Of birds and another blessing

The sun decided to come out again this morning, and as soon as his glorious golden face came into sight, I was transported to this magical blissful world where my dreams usually become reality. Unicorns, dragons, sprites, rabbits and birds came out of their holes and nooks and into this enchanted world of mine…. as through the pages of an ancient book. 

My mind soars, and as the morning sun warms the earth, I feel my spirit being lifted up... What is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness, that I should follow it to its bounds and know the paths to its house? 

Only a real human being can set things right by giving the birds names: “Abutilon”, with feathers like those of maple trees, and that other tiny Western Tanager, "Serissa”, which remains me of spring, and flowers that resemble dangling miniature hibiscus….

They all came to my window... to enchant me, to give me stories that never end. Their story began again and again and again as Abutilon with feathers like those of maple trees, and Serissa with a song like dangling miniature hibiscus, kissed each other in front of me, oblivious to shame.

As I contemplated this magical world from across the window, Abutilon and Serissa took the challenge and flew across the Swamps of Shadows and the Silver Mountains, meeting sorcerers and giants, bats and night-hobs, gnomes and racing snails… but really, all they did was wait bravely for the apparition of the terrible "Plectranthus"... the beautiful but ever so cruel black hawk that has been visiting my garden frequently this winter. 

"Plectranthus", a mysterious figure in disguise, soars the air where I stand, just a few feet away from me... I know what he’s up to, but I don't have time to warn my little feathered friends... till suddenly a unison flight of tiny wings, tiny feathers scattering away, leaving behind a muted sound, like a sad song filled with premonition and death. Then I see it…. grayish black feathers and legs yellow drops from a low glide on something.... Tiny feathers disperse in the morning air, like diminutive butterflies... but I know it's not. 

A new visitor then entered the scene... pointed beak to acts as both a chisel and a crowbar to remove bark and find hiding insects. I've never seen him here, what is he? An ivory-billed woodpecker... maybe?

The lure of the unexpected and the surprises that invariably appear in nature, entice me... invite me to linger a moment longer and look a little closer. I am blessed, and I am blessed by you, my faithful readers. Two whole years have gone by since I began my blog. And what a marvelous journey it has been, what a lot of fun and inspiration, what a lot of lovely folks, (like you) I have met. To all of you who come by, who fill my life with dreams and tales I must tell, I am so thankful... I've been truly blessed by your company and your kindness. Your words have given me so much joy... Thank you! 

May you and yours have a joyful and blessed Christmas. 

Cielo