Monkey see, monkey do

"Wanna see a really cool way to peel a banana?" Wally asked. "Dave showed me, and it doesn't smush up the end. You don't have to use your thumbnail, and you don't have to fight with the stem. Wanna see?"

Who could resist?

Wally turned the banana stem down and button up, and peeled the banana starting at the button.

"Pretty cool, huh?"

Yeah, if you like bananas. Zoey does not; I only like them if they're slightly green.

Intrigued, I asked "Where did you say you learned this?"

"From Dave" Wally said.

"And how did Dave learn about it?"

"From watching monkeys!"

Something about having too much time came to mind, and then I thought we could all probably learn a little from slowing down and watching the monkeys. With a broken foot slowing me down I'm seeing the world differently.

I watch the hummingbirds dive-bomb in formation over the pool and hover to feed on the lemon blossoms, their wings buzzing softly, their voices scratchy peeps. I watch the hollyhocks tip over and reach for the sun again, all the while throwing out frilly pink skirts of bloom. I hear the baby birds - last crop I hope - peeping for dinner. And I watch Ally play ball by herself, dropping the ball on the stairs, then leaping and dashing after it as it bounces down toward the pool. I swear she grins.

So excuse me, I'm off to check the garden for monkeys. And hummingbirds. And my monkey dog.