Everyone who knows me knows how much I love animals. They’ve played an important role in my life. Right from the gitgo. Cats and dogs and horses, exotic birds and cougars, pygmy bears and feisty lamas– who played monumental parts in my humorous book THE SCAM–and a precious little Capuchin monkey, named Tonga, who lived in a fancy red circus wagon, on wheels, in my mother’s kitchen.
This was not a caged lab animal. Tonga was a skinny, long-tailed Elizabeth Taylor, who was born in the Chinese Year of the Monkey. Tonga was the star of the show. At least in my father’s petting zoo.
While crunching buttered popcorn and smacking her lips–they’re omnivores–she loved to watch television I Love Lucy was her favorite. She’d lie on her tummy in her bed, tucked in with her favorite security blanket, her chin resting in her hands , never taking her eyes off the screen.
Meticulously clean. She had a soft wash clothe and a mini tub filled with warm water–my mother kept it scented and she loved the whiff of Shalimar my mother shared –and her little face often got a good scrubbing. Her hands, too. She had a cute sense of humor, but she could be a disaster on wheels when she chose. When angered, she’d bite.
I think of her fondly. And often. Especially now–2016–for this is the Chinese Year of the Monkey. The Fire Monkey yet. All you guys born in the Year of the Monkey take heed. And heart. You, like Tonga, are lively, versatile, witty and practical. Highly intelligent and talented. Active. You enjoy sports and sports are in. You like being the center of attention–narcissistic up the lagoon–nothing wrong with that. Tonga had a hand mirror into which she loved to gaze. Lovingly.
You’re mischievous. Masters of the practical joke. Healthy. Creative and intelligent. Persuasive and well-organized.
The Fire part is a goody. Last time the monkey was in the Fire sign was in 1956, 60 years ago. The Fire Monkey is aggressive. Domineering. You crave leadership. The leadership role is your bag. ‘Course you can be overbearing. I mean, you’re headed for the top and nobody better get in your way. What saves you are your people skills and you do love to nurture.
You also jump in where angels fear to tread Be careful. You’re flamboyant and charming and friendly and have a large social circle and get along best with people born in the year of the Rat and the Dragon.
So it’s said.
As an atheist, I love the creative, imaginative, make-believe side of human nature. I think it’s one of our most endearing traits. Along with animals, I grew up with the best writers of fantasy. Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book was one of my favorites. A world without Mowgli and the Bandor-log would be dull.
Kids should be taught to love fantasy, but seek truth. Know the difference.Where to look for truth? In Science of, course.
bettejo 