nature

Yellow Bird Says Pay Attention to Nature for the Answers

Posted by Barbara Techel

bird feeder 2This spring I just felt the need to put a bird feeder right outside my window from where I write and work from my computer in my writing cottage.

I took this photo with the screen on my window. But since I want to see if I can capture more pictures of my new feathered friends visiting the feeder I now took the screen off.

But seeing the birds visit reminds me of a moment I had during my sabbatical in the fall of 2013, a few weeks after Joie passed away.

One morning when I awoke I had two immediate thoughts, I want to live a simpler and quieter life and I want to understand animals on a deeper level.

When I opened the blinds on my bedroom patio door I spotted five sparrows hanging out around the bird bath. Two were splashing away in the water, two had their tiny heads bent down sipping water, and the fifth one seemed to be the lookout captain making sure everyone stayed safe.

I got so caught up in watching the birds that time seemed to disappear. During my sabbatical I was just trying to be instead of worrying about what was next for my life.

It felt like I was in a meditative trance as I continued to take such great delight in being with the birds and nature right outside my window. These words floated through my mind, Be free. Be open. Have fun. Listen. Splash. Hop. Sing.

I don’t recall how long I really sat there. But all I know is I felt divinely guided by these feathered Buddha’s offering a special message just for me. And I was open and willing to listen.

I think of that now and am reminded with the bird feeder next to me as I work. To see the birds landing to eat, I pause for a just a moment and take in the grand and exquisite work of spirit.

The messages of how to exist in this life with more ease is right outside our window or a walk in nature. I’m quite sure of it because when I am in nature or just sit to observe all that is going on around me in my yard, I feel this incredible sense of calm.

And just as I finished writing this post, this fellow ( or perhaps it is a Miss) showed up. I’m not sure what type of bird it is. Do you know?

bird 2 e

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My Mammoth Tree Friend

Posted by Barbara Techel

2014-09-24 15.49.50This mammoth tree called out to me yesterday.

For a change of pace I hopped in the car with Gidget and we headed to Plymouth, WI, a neighboring city about six miles from where we live. We walked past a cemetery that was the backyard of some of the large homes we strolled past.

When I came upon to this tree I wanted to hug it. Not that my arms could have gotten around it – it was huge!  But I stood in awe of it wondering how long it has been firmly rooted to its spot.

How many people must have walked past this tree all the while it stands there through wind, snow, sun and rain. The stories that tree could tell.

I thought about our upcoming jaunt we are taking, heading to Door County for a few days. A time to ground myself, like the tree, during this little get-away and take in the colors and smells of fall which is now upon us.

I also chuckled to myself thinking about how “being grounded” meant something entirely different when I was young. I didn’t like when that happened- grounded for doing something wrong and not being able to hang out with my friends or go away – stuck at home.

Now I love being grounded at home. It’s what, err, grounds me!  But our little trip north will be another type of grounding to wonder endlessly wherever it is we wish to go.

It will be Miss G’s first time on a road trip with us, too! Kylie will be in the great care of my Dad as she is not a world class traveler- feeling more grounded when her paws are firmly planted upon her own space in our home.

And I chuckled yet again to myself this morning, realizing that indeed I’m truly a dog mom, because Gidget’s bag is already packed and ready to go.

My blog will be quiet for a couple of days, but I hope to take lots of pictures and share them with you when I return early next week.

 

Does Nature Inspire You? It Does Me!

Posted by Barbara Techel

geese crossing 1200Yesterday driving home after picking my car up for some repairs at the body shop, I came across a family of geese crossing the road. This happened to me a few days ago also while running errands. But this time I had my camera ready.

It is like a breath of fresh air to see new life no matter with geese, birds, puppies, kittens, or any animal for that matter. I lose track of what I may have been thinking about when I see animals in nature, or watching my dogs at home. I think that is quite extraordinary that no thoughts seem to drift through my mind when I get lost in the beauty of animals.

When I see these young goslings at this stage of life, half way grown, I refer to them as teenagers. While the newly new, young goslings still stay close on the heels of mama goose, the teenagers began to feel more confident.  Some stray off, and these above are checking out what is in front of them… braving the world they are learning about around them.

I love these grand reminders of all the spectacular beauty in our world. Deep breath. Exhale slowly. Life is good.

After I shared this post on Facebook, someone shared this adorable and fun video with me about a goose that is a crossing guard.  Click here.