Wednesday, December 24, 2008


Listen

Edward is a creature in possession of a myriad of magical qualities- qualities which draw people to him, friends and strangers alike, wherever we happen to go. They gather round him in outdoor cafes, follow us on our walks, roll down their windows at traffic lights to say hello to him, they get out of their cars to come squat down in front of him, they even allow their toddlers to kiss him smack on the mouth. Edward, ever patient, is consistently tolerant of these advances. So much so in fact, that last Halloween, when friends dressed their three adorable stairstep daughters as characters from Peter Pan, they asked if Edward would be willing to play Nana for a photo. He was honored, although a bit reticent about the bonnet he was supposed to wear. I realize I may be slightly prejudiced, but he really is an extraordinary dog. However, tonight and only tonight, he just may share one very special gift with every other animal on the planet. He just may speak. For tonight is Christmas Eve, and it is a tale well told that on this night of nights, the animals speak at midnight.

For those of you fortunate enough to live on a farm, take a stroll past your barn at that hour. Stop. Listen. Do you hear the whispered conversations of those enchanted creatures within? The tabby cat on the windowsill, gazing out at the frozen garden....what is he saying? Did you catch it? The Lioness on the moonlit plain, the Mountain Gorilla beneath Rwandan trees - from the Great Horned Owls at the bottom of our garden, to the ice white Polar Bear sitting alone on the top of the world, what words will they choose to speak for this, their once a year soliloquy. Words of despair, or words of hope? Of recrimination, or of praise? While I would certainly never deign to speak for Edward, I can only imagine his statement to the holy darkness will be the simple, pure words of gratitude.
On this night, what more is there to say?


Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!!

58 comments:

  1. So beautiful, I'm grateful that you said it so well! LOVE your pup too! Happy holidays and all the best in '09!

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  2. Your thoughts, like you (and Edward) are truly beautiful and I am so grateful I discovered you in blogland. You have greatly enhanced my life.
    Thank you Pamela.

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  3. Merry, merry Christmas to you and Edward. I always spend a quiet moment staring up at the stars on Christmas night and thinking about my cat who loved Christmas and opening his presents. A very touching post. Edward looks dashing in his cap! Best wishes,
    Catherine

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  4. So sweet - I wish you and Edward a very, very happy Christmas. xv

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  5. Waht a wonderful , msterious thought--not only our animals speakin but what woudl tey say at such a a time as this? We can only imagine..and feel what it would be.

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  6. what a beautiful dog he is, its clear that he does have extraordinary talents.

    I'll need to sneak down to Gorgie City Farm at midnight and listen to the rabbits...

    Have a wonderful Christmas

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  7. Darling Edward, what a special dog he is! I am sure he managed dignity even in a bonnet. Season's Greeting's to you all, and the very best for 2009.

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  8. Edward looks adorable....and again a very beautiful painting to go with this lovely post..My visits to your blog are always magical..Have a Wonderful Christmas eve ...

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  9. Merry Christmas Pamela and Edward.

    If animals could talk I think we would all be kinder to them. Imagine some people's shame when their dog tells them how cold and lonely he has been in an outdoor kennel away from the Christmas celebrations. How magial would it be to be told in words of love instead of just looks how your pet feels about you. What a wonderful thing to look forward to.

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  10. Hello Pamela & Edward,

    Another lovely piece of writing. I shall look forward to learning more of your world in 2009.

    'til then, have a very happy Chistmas season.

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  11. Winnie shyly whispers. Sigh ... he's just dreamy that handsome Edward. Sigh ... someone's got a big ol' crush. Happy holidays to all from the gang at 29 Black Street.

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  12. The joy of each and every visit is like having a "daily Christmas." I am enamored with the house of Edward.
    May you both enjoy peace & joy. Thank-you for bringing beauty and grace to me.

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  13. I remember hearing as a small child the legend of the animals speaking at midnight on Christmas Eve. As my Grandmother had a large barn filled with animals I imagined them talking with each other....

    Merry Christmas to you and Edward as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ...

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  14. Love your tale of the animals talking -- I was always told that as well -- but I've never heard them.

    Merry Christmas

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  15. I love the picture! I'm sad I didn't get to see you on Sunday. My apologies to you and the Songwriter - there just wasn't enough hours in the day. I will be seeing you soon and acquiring my own copy of his new expressions of talent.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours! Tea after the beginning of the New Year? Love you!

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  16. Having household gods, we are blessed enough.

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  17. Merry Christmas to you all and a special kiss for Edward.

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  18. As a child I would wait expectantly for my pets to speak on Christmas eve. It is only now as an adult I realize it is supposed to be at midnight. I've just put the hens to bed and I have to admit even at this time I still listened to their clucking and tried to make out any words :)

    Happy Christmas to you all!
    x

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  19. I hope Edward DOES speak tonight! Merry Christmas to you, and your family, and Edward...and a glorious New Year to come!

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  20. What a wonderful post, dear Edward looks super and ready for the big event:) Happy Christmas.

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  21. 'Tis my wish that their voices shall unite and we shall have a symphony the world over.
    May your home and heart be filled with the spirit of the season.
    Thankyou for your wonderful posts this past year and visiting me.It is an exchange I look forward to and enjoy.
    Merry Christmas Pamela and Edward.
    xo Susan

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  22. Beautifully stated as always. I know Edward would tell you how happy is he to share his life with you. May you have many more Christmases together. :-)

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  23. Edward looks adorable! Happy holidays indeed.

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  24. Well, isn't Edward the most handsome Christmas dog. Merry merry to both of you. Continue to spread that love and cheer for it makes the world a better place.

    And I believe he will be speaking words of hope tonight. As I hope Bella will too.

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  25. 'Hoping it might be so...'

    A very happy Christmas to you, Pamela, Terry, Edward and Apple!

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  26. Merry Christmas Pamela and Edward and your loved ones!

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  27. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Pamela!

    Willow x x

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  28. May you all have a peaceful and happy christmas.
    x

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  29. Merry Christmas to you and Edward! It is always such visual pleasure to visit your blog and I am so glad to made your blog acquaintance.

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  30. Merry Christmas to you and Edward!

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  31. Happy Christmas to all of you and blessings for the new year!

    Such a gorgeous photo of Edward :-)

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  32. Pamela,

    Your words have a way of lifting the spirit.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, and especially to your sweet Edward.

    Melissa

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  33. Merry Christmas to you and to Edward! And thank you for your delightful writing - which enriches our days.

    love-
    Patience and the whippets

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  34. merry merry merry christmas, Pamela!!!

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  35. Edward makes a very handsome Santa!

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  36. Your beautiful Edward just takes my breath away. He has that 'special something'. I hope your Christmas has been full of beauty and magic. Hugs to Edward and Apple.
    Merry Christmas,
    Yaya

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  37. thanks for retelling this delightful tale which i had not heard for years and years. edward is a very lucky dog as he lives with you and you understand his special qualities.

    happy holidays!

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  38. Visiting here always makes me smile! What a sweet pup...I want to go see Marley and Me sometime next week!

    Thanks for your kind words of support on my blog last week; it meant so much.

    I hope you had a blessed Christmas.

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  39. Thank you for your greetings and I wish you a very happy new year, not forgetting Edward of course.

    I can see how easy it would be to snuggle into that beautiful and pristine looking white hair.

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  40. Without knowing of the fable, I chanced to post a blog today from the perspective of my dog.

    What a shock to come here and find the timing of my blog holds considerable synchronicity.

    Edward look very dashing, by the way!

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  41. If sharing our gifts is what makes us happy, you and Edward must be ecstatic!Happy holidays and may you continue to enrich others lives with your warmth.

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  42. oh if only all creatures could tell each other their secrets all year round... but for now please thank Edward for his wonderous abilities...

    A most happy Christmas season to the both of you and your family..

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  43. Hope your xmas was beautiful!!

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  44. What a lovely post...and a cute photo of Edward! I hope you are both having a wonderful christmas time...

    Priscilla x

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  45. Very well said and to finish off with the most handsome Santa I have ever seen!! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!

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  46. Eloquently said and I love this picture. Happiest of holidays to you both! xo Lecia

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  47. I hope you had a very Merry Christmas! All the best in the New Year!

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  48. What a beautiful and festive photo of Edward. I am not surprised that people are so drawn to him- he has the most endearing and happy face.

    And, Pamela, as always, your words conjure up feelings of magic; I loved imagining what the animals might chose to say. I hope that you all enjoyed a most wonderful and Merry Christmas!

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  49. Hello Pamela and Edward, and thanks for your nice comment on my blog. Edward is adorable.... what a lovely post... hugs from new fans... and Happy 2009...

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  50. Your Edward is too too cute...
    Hope you had a very merry Christmas!!

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  51. Hope Prince Edward and YOU have been having wonderful holiday Pamela!!
    Thank you for your grace, for the beauty you bring to our world through your blog. Wishing you and yours peace and happiness for 2009!!
    woof~woof to the Master!
    xox
    Constance

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  52. AW - soooo adorable!!! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a Happy New Years!!!!

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  53. Precious Edward!! I can see why he is so loved.

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  54. i think edward is a real 'hottie ' !!!!

    thank you for commenting on my post, isn't camden great ? it is cool that you have been there.

    it is a great big small world, don't you think ?

    happy new year

    renee

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!