Embracing my mind
with a virtual hug—
Burmese Python.
The head of the large Burmese Python was completely buried in dark shadows. Because I wanted to have a more personal meeting with this snake, I stood there for about 10 minutes staring through the glass of the enclosure—hoping he would eventually move in my direction.
My patience was rewarded! I watched as the snake began to slowly slither towards me with his tongue rhythmically flickering in and out.
After the python came as close to me as he could, he quietly asked, “Are you by yourself?”
I sighed. “Yes, I am. As usual.”
“Well then, you have probably been lonely for quite some time. Would you like to come inside for a warm embrace? I would be more than happy to share a hug with you.”
I looked at the size, length, and width of the huge snake and quickly decided to turn down his gracious offer. “Thank you so much,” I responded with a nervous smile. “But I think a hug from someone as strong and powerful as you might be the end of me. How about a ‘mental’ hug and squeeze instead?”
The python flicked his bifurcated tongue at me and said: “Alright. Admittedly, you do have good reason to be concerned. I thoroughly enjoy the act of constriction, and it would be easy for me to accidentally go too far while embracing you.”
Wow! After listening to politicians “bend the truth’ every day, the honesty of this beautiful snake was quite refreshing.
All things considered, it was wiser to opt for a mental hug from the Burmese Python, so I gazed through the glass while his brown eyes gently wrapped around my thoughts.
Amazing experience AND I am still standing. 😊
**Photos taken at the Honolulu Zoo**
Before I Forget 
That’s a big, beautiful snake. Best to get virtual hugs from one that size. I had my boa out getting hugs from her the other day. I posted photos with her and me. I’ve had her for 24 years and that’s the first time I’ve posted photos of me and her together.
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I didn’t know you had a boa! I will come over to your website and look! In Virginia, a 5 foot black rat snake used to come while I was watering plants….to drink water from the hose. I am not afraid of snakes, but I am afraid of spiders. Don’t know what it is about spiders–too many wiggling legs maybe.
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I love spiders, also. Do you remember the song, “I Don’t Like Spiders And Snakes” by Jim Stafford?
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Yes…I know that song! I have been bit by a few spiders, so I shudder when I see them. I don’t hate spiders, but I don’t love them either. Fascinated by them though. Amazing artistic webs they build!
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When I worked at an alternative school in Tucson, there was a park we’d take the kids to. We met a person who brought his boa for a walk there. He assured us it had recently been fed. The kids would lie down and let the snake slither over them. That experience helped me feel more comfortable with snakes.
This snake in your photos is beautiful.
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Cool story Mary. And an amazing snake!
Alison
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Just came back from Hawaii. I was supposed to go from HNL airport to LA, and then from L A to San Antonio. Flight from HNL was 4 hours late, because a new part needed to be installed in the cockpit before the Delta pilot would leave HNL (something was not working right). Anyway, everyone missed their connecting flights as a result. I ended up in a hotel overnight in LA and then….I was given a ticket to…Utah?! From there, I had a ticket to San Antonio. Long story. I have been home for 4 days now, and I am still tired. Too old to travel, I guess.
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Wow, that’s quite the journey.
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Mary – what a wonderful surprise to see your story in my inbox! I have truly missed reading them – still so well-written and the expressions are priceless and the awesome photos.
We still miss you next door here in the Burg! Read your story about your “Strong” connection to the Civil War – loved it. We have lived here now for 25 years and still loving it. Eric has his PhD and doing very well at Langley Air Base in Hampton, VA, and has 3 children. Please give our regards to Tom and we look forward to seeing your next story. Take care and God bless. Pat & Tom Chancey
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Eric has 3 children and a PhD?! That’s wonderful! How time flies. I guess everyone and everything got older (including myself) when I wasn’t looking!
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I remember seeing one of these pythons being handled by someone at a Renaissance Fair. I didn’t get too close!
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