Just Squirrely

Watching that rotund red squirrel at my bird feeder, my first thought was, "You are one of the laziest creatures I know!" But, no sooner had that thought flitted through my mind, I realized that I was way off base. Squirrels are efficient!

Lesson learned: Don't waste trips!

I know, I know, you're thinking, "How did she equate squirrels with wasted trips?" Well, think about it...when those squirrels sit there at your feeders (or in them) they sit there and stuff their cheeks as full as they can, not leaving until there is room for even one more seed. They don't waste trips running back and forth between their hidey hole and your feeder multiple times when they find just the right nugget. They get as much done on one trip as they can.

Of course, once in a while we have to go places and do things on a moments notice, just like the squirrels that end up dashing off with my Lab at their heels. But, for the most part, we really could make better use of our time by combining shopping trips, car pooling, etc. If we lived more like the squirrels, we would have less greenhouse gasses, save wear and tear on our vehicles, create fewer potholes on the roads, and probably have filled cupboards.

So, today, I look at our squirrels in a new way. Thanks for the lesson!

Lessons from the Hummingbirds

I made a big batch of syrup this weekend, in hopes that my favorite little hummingbirds would show up soon. I wasn't quite sure if they would be heading my way this soon or not, but rumor had it that they had arrived. Within an hour of putting out my feeders, I had my first visitor. These little birds are simply amazing.

This afternoon, I watched a little hummer gorging itself, as it hovered near the artificial flower full of sweet nectar. As I watched that tiny little bird (that would fit in the palm of my hand) with its wings beating furiously, I realized that there is great strength in this petite little creature. These tiny orinthological treasures have incredible fortitude.

One of the interesting things about hummingbirds is related to their migration. A great anology is that hummingbirds are "like commuters on a freeway, all going the same way on the same road, but doing so alone to get to their own individual homes." (http://www.worldofhummingbirds.com/migration.php) When I think of the solitary path of the hummingbird, I think of our own journeys through life.

Lesson learned: Even though we are all heading in the same general direction in life, we all have to travel our own unique paths.

My journey is as unique to me as yours is to you. We might be headed in the same direction, but our paths are our own. Sometimes they cross with others, and sometimes they may appear to go in a different direction altogether. But, we eventually make it to where we're going...where ever that is--I do not presume to know my ultimate destination.

Enjoy your journey.

Steph

A Little Eavesdropping

Today was a good day. Yes, there were the usual annoyances and distractions, but all-in-all it was simply a good day. Up at 5:30, I wrapped up like I was running into a hazardous spill, donning my long gloves, long sleeves, and long pants and waded into the strawberry patch. I dug out dandelions until I could weed no more...and then went shopping for plants. Normally, I hate shopping, but shopping for plants is a whole other thing (can you see me smiling from ear to ear?).

During a lunch break, I was sitting in a booth at our favorite Chinese buffet, when I happened to overhear two older ladies talking at a nearby table. I couldn't help but listen, I was drawn into the conversation by the sheer joy of the woman telling the other one about her absolute happiness over her son's new girlfriend. She thought she was "perfect" and "wonderful" and "so so so so nice." I sat there in wonder as this woman extolled the virtues of this woman who was sprung on her with no advance notice, as her son dialed her from the driveway (as we were having tornadoes all around) asking if "they could come in." She had no idea who "they" were, but she ushered them in--and promptly fell in love with this young woman. I learned that her son is 40 and the fabulous young woman is in her early thirties.

What struck me as I listened to this conversation was how lucky this unknown man was to have a mother that was so happy with his choice, that she felt compelled to share this. I wondered about their relationship. I wondered if she had told him that his choice in companions delighted her.

As I pondered this conversation, I realized that I assume when people talk about me when I'm not around that it is probably in some negative fashion. I'm not sure why I think that...maybe it's just human nature. But listening to this woman share her joy about her son really made my heart swell. It was nice to know that happy people are out in this world, spreading their joy.

From their I went to the grand-opening of Delphian Inspire. The new owner has a great energy, and it was wonderful to get to meet her. The vibes in the shop were great, and I ended up purchasing a book that keeps coming into my path--The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. I figured I was meant to buy it today, so I did.

After a bit more plant shopping, I came home and planted everything. I am now thoroughly tired, but very happy. Any day I get to play in the dirt is a good day!

I hope the new week brings you much happiness and joy.

Steph