When I was growing up in New York City I had two great passions in my life – spending my days with our animals, and spending my nights gazing at the starry skies, pondering the distant heavens. My mother was certain I would either become a veterinarian or an astronomer.
But life has a funny way of taking us down unexpected roads, and I wound up leaving the east coast and traveling to Portland, Oregon where I’ve lived since 1977. My career path led me into the business world, which satisfied the left side of my brain but kept the right side quiet, longing for expression. I just couldn’t stop thinking about those stars!
In 1995, I decided to transition out of the corporate workplace and pursue my true heart’s calling…my soul work. I was looking for a way to celebrate the creatures with whom we share this planet and to thank them for the many gifts they had brought to me.
I thought my beloved dog, Martha, would be by my side on this magical journey. I didn’t know she would become ill and I would have to continue on without her. As I grieved the loss of my dearest friend, I couldn’t understand this was all part of a much larger plan. I didn’t know I would give birth to five books that celebrate our timeless connection with animals… books overflowing with paintings of starry skies! In looking back, I see now that the dreams and passions of my childhood have come full circle.
I’ve learned much from my passions. The animals have taught me about letting go, for they so often leave long before we are ready to say goodbye. The heavens have inspired me to never give up on my dreams, for on those days when the dream seems a little far away I remember it is only resting up in the stars, waiting for me to call it back home.
Christine Davis lives in Portland, Oregon with her kitties Molly and Star.