Deer

Having grown up in Canada, and having my birthday in the middle of the summer, and often having been in the middle of the forest in the middle of the summer, I often had close encounters with deer on or around my birthday. This trip proves no different except that it seems that I do not need to actually be in the middle of the forest at all for these encounters to take place. I just need to be in anyplace where there might be deer.

These were by the side of the road in a residential neighborhood on the very west coast of California. They weren't spooked by the car and just seemed to be hanging out. I have better photos on the other camera, but this was just to give you the idea.

I'm always taken aback when I see deer. Maybe it's because of how much i cried when I first saw Bambi, or maybe it's just cause they emit a sense of complete peace with everything (unless they're fighting... then watch out!) But most of all, maybe it's because with what I know about the world, when you see them you realise how completely fragile everything really is. Maybe that knowledge started with Bambi too.

Anyhow, I'm glad I live in a world and a time when there are deer. And I'm glad that every once in a while someone decides that our paths should cross in some brief moments. It's the best birthday present of all.