(Hold thumbs, I’ve got access again! Although that is a mixed blessing because the past 2 weeks without all the internet distractions were kinda cool. Here is a sample of something I wrote during that time.)
A lion and I
I remember standing in line to hold the baby lion. Some parents dragged their children because, “You nagged for it, now we are doing it!”
I dragged my mother.
Some of the children cried. They didn’t want to have their photos taken with the lion. “What if it bites me?” they asked.
I wanted to yell at them to get out of the line so I could get there faster.
Then it was my turn. It was heavier than our cat at home. I held it and cuddled it and kissed its head. It smelled like the sun. Its fur was soft and its tummy was warm and it sat quite still while I talked to it.
I just wanted to take the lion home.
Then my time was finished and I cried when they took the lion away.
(Update – January 2012)
This is me, 30-something years later, experiencing those same emotions while visiting the Sondela Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, South Africa.
Africa to Asia 
#1 by totsymae1011 on October 11, 2011 - 9:15 am
You actually got to hold a lion? WOW! A memory to hold onto indeed. Love this post.
#2 by Celia on October 11, 2011 - 9:25 am
Thanks Totsy. Appreciated as always 🙂
#3 by Annie on October 11, 2011 - 11:13 am
I love how the lion smelled of the sun. What a wonderful photo and memory of that great experience. You look so thrilled…not an ounce of fear in your eyes or smile.
#4 by Celia on October 12, 2011 - 6:45 pm
Thanks Annie 🙂
#5 by Tonia Marie Houston on October 13, 2011 - 11:56 pm
Okay, I am a little jealous. This is a beautiful description of your experience, Celia. Makes me want to revisit my childhood(although as much as I love wild cats, I never had this experience). I’ve taken a little time off from the internet here and there as I’m preparing for NaNo. It is refreshing. Thank you for sharing and yay for all the writing you accomplished. 🙂