Beltane with Cam

A little Madness in the Spring Is wholesome even for the King.” Emily Dickinson

My Buddy, Cam

You may have noticed my references to Cam throughout my spring pandemic promenade bloggings. I am so blessed to have had another pair of eyes to hunt for signs of spring, the unusual and the encouragingly beautiful. Cam has been an essential part of my Spring has not Been Canceled blogging project.

During social distancing, Cam has become my new best friend, and I appreciate so many of his qualities:

• availability- just about any time, except when he is feeling low battery
• flexibility- is not afraid of the virus, so no masking necessary, which is helpful, because he sees through his nose it seems
• ready when I am
• minimalism- travels lightly
• accommodating- pushing his buttons is unlike any other companions I’ve had
• winks a lot

• likes to dress up, and is okay when dressed down
• sense of humor- some of his focuses are way out there
• keeps his hands to himself, though not sure I have actually seen them
• takes in information, but does not need to Cam-xplain it to me

Deb: What are your photographic passions, Cam?

Cam: Murky shadows and mystery.

Deb: What unusual signs of spring have you recorded this week?

Cam: We’ve been ramping it up—foraging (sustainably), making wild leek pesto, super garlicky salad dressing, soups…. I may have a long nose, but fortunately, no sense of smell.

 We also came upon a forest field of cowslip gold… oo-la-la!

Deb: What about stinging nettles? Can you handle them?

Cam: Sure, easy- peasy. I’m desensitized to their venomous sting, so Deb can plunk me onto a clump when she forages.

How will you celebrate May Day, Cam?

Cam: Pleasurably. Deb tenderly nestles my proboscis with her left hand, while she cradles my right shoulder and wist with her right. When she tickles my nose and I start to focus, my nostrils quiver in anticipation of imminent release. We shall dress up and dance. Maybe have a candlelit dinner after reviewing our day.

Cam  in May Day garb

Cam, Cam, he’s my man

One click away

Oh so willing, with nary a nay

His long nose sniffing out beauty, is all a twitter

Cam takes a lot

He’s not a quitter

A creature of contrast, shadows, light and dark

If Cam misses a shot,

he tries again til he hits the mark

Cam’s a guy with ability to focus

He gets the job done

hocus-pocus

Cam-hurrah… hurrah

Cam-er-ah…

 "In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt."      Margaret Atwood