Coyote Magic
☆ April 27, 2021
It’s been a minute. Or rather, six months….. which just seems unreal. Three events disengage us from the human construct of time: birth, death, and falling in love. When we’re in the midst of those three things, time gets weird.
I didn’t realize the winter had passed until I heard the calls of the sandhill cranes the first week of March. And instead of thrilling me as they always have, they filled me with dread. Since Charlie came into my life, I have always celebrated our birthdays together. When I realized April was on the horizon, I got nervous about how I would feel on our birthday this year, this being the first one without him here. But Charlie orchestrated a wonderful adventure for me.
In March, I got an email from a powerhouse in the art world inviting me to place a piece in a group show she was curating in Jackson Hole. She needed all the art by April 12 (my birthday) to start hanging the show. So instead of dealing with shipping my work, I decided to drive the giant framed photo of Charlie to Jackson myself and make a mini vacation out of it.
When I told the curator my plan, she offered me her gorgeous house in downtown Jackson to stay in, since she and her husband had moved to a ranch outside of town. What a gift. I truly believe that Charlie conspired with the curator to deliver me to Jackson so I could spend our birthday surrounded by art and possibility instead of moping around at home. It was made even more special by knowing that Charlie’s legacy lives on, and that his magic will continue to reach new people through this show.
I hadn’t been to Jackson since I rode through on my Vespa, and it had been so cold and overcast that August day fifteen years ago that I never even got to see the Tetons in their full glory, as they were shrouded in fog. In person, they really do take your breath away.
The house I stayed in was a work of art in and of itself, filled with art and art books, and the way the light danced through the space made me wish I’d brought my camera – this trip was the first time I’ve wanted to take pictures since Charlie died. But I still had fun taking pics with my phone.
If you find yourself in Jackson Hole between now and June 14, swing by The Center for the Arts to see the show! It’s a group of seriously amazing artists with so many spectacular pieces. You can download the catalogue, which contains all the art, here.
I still have rough days. I’m not going to pretend that there hasn’t been a lot of pain since Charlie left Planet Earth. But there’s also been so much magic. Every time I call out to Charlie, he answers….. and I know he’s still my co-pilot from across the veil.
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30 Responses to “Coyote Magic”
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April 27th, 2021 @ 10:53 am
I am so happy that you had a happy birthday, in sharing the portrait of Charlie with the arts world plus having a vacation! I still miss Charlie so much too
April 27th, 2021 @ 11:02 am
So great to hear from you!!! Fabulously awesome you were invited to the art show and to place Charlie in there, truly wonderful!! Happy for you to get out and see the Tetons – they are majestic, I’ve been there and stayed in JH also many years ago. Let the magic Charlie brings continue to up lift you and your world. Much love to you and the farmily.
April 27th, 2021 @ 11:09 am
You had such a deep connection with Charlie that it’s no wonder that he is still speaking to you.
Sending loving thoughts your way.
April 27th, 2021 @ 11:11 am
Good to hear that you listen when spirits call. It took me a long time to heal after our loss but now the emptiness is filled with happy memories. This will come to you as well. Hugs.
April 27th, 2021 @ 11:32 am
I read this entry with tears in my eyes. I followed you and Charlie for years after reading and then buying the book The Daily Coyote. I followed you and Charlie through the blog you created for years. Then I stopped…..Years later Charlie came into my mind and I checked out the blog to find that Charlie had just passed. My heart was full of sadness, but somehow Charlie let me know. Take care Shreve I will check out the show now. Thank you so much for sharing Charlie with all of us❤️
April 27th, 2021 @ 12:17 pm
This news makes my heart sing. Thank you, sweet Charlie boy.
April 27th, 2021 @ 12:28 pm
Couldn’t love this more. Thank you. Hugs to you, Mike and the farmily.
April 27th, 2021 @ 1:27 pm
So glad you listened to your instincts and went. Happy birthday to you & Charlie! Your bond is beyond constraints. Much love.
April 27th, 2021 @ 2:13 pm
It was great hearing from you again. I am glad you went there. Charlie picture looked amazing. I am looking forward to seeing more of your art work with Charlie whenever you are .. .
Much love to you and Charlie.
April 27th, 2021 @ 3:09 pm
I think of you often. Glad/sad/glad to hear your news, always. Your writing and your deep good heart for the world make my heart sing too.
April 27th, 2021 @ 3:50 pm
It is so great to hear from you Shreve – you’ve been missed…I’ve no doubt that Charlie is indeed (partly) responsible for your fabulous opportunities in Jackson Hole! You are incredibly talented and I am so happy for your work to be seen at this venue! I am so bummed I’m going to miss the show – I arrive in JH on July 12th…But I have all of your books and frequently lose myself in your incredible images of Charlie and the wilds of Wyoming…
Wishing you much love and peace always,
Paige
April 27th, 2021 @ 4:01 pm
How wonderful that things fell into place like … magic.
All of my dogs passed close to holidays, Goliath after New Year’s, Caesar after Veteran’s Day, Ramses the night of Thanksgiving. Even Candy didn’t quite make it to Valentine’s Day. Their memories come flooding back with each passing year on their holidays.
I’m glad you had this opportunity to get away and really enjoy your birthday. Perhaps this is the start of your new normal. Charlie will never be forgotten, he will become part of the background of your life moving forward, ready to step in when you need him.
April 27th, 2021 @ 4:02 pm
Hi, Shreve,
Hearing all this from you has made my heart sing! You have been much on my mind, and I’m so glad Charlie has once again brought joy to you. May the peace and pleasure he brought to you on your birthday follow you throughout the year and heal your aching heart along the way!
Sending hugs and blessings always.
April 27th, 2021 @ 6:09 pm
Wow, awesome heartfelt words ❤ I am deeply moved Shreve. Loved the photos. Take care, stay safe
April 28th, 2021 @ 10:19 am
Every morning I start my day by going to the Daily Coyote to see a photo of your dear Charlie. I can’t imagine what you have been going through, but as you say he is still with you and always will be. Much love and hugs.
April 28th, 2021 @ 6:14 pm
Hi Shreve-so great to hear from you! And hear of this wonderful art showing that Charlie will be a part of-I love the picture you chose of him!!! I start each day on the Daily Coyote looking at the wonderous photos of Charlie and I continue to be amazed by his beauty and love for you and you for him. I smile through the tears but I am happy to be a part of this story from the beginning until now and continue to want more!!!! I know in my heart he will always be with you and we will always want to be sharing this journey with you. Love and prayers to you-and many thanks for always sharing your precious boy with us!!! Do take care.
April 28th, 2021 @ 7:17 pm
Beautiful post. I believe Charlie, like my dogs and cat now gone, are always with us. In our hearts and by our side. Charlie, you, the Farmily have given me a lot of joy, sharp doses of reality, and hope. Thank you, Shreve for continuing to give so much to all of us.
PS/Happy Birthday belated wishes!
April 28th, 2021 @ 7:26 pm
Beautiful… all of it!
April 28th, 2021 @ 7:40 pm
I’m so with you, Shreve. My dear Gem sent Penny from Heaven to me. Grief is still there big time but it’s a bit assuaged by life with a puppy. I visit your site often and feel your happiness and grief at the same time, and it’s still hard to accept the loss of Charlie too. I’m so amazed and happy for you with the continuing signs that he is still right here. All the best.
April 28th, 2021 @ 10:56 pm
Hey Shreve. Your birthdays always pre empted mine(today) but I always felt like we ” shared” birthdays. Much love in these special days. Many congrats on your Jackson gig. What a special honor!
April 29th, 2021 @ 6:26 am
I still visit The Daily Coyote every morning. I love the way it makes time irrelevant. Thanks for this post. Cheers!
April 29th, 2021 @ 6:37 am
I didn’t know Charlie was gone until now. I’m so sorry for your loss, and am also grateful for the life he had with you.
April 29th, 2021 @ 11:19 am
Thanks for checking in with us. I have missed your voice. Sending love from Seattle.
April 29th, 2021 @ 1:38 pm
Amen to all that has been said in the comments — it’s good to hear from you and know that you are coping. Hugs to everyone.
April 29th, 2021 @ 4:40 pm
So glad to see an update from you. I thought of you and Charlie while watching My Octopus Friend, a documentary about another friendship between two species…filled with magic, wonder and also heartbreak. But ultimately wholeness.
Narrated by the insightful human friend. Insightful like you.
The Tetons…wow, that house, wow, and I’m glad you’re OK. I hope you keep the updates going…
April 30th, 2021 @ 12:59 am
What a wonderful post…Following the guidance of your intuition and Charlie’s spirit brought you a memorable birthday. Sending along a wish for a good ride around the Sun this next year and continued Coyote Magic.
May 2nd, 2021 @ 10:06 am
It’s good to see you feeling better. I know it goes slowly, and it hurts the whole time at first. Now that I have joined you in losing a beloved animal companion, I will think of you even more.
May 11th, 2021 @ 2:15 pm
I can still cry about Charlie. I knew, of course, that the day would come but I was so hoping Charlie would set all records and live much longer. I’m glad he is still present in so many ways. My favorite shot of him is from the back looking over the valley. I have not framed that one but think I will get on that now. Much love to you.
Deanna
June 2nd, 2021 @ 1:50 pm
I ran across this quote the other day “Part of grief’s tyranny is that it robs you of remembering the things that matter.” Charlie was important, to you and others (and me). It’s a brave step to put your art of him back out into the world. Hugs.
December 17th, 2022 @ 1:46 pm
Shreve,
I just want you to know what a joy your books and your sharing has been to me. You deserve a rest.
My admiration and love to you,
Arno