I am driving over the winding mountain pass from my town to Albany. I notice, as the road straightens out, that there is somebody standing up ahead in the very middle of the two-lane highway. No car in sight.
I can’t figure it out. People zoom this stretch doing 50, 60. To make the matter more interesting, this joker is wearing some type of reindeer-like headdress. Antlers. What an idiot. This better be good, I think, as I slow down some.
Ten car-lengths away, and the guy’s still not budging. In fact, it’s clear he’s looking right at me. Terrific. I make sure the car doors are locked. I assess swervability of the sides of the road. I look back at the guy. Damn. Some kind of costume. What the hell?? Why me? No other cars on the road, that I can see.
I slow some more and feel myself cringing. This had better be good. The last frickin’ thing I need is the latest serial killer, Reindeer Man.
He’s still not moving. This is full-on face-off now. He’s in some weird brown suit. Ambitious Halloween dress rehearsal. What the hell?
His eyes lock on mine, through the windshield.
Well, Lord in heaven.
He’s a moose.
A gangly, teenaged moose. Facing me, head-on. Looking all two-legged.
I brake as fast as I can, squeak to a stop about 25 feet away from the big guy, who does not move. He looks awkward, ungainly. He eyes me with interest. I’ve been looking for you. I got my orders in March.
I’ll be damned. I can’t take my eyes off him.
Another car comes up behind me, and the moose gives me one last meaningful look, then trots with surprising fleetness into the woods.
What a joker. Joke’s on me. I’ve been saying for months, hey, Universe, I really could use a nice animal totem. And I NEED YOU TO BE VERY, VERY CLEAR.
Moose. I submit, humbly. Go look it up. I sure did. I read everything I could find online about moose totems, and I did it with my mouth open and my head shaking. Right on the money. Moose. I got a moose. He could have trashed my car, that wild teenage moose, but no. That moose came to deliver a message. You’re wack, baby, but let’s get past that. Follow me and I’ll show you some really cool moose shit.
I’m in.
I am so in.
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
This is an amazing story. An Albany moose? Wow.
Wait–so what does a moose mean? As an animal totem?
Girl, was that Albany or Cecily?
I heard a funny joke once, about a bear and a moose…
Most excellent.
Ok, I googled “moose totem” and now I’m all teary-eyed. Wow, Jenn. Wow.
Moose have the most beautiful eyes….. I’m glad he wasn’t standing just around a blind bend in the road, because I got a feeling that running over a moose has a whole different meaning then exchanging meaningful glances and soulful looks. And probably involves buying a new car.
jenn, is it okay if I’m giggling a little?
glad you found him!
I tend to land the buttterfly in summer & turtles at other times.
I got a chill. I love it! What a wonderful animal totem and how smart of you to ask for one. And, I’m a little jealous that the universe listens to you.
Wow, just wow. I think that Moose totem is pretty amazing. I’ve spent every car ride north looking for a moose—I think I’m trying too hard.
I never considered moose hanging out much south of the Canadian border, but I’m told they’ve returned since my days in the Berkshires. That’s beautiful. Glad he was a teenager.
I, too, googled Moose Totem. A sign indeed, Jenn.
“Autumn is the power time of moose.”
Autumn is now just around the corner…
Wow. Can I get a kitten totem?
Cool story.
Reminds me of the movie “Elf” and of the book “Zorro” where the boys’ grandmother takes them out in the woods to discover their animal/guide/thingamagiggy. (That’s where the title zorro comes from—his animal was a fox.)
Chills – I got ‘em too.
Thank the Universe that you were present that day, Jenn.
xoxoxoxo
Moose! Moose is a very good totem. It used to be mine, in fact, and got me through some very rough times, especially in the self-esteem department. Moose always felt big and soft and belligerent when it needed too but also still and thoughtful. For some reason owl has come to replace moose in my life now. I hope, like I was, you will be very happy and comforted by moose.
There’s definitely a certain strength in the moose. Also, beauty. I’m going to read about your totem now.
The Moose is also my son’s totem and like you, he has polar bear disease. So reading this sent chills up my spine. Very very interesting reading that particular description of the Moose totem, as it sounds much like my boy, and you too. Wise beyond your years.
I keep getting black cats crossing my path. Seriously. I’m not really superstitious but when it started happening a couple times a week I started getting a little freaked out. The moose is a much better deal, I’m sure.
Dude, I love it. So happy for you.
Yay! What a cool answer you got from the Universe.
How awesome!
Thank goodness you din’t take the moose on!
Oh my god, that made me laugh! Man in a brown suit with reindeer headress standing in the middle of the road….it is obvious your background is in theater!
Moose totem seems just right for you! Good things are coming your way.
that is amazing! so cool.
What an incredibly great thing to happen! I had a similar encounter with two moose on a twisty Vermont mountain road, I’ll always remember it. Going to read about your totem now.
So I’ve been rooting for you, from Kansas City, for quite awhile…. Congratulations moose-woman! What a totem, huh??
Hole. Ly. Shit.
that’s you honey, on the nose.
Awesome, that really is so cool.
Oh my. That is awesome!! I totally got the visual, but would have loved to see an actual pic of this teenaged guy.
oh, I love it. just fantastic.