A Flamingo Named Laverne

Whether one is aware or not, the universe is constantly communicating with us. Some messages are not meant to be heard. They are meant to be seen and felt. Symbolism is one way we can receive a message if we just know where to look.

One example is in the symbolism of a bird. Birds have the ability to take flight, soar to new heights and view things from a different perspective. Upon waking, the first thing a bird will do is sing. Forgoing to worry about the day, it delivers a selfless song to the universe with no expectations. The specific bird I would like to address is the flamingo.

The flamingo stands on one leg showing us proper balance, beauty, and grace. It is a symbol of strong emotions hidden inside that, when released, will guide you to wherever it is you need to go. The flamingo reminds us to get rid of all negativity in our lives and change the way we think. It is time to focus on the important things. The energy of flamingo tells us to relax and have fun while maintaining balance in all areas of our life.

I was twenty years old and lived in an apartment near San Diego state. I drove a little yellow Celica. Hanging from the rear-view mirror was a pink flamingo named Laverne. She was a stuffed animal that squeaked as I went over speed bumps. Today, if Laverne hung from my mirror, I would get a ticket for obstruction of view, but back then, she was merely a conversation piece.

On this particular day, I realized I forgot to lock the car door from the previous night. I sat in the driver’s seat and noticed Laverne was not there. She had been stolen from the car due to my carelessness, and I was upset. Eventually, I let it go and hoped the thieves who took her appreciated her as much as I did.

A few days went by. I received a note on my doorstep. It contained a letter and a Polaroid picture. The picture was of Laverne. She was blindfolded and tied up with a butcher knife held to her neck. I immediately realized Laverne was not stolen, she had been kidnapped! The letter was a ransom note. It explained we would get her back as long as we followed the proper instructions. It was hilarious.

My best friend at the time was a young woman named Pam. We were completely enthralled in the Laverne saga. The ransom notes and pictures continued for weeks. Then one evening, there was a knock at my door. I opened it. There, placed upon the doormat, was the last picture of Laverne. She was no longer blindfolded and bound in restraints. She appeared to be sitting on top of a washing machine.

I screamed out loud and ran down the stairs to the laundry room. The dryer was on. I opened the door, and there she was. Laverne was not only safe; she was warm and clean.

A few weeks later, fate intervened. My friend Pam began dating one of the “alleged” kidnappers. It turned into a serious relationship, and in 1991 they were married. I was her maid of honor, or as she called it, Maid of Dishonor. They had three beautiful children who have grown into responsible and loving adults.

About a year ago, Pam gave my daughter Clara Bow a flamingo raft for the pool. A few months later, she sent me a pair of flamingo earrings. Most recently, she gave me a flamingo coffee mug that reads, “Let me adjust my crown and get my day started.” Pam had been nudging me ever so gently to use the energy of the flamingo, but I was not ready. I knew it was time for me to write again, but I did not know where to start. I walked into my daughter’s room to get something. There on her bookshelf was an unused journal with pink flamingos on it. That was a sign as clear as day. I was now ready to let the flamingo energy guide me to wherever I was to go. With a little help from my friend Pam and the spirit of Laverne, I let the stories unfold in the notebook.

Thank you both for guiding me to a place I did not know existed, a place of grace, a place of love, and a place of unlimited creative expression. Let me adjust my crown, so I can build my castle of dreams.