I have always admired the symmetry of two tall green plants flanking the doorways of homes.  Some are more grand than others, but to me they all lend a sort of stateliness no matter what their size.  That is what I was attempting to create when I bought two Japanese Pencil Hollies for the windows on either side of our front door.  I’m sure they would have looked more formal in some type of urn or pedestal planter.  But I love Paloma here and thought it just might fit.  Now she resembles more of a quetzal but she makes me happy nonetheless.  If she could talk I think she’d say she sees lots of comings and goings:  big wolves trampling in and out, gatos malos (bad cats) trying to escape for a bit of adventure, a little girl with curly hair stripping off her clothes before she quite makes it all the way through the door, a mother hauling in groceries every day before going to work and a father hauling out recycling every day after he has worked.  But they are a happy bunch.  Our house is full of all sort of wolves, original art, family pictures, seashells, and our little girl’s toys.  Our home is our refuge and has on many occasions been called eclectic.  I have always supposed that was a polite term for unusual.  I have never fit into any mold and neither has my husband.  I think that’s why we’re so perfect for each other.  The French fashion designer Paloma Picasso once said, “I don’t have anything to prove anymore.  I can relax.”  For years I felt the need to prove myself.  By the grace of God, and with my husband’s help, I do not feel that way anymore.  It is incredibly freeing — and that sums up our dove’s tale.