“Pam, I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you’ll take JoJo.” Missy said, appearing at my front door holding a large, covered birdcage with an elaborate gold handle at the top.
“Well, I don’t know much about parrots, but I’ve certainly heard a lot about JoJo. And, um, most of our friends warned me not to help you. I don’t understand why. You said JoJo is easy.”
Missy followed me into my home, stopping at the kitchen nook with wall-to-wall windows.
“Yes, yes, this is perfect,” Missy said under her breath. Then louder she said, “would you hold the cage while I get the stand?”
Missy ran out of the house as if afraid I’d give her the rather heavy cage back. But I knew she was worried about her dad, who’d had a sudden heart attack. Missy’s flight to Florida, where her parents lived, was in an hour.
“He’s gonna die,” a voice came from underneath the sheet that covered the birdcage.
I jumped a bit, and felt the bird move on her perch. “Watch it!” the squeaky voice demanded.
I knew that some parrots could talk. But this one seemed to not just be “parroting” conversation.
Missy ran back in with a tall brass stand and placed the birdcage on top. “Ready?” she asked, and I didn’t know if she was talking to me, or JoJo.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” JoJo said.
I gaped and turned to Missy. “JoJo answers questions?”
Missy nodded her head, opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it again. “Gotta go,” she said in a rush, handing me a list of instructions. “Here’s her feeding schedule, but if you miss it, don’t worry. JoJo will tell you.”
“Wait!” I pulled off the cover and stared into intense fathomless eyes – almost surreal with an otherworldly focus.
“She’ll be back in 10 days,” JoJo said.
I pulled Missy away from the front door, where she was trying to escape. “What kind of parrot is JoJo?” I asked.
“A rare Macaw. She’s 36 years old and changes color depending on her mood. She’s wise beyond her years though. You’ll see.” And then Missy raced off.
“Bye sweetie!” JoJo squealed. Then her eyes turned to me. “Now, let’s talk about that novel you’re working on. You have a few plot holes in there.”
Oh, that was brilliant! I was there in the room.
LikeLiked by 2 people
JoJo loves the room. Even on dreary cloudy days the sun brightens her disposition. And believe me, I need to keep her happy. I’m halfway through my book, thanks to her. 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
I’m intrigued. I want to.learn more about JoJo
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoJo has centuries worth of knowledge, I’m finding, with insight to past, present, and future. I’m not giving her back! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you sure JoJo’s real name isn’t ChatBot?
LikeLiked by 5 people
Haha, good one!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very funny. But I had to look up ChatBot to see what it is – that’s how untech-savvy I am. I prefer a real parrot. Easier to put the cover on the cage and hush her up for a while. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is an exciting beginning of a story. Hope there will be a continuation. Jo-Jo is quite a character.
miriam
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never thought of making JoJo a long-running character but the more she talks to me and reveals long-buried secrets, the more I might just keep her for myself and let her write my stories. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh what a great post to greet my morning Pam, I see a novel here in the making lol 😆
Loved it. 😍 Have a great weekend. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I gave JoJo an extra cracker for making you smile this morning, Sue. 🙂 She is quite a “character,” literally as well as figuratively. I love how my magical realism stories seem to take off on a life of their own. JoJo just might stick around. ❤
LikeLike
Marvellous. A fantasy brought to life
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, Derrick. JoJo may have just become my new muse!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great character, but I’m sure JoJo will outstay her welcome 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Andrea – so great to see you here!! Yes, it’s a dilemma. JoJo’s smart as* remarks are rather challenging, and yet she has some great points about my plot. Could I handle her full-time as my muse?? Ack! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very clever story! You have a novel-in-progress?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Liz. I have so many “novels-in-progress” I need a dozen new file cabinets. 🙂 Maybe JoJo will help me finish a few of them.
LikeLike
You’re welcome, Pam. Nothing like being nagged by a bossy parrot to kick the motivation into high gear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. I must admit, that’s a rather unique muse….
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLike
You never know, JoJo might be able to help you with those plot holes, Pam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think JoJo might be my new muse, Jill! ❤
LikeLike
Oh Pam…you always are able to bring us a different point of view!
This time from a beautiful bird!
Please continue this delightful JoJo tail!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoJo DOES have a beautiful tail, Pat. Perhaps its colorful feathers are magic for new tale plots!
LikeLike
Oh…I’ve got the shivers. The voice from under the sheet, ‘he’s gonna die’. Ominous times a million. Waiting for more…but with a touch of anxiety. But it’s okay (self-talk right there) because I’ll distract myself with the tidbit that JoJo can change her colors. Yes, yes. I’ll focus on that…not the death and other-worldly intellect…from a bird. 😲😲😲
LikeLiked by 3 people
Smiling. A psychic parrot is rather enticing as well as ominously frightening, Victoria. How desperate is a writer to keep JoJo talking just to get a novel finished??? Hmmm, an author’s horror novel in the making.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love, love, love it! 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
love this perspective
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Beth. JoJo kind of “spoke” to me out of nowhere. Or maybe, out of her “somewhere.” ;-0 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahhahaha!!! LOVE it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that’s the kind of reaction a writer loves. 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fun plot twist Pam! It would be fun to have a parrot like JoJo, at least for a short while! Happy Harping! 😋
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would be curious how long you could keep a talking psychic parrot in your kitchen, Brad. One week? One day? ONE HOUR???? 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least I would have company! 😋
LikeLiked by 1 person
I want that parrot! Next time Missy needs a parrot-sitter, sign me up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly, I could see you handling JoJo just fine, Jacqui. Me? Not so much. Not sure (in fact, I’m sure that I’m not sure) that I want to hear about future events, particularly from a parrot.
On the other hand, I really COULD use the help with my plot….
LikeLike
This is fabulous and a marvellous beginning. Soooo many ways this can go. G’head. We are waiting…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m actually a little scared of the “way” this story could go. Could get really dark fast, and you know I’m always headed for the light. On the other hand, JoJo and her abilities are rather tempting….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thinking it could. And yes, like me, you usually choose the light; however…. there is something delicious about surprising peeps…
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, and I think Pam could write a wonderful dark tale–and tales can be very dark but still go to the light at the end.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! Go, Pam, Go!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Weirdly, I like the idea …. ;–0
LikeLiked by 2 people
Our inboxes await… no matter what direction you go in 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Charming! A smile on my face and wondering whence came the inspiration for your story ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Believe it or not, Jeanette, the prompt I followed for this story was “a friend must fly out to an ailing parent and asks you to sit her rather unusual pet.” JoJo flew into my imagination immediately.
LikeLike
I liked this. I think I’m going to enjoy learning more about JoJo. There will be more, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dang. I thought JoJo’s story was a one-and-done but seems like JoJo has a fanbase. Hmmmm, I wonder what she might be up to next?
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoJo seems like a great companion, but I’m sure something deep and dark is being hidden… Will Pam find out?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a little scared of the “deep and dark,” but perhaps I need to spread my wings (or JoJo’s wings) and search the shadowed corners ….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one, Pamela. Let us know how you and JoJo get on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So far, JoJo is way too opinionated about my writing style. Then again, maybe I could learn a lesson or two from her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know how you feel. I have the same problem with my muse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. A parrot as a writing coach/beta reader/editor! I love it. I hope that’s all Jojo offers to help you with. Can you imagine if it had suggestions for fashion, cleaning tips, and cooking? A wonderfully fun post, Pam. Happy Writing and I hope those pot holes get filled.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Plot holes. Lol. I need Jojo to help with spell check. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writing a novel has MANY potholes to avoid, Diana. Actually, that made a lot of sense! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. Yes it’s a bumpy road!
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoJo would certainly be a different kind of muse, huh? Yours are always so tough-as-nails and rather mean, to be honest. JoJo’s flighty, yes, but she is certainly color coordinated. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol. Jojo is direct and colorful, that’s for sure. 🙂 I like that. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this–can I parrot-sit JoJo so she can help me with my plot-holes? What a fun-way to start the weekend and smile through the Winter doldrums 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
When JoJo has finished helping me with my novel, I’ll send her over to you. She has a large wingspan! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoopee—-do I have to send any air-fare? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, just a bag of birdfood-to-go. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
“He’s gonna die.” OMG, hahahaha! I would be screaming. JoJo sounds like a riot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoJo is a bit of a “fright,” isn’t she??? 😮 🙂
LikeLike
I loved this, Pam. I think we could use a helpful bird with plotholes 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Denise. I’d take JoJo’s wisecracks and psychic revelations if she helped me finish my darn novel! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A psychic parrot! What fun this story is. So many secrets he knows and will spill for just the right reaction. Love this. You definitely should take this and run with it. I’m going to giggle through breakfast with the old folks. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have an infectious giggle, Marlene. I’m sure you livened up the breakfast gang. I’ll see what JoJo is up to next and perhaps share her next episode. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this parrot or macaw – what a great character for a book. Wonderful story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoJo just flew into my story – now I have to figure out how to get her to fly out! 😉
LikeLike
Open the window! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
😛
LikeLike
Your creative hat is perfectly perched… I would like to hear more from Jojo. Happy writing Pam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the idea of a creative hat – wouldn’t it be great if we all had one, and as we sat at our writing desks, when we put it on – WHAM – creative abounds. I have a feeling you don’t need one of those hats though, Balroop.
LikeLike
Loving the last lines of this creative piece! I connected on so many levels as a writer. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your comment made me smile and feel good as a writer. But isn’t it the truth? At some point, we writers are desperate enough to listen to a talking bird to figure out our story’s plot. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A parrot as a muse… love it. Waiting for more (hint, hint).
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoJo says she’s not leaving!!! :-0 🙂
LikeLike
You’ve created quite a colorful post here (pun intended) with a parrot/macaw and text colors. Who knew those birds lived so long–36 years!
I expect to hear more from JoJo, Pam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually, when I researched it, these parrots can live up to 50 or longer. JoJo is just middle-aged. :-0 And yes, she refuses to return to Missy, so I may have to include her in my next story. She insists!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” JoJo fits the bill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Bernadette, what a perfect quote. I LOVE it. Thanks!! JoJo says thank you too, in her squeaky voice, which I admit, is getting a bit annoying. She wants me to change my story from 3rd person to 1st. Sigh. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a wonderful story!!! JoJo is a delightful character! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Linda. JoJo is a colorful character, for sure! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need a bird that’s going to find my plot holes.
I am thinking what a delightful children’s story this could make…without the warning of impending death, of course. JoJo seems like a lot of fun—I’m eager to hear more from you and her!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea! No death prognoses, but a few words to the wise toward the future and perhaps a few adventures OUTSIDE that cage. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love JOJO already. I see a picture book coming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The illustrator would have a glorious time with color, for sure. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You put a smile on my face. Yes, I see a PB too! Made me think of the movie “Dragonfly” with Kevin Kostner.
LikeLike
Awesome! You also have my vote to make JoJo a return character. She is truly fasccinating!
LikeLike
I love this!! Please tell me there will be a Part 2 (3,4?) over the 10 days.
LikeLike
Hmm, Jojo could be a reporter or a therapist.
LikeLike
Oh, what fun!
JoJo, tell us a secret . . .
LikeLike
Jojo is hilarious. And scary. She’s worthy of a horror movie. She predicts death, and she knows things she couldn’t possibly know.
LikeLike
I guess your story was lackig some Avian interest Pam. Mayb in future there will be new Avian Heroes to tickle your readers fantasies.
Huge Hugs
LikeLike
JoJo your parrot pal and muse! Delighted for you and JoJo both! Thanks Pam, this brought a smile to my dial. Have a lovely weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
JoJo doesn’t quite know how to distinguish past from present and present from future. In her tenses, as well!!! Her writing suggestions are “out of this world.” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tee-hee! Pam, I absolutely loved this. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teagan. And thanks for sharing on FB!! To talking psychic parrots. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love this, Pam!
But . . . I will not volunteer to watch JoJo. 😏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Darn. Not sure your cat(s) would approve, anyway. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I don’t think he’d be happy.
LikeLike
lmao – creepy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! I love it. But I have a sneaky feeling that JoJo is there to stay. At least until he can be foisted off onto someone else!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately, most people are forewarned now!! :-0
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wouldn’t that be a hoot, to have a parrot collaborate with you on your next novel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A psychic parrot, no less. I do pick up weird muses….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fun, fun, fun!
LikeLike
Oh Pam I really enjoy your stories! I have a feeling that parrot is going to be quite opinionated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As the voracious reader that you are, Barbara, it means a lot that you enjoy my stories. I will have to give JoJo some more time on the page and see what she says.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always enjoy visiting your blog and reading your stories. They always make me feel warm inside 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve made my day!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pam, I think you should send JoJo over here. I could use some help with some of my stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you see a colorful wide- winged parrot coming by, you know I was able to send her!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊💚
LikeLike
This is sa great story Pam!
LikeLike
*a*
LikeLike
A talking bird in itself would be unnerving but one that can communicate would be downright scary! I really liked the story! ❤
LikeLike
A talking bird would be unnerving itself, but having one that could communicate would downright scary!! Loved the story! ❤
LikeLike
WordPress is being weird again. I thought the first comment had not posted so I wrote it again. Turned out to be on there as Anonymous. Can you just delete that one?? Geez…
LikeLiked by 1 person