycle day comes, I have so much more in my recycle toter than my trash.
No, I'm not an extremist Tree Hugger but I am a Tree Hugger in the way that I love my different life and embracing the uniqueness that it brings in trying to make the world a better place. In my own opinion, I can't imagine following the same path that others do. I love that I don't have matching dogs, that each of the pets in my house came with such great stories for how they came to live with me. Each of us is unique and I encourage all to embrace that uniqueness. Who cares what others think?!
Yes, I'm also a little bit of a realist and I know this is easier said than done, but if you want chickens as pets, or something else that isn't "normal", I say "Why not?!" Be prepared for those who will try to fight you and change your mind. Stand true and in the end you will love yourself and your world more than you thought possible.
Just another day at the Urban Zoo...
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