~ Growing Without Roots ~

My childhood was amazing and unique. In fact, it ruined my life in many ways. I remember when I was seven, listening to the radio in my parents' room in Australia, eyes closed, lying on the rug with my head on a pillow, the sound of the branches and leaves blowing in the wind outside. I often wonder, is this a dream and am I still in Australia? Will I wake up and be able to do it all differently? Or is this my life and my memories will always be an albatross around my neck?

1960 Teela Wooket, Albert

After my camp roommate Melanie and I got in trouble for bringing back dead animals, we decided to focus on live ones. We went snake hunting one day, and I found an adorable garter snake. I named him Albert. He lived in an aluminum coffeepot with grass inside. He would lie twined between my fingers and I would carry him around all day. One of the stable hands, Steve, was terrified, and it was great fun to have my hand behind my back and suddenly whip Albert out and see him scream.

When I called home and asked if I could bring him home, my dad forbid me. I found out later he was terrified of snakes. When I left, the people at Teela Wooket prepared a special home for Albert, a big aquarium/terrarium, with rocks and plants and I think he was probably a very happy snake, if a bit lonely.