Life has taken a few twists and turns over the past month. I guess that is why I haven’t been writing as frequently as I used to. But yesterday afternoon I had a bit of a creative awakening. I have been so self-absorbed I really missed the chance to notice life around me and get my usual inspiration from random happenings. Then I witnessed what few, I believe, have witnessed.
Driving through my neighborhood I pass a few man made lakes. Or maybe they are ponds. Actually I am going to go with small lakes. Anyway I noticed a lot of splashing and commotion in the center of one of the lakes. I immediately pulled over and rushed out to the dock to see exactly what was going on. Within a few seconds it became clear that I was witnessing a real life duck fight.
It was brutal and for a good 30 seconds there was nothing but splashing, quacking and feathers. But it wasn’t like watching two dogs fighting or bears defending one’s territory. It was actually ridicules and a little bizarre. Much like watching a Disney character go bad. I know that is a stretch but it elicits the same response from me. I’ve never seen a duck death match.
Well, after a few seconds it became clear that these two mallards were not giving up until one of them was flappers-up. So I, and I have no idea why, decided to break up the quarrel. Throwing acorns at them and shouting, “break it up ducks, you are embarrassing yourselves” I rapidly became disconnected from my present setting. Little did I know two ladies with a stroller stopped directly behind me and witnessed my efforts to stop the fight.
Between the well placed acorn throws and shouts of desperation to stop their duel, it worked. One duck flew one way and the other in the opposite direction. It didn’t seem that they accomplished anything more than proving to all other living creatures that much like a middle aged man on a scooter, duck fighting is something to lose respect over. So, with a sense of accomplishment I dusted off my hands and turned to walk off the dock towards my car. Then, to my surprise, I caught eyes with the two stunned soccer moms. Mustering my composure I walked past them with a purpose and said the only thing I could think of.
“It was a duck fight.”
Casserole of Disaster 
nice to see you back, Bill…
BTW… that Goofy thing was both sad and Hilarious.
You ought to just have a camera following you around. Merry Christmas Billy.
I can see that entire scene playing out in my head…and it’s hilarious! Merry Christmas, Billy!!!
Thanks man, I needed that. 🙂
Merry Christmas everyone. I love you guys!!!! BTW, where is Jodi?
Billy,
One of the best things I did in 2007 was stumble on to your site. When I did, I found a brilliant man, who feels…I MEAN REALLY FEELS…and that’s such a wonderfully rare trait in a man. You write from you heart and your gut and your soul.
When you write comedy, I walk away from reading your stuff laughing. I don’t do that very often.
When you write seriously, I walk away from reading your stuff thinking.
You never cease to amaze me.
In addition to singing your praises as a writer, I also wanted to wish you and your readership a very happy Christmas. I know 2007 was rife with a lot of heart ache and arrears of faith. But 2008 will be better.
I sincerely hope we all find peace of mind in 2008.
Your tremendous, Billy and I am a fan of the man… and his work.
Merry Christmas, Darlin’!
Laurie Kendrick
You RANG???? 😀
I love that Pluto video. I bet that kid was traumatized severely. Can you imagine being in Disneyland/world and being chased by Pluto? That kid is going to be in prison before he’s 18.
I know what you mean about Creative awakening. I have been feeling that way too lately. I have gotten into drawing lately again. I opened that part of my life up again and I want to make some money at it. I want to do portraits of people from photographs. I saw a flyer about a year ago for a guy that does that same thing. At the time I thought i could do that! And I didn’t really pursue it. But now I am. I know you don’t really know that part of me but I just thought I’d tell ya because you care about that kind of thing 🙂 I am going to spend the next day or two doing research about it.
Here’s a picture I did, side by side with the photo about a week ago just to show you what I mean even though the photograph could be better. Take care Billy have a Merry Christmas and call me for Christssake 😉
Merry Christmas Bill!
Ahhh, Billy…thanks for the X-mas wishes! The same to you and yours…hope it was a very merry one! We actually had snow in the PNW today…can’t remember the last time I had a white Christmas. Cheers!