12th Happening

Newly released!! December 7, 2004:

More Than Ever - A View From My 70's (Essays On Rediscovering Life) - Published by Author House
Free Review Copies can be ordered by calling 1-800-839-8640 Ext 5244

These essays have appeared in such publications as Modern Maturity, Mature Years, Best Friends Magazine, Asbury Park Press, Senior News and Boomer Times.

The Magic Minute

By Harriet May Savitz

12^th Happening

Roy Robin was baby-sitting. His wife Jenny was out looking for some fruit for the young ones. Usually he went with her, but she said she needed some time alone.

Roy decided to surprise Jenny. She was expecting another brood soon, and they would need another nest. Usually she tended to such chores, but he worried about her overworking and decided to help her out. Jenny liked her nest in the fork of a tree between two branches, or on the ledge of a house where she could see people go by. She and Roy always returned to the same neighborhood each spring.

Roy kept himself busy all morning gathering grass stems, roots, twigs, rags, string and paper for the new nest. Then he lined it with dry grass.

“Roy, I need your help.”

Roy immediately recognized the voice. It was THE ONE.

“I need GOOD NEWS about the TENANTS. Bring GOOD NEWS to the Golden Eagle on the beach.”

Jenny arrived at about that time and found Roy confused and worried.

“We received a message from THE ONE,” Roy told her. “We have to bring GOOD NEWS to the beach.”

“Oh, that’s easy, silly. You just stay here and mind the children. There’s plenty of GOOD NEWS close by. I’ll get it and deliver it to the Golden Eagle.”

The Golden Eagle waited patiently on the beach. He was unaccustomed to waiting for anything.

A Robin swooped from the sky.

“I was told to deliver this GOOD NEWS,” said Jenny Robin. “How do you do, everybody.” Jenny greeted the crowd, using her friendliest voice. Jenny enjoyed being friendly. In fact, if one was to ask her, she would tell them she was also known for her dignity and beauty as well.

Jenny delivered her GOOD NEWS. “Today I found TENANTS who helped their neighbors. TENANTS often help each other. When times are bad, they try to make them better. They feel connected to each other, no matter how many miles separate them. TENANTS help TENANTS every day somewhere in the world.”

“We want WAR!” shouted the FISH.

The MOLLUSKS continued their DEEP THINKING.

“None of you even cared that I traveled a great distance to bring this message,” Jenny Robin complained. “I’m going back to my own neighborhood where my friendliness and beauty are appreciated.”

“This wasn’t my idea,” the Golden Eagle called after the Robin. The Golden Eagle certainly wished he were following the Robin into the clouds. He could be getting some work done building his own nest on a cliff or hunting for rabbits or mice, or perhaps even catching a baby deer. But someone had to remain on the beach to keep peace. He had been given this assignment by THE ONE. He could not disappoint THE ONE. The Golden Eagle stood with wings outstretched, his dark head turning from side to side. Whoever went to WAR would have to pass him first and not any of the FISH seemed eager to do that. At least not yet.

* * *