The Wild Chicken Way

We live in Los Angeles – one thing I never expected to hear from my children is “Mama, can we take the wild chicken way” as we go about our day.  Yet this is the chant that echo’s from the backseat of my mini van – repeatedly.

Not to far from our home we have discovered 2 wild chickens.  Yes.  You read that right.  Wild Chicken’s in LA! So, whenever we’re in the area the lil’s always ask for a drive by, I typically slow down to see if we can spot them.

You might be wondering how I do I know these particular chickens are in fact wild?  The first time I spotted them – I was take aback.  These chickens are hanging out a half a block from Ventura Boulevard – we’re talking a long way from Kansas.  So, being  Canadian – that means “too nice” according to Dude –  I stopped with the intention of coming to their aid.  I thought they must have owners missing them, but I didn’t really have a plan for EXACTLY how I was going to help them… I digress.

After I’d spent a little time trying to corral the hens a neighbor pulled up,  I asked if he know who the chickens belonged to – and he informed me they were wild and had been in the area for YEARS!!!

The "just-off" Ventural Boulevard Wild Chickens

The “wild chicken way” isn’t usually the fastest way to our destination, yet I consistently detour hoping we spot the elusive hens.

When we actually spot the hens – we’ll usually take the time to double back and watch them peck around.  Nothing much happens, but the children love it and always hate it when I finally start inching the car away.

We’ll have conversations and wonder how they came to live here, where they sleep and how they stay safe at night.   We’ll not spot them for some time and wonder if they are OK.

In a world where the pace of life has gotten so fast my head often spins.  The “Wild Chicken Way” has become a tiny reminder to slow down and appreciate the little things in life.

Now clearly not everyone has “wild chicken’s” around the corner, but I’ll bet there is something unique in your neighborhood, something that will pull you out of the craziness of life and let you slow down to  take time and observe life’s little miracles.

Roadside Hens!

Others might race through this intersection and miss the little treasure it hold for our family.  Plus, what mother’s heart wouldn’t melt just a little when hearing their childrens voices chime with this seemingly odd request…. “Mama, can we take the wild chicken way?”