The Day Everything Changed

Long afterwards, she was to remember that moment when her life changed direction. ~ Evelyn Anthony

 

Just over a year ago I was sitting at my desk. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed something moving in the front yard and when I turned to look I noticed  the fox I had been seeing for months.

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I watched her as she walked across the yard, and that's when I saw them.

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Four beautiful baby fox kits. There was nothing to do but grab my camera and from that moment on nothing has been the same.

For weeks they lived in my garden. Everyday at the same time 6:30 am, 2 pm, and 6:30 pm I would be poised with my cameras sitting in the front yard. They got use to me and I got use to them. What happened was nothing short of magical.

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The veil and division I had in my mind between humans and nature quickly disappeared as I established a front row seat into the world of foxes.

Every week on Thursdays I would post about my garden visitors only to have many of you stop in and check up on them. As Spring turned into Summer my garden friends left and the absence in my life after their departure was enormous. Still to this day I look out my windows expecting to see them. 

In early Autumn, with the encouragement from many of you, I started on the journey of putting these many happy memories into a book that would be both their story while capturing the magic of that moment. 

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In six days time the launch of the Fox Diaries will be here. Starting Monday I've gathered together some of my blogging friends both near and far to help us celebrate the year the foxes came to my garden.  Stay tuned tomorrow to see what doors this fox adventure opened up, as well as where we'll be going on this first leg of the blog tour. Until then have a great day and be sure to look out your window to see what magic is happening in your garden and then follow it.

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Comments

18 responses to “The Day Everything Changed”

  1. It’s amazing that they felt so safe to frolic about. I can well remember your fox posts and I’m so glad you were able to memorialize such a special time.

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  2. Lovely- so exciting for you and all of us.

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  3. I’m so glad to see this come to fruit. I will be certain to talk it up on my blog! Thanks so much for your recent comments. You asked about Swamplandia! I really liked the book. Interesting characters and I learned so much about the natural history of Florida. Perhaps you can find it at your library? XO Maribeth

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  4. Lovely to see them back! Very excited to see more….big hugs Em xx

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  5. How did I miss this? I thought I had been following your blog for a longer time! How very exciting , Valarie. There are no foxes on the Islands. So amazing that you lived side by side. No wonder you missed them. xx

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  6. Thank you for these lovely photos. They brought smiles and tears. A year ago, I stumbled upon a fox den near my home and enjoyed photographing a kit as he played. I’ve never felt so close to nature.

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  7. I am so thrilled! I so wanted you to write a book – the whole foxy spring and summer was so wonderful! Is there a button for your book – I would love to have one to put on my blog. Well done Valarie – this is really exciting news.

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  8. oh my gosh— now those are some amazing photographs…wow!! they look so soft:)

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  9. Valarie this is such an inspiring post & I am so honored to help you celebrate ๐Ÿ™‚

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  10. Thanks Nancy! It’s been a wonderful time creating as well!

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  11. Oh thank you for that. Let me know if you want the foxes to visit. I’ve reserved my copy of Swamplandia. Can hardly wait to read it.

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  12. Big hugs back.

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  13. Hi Jacqui,
    It was an amazing experience and they were so lovely too. Be well! xoxoxo

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  14. They are just amazing creatures and so beautiful. So glad you stopped by.

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  15. Hi Lily,
    Thank you for your kinds words. There is now a foxy button that you can get on my sidebar.

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  16. They are so soft and just beautiful in my opinion. Thanks Rebecca for stopping by.

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  17. It means the world to me that you are standing right beside me. It’s such a great time to celebrate!!

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