Thursday, December 24, 2009

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

12 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas to you too! These pictures are so beautiful!

    Hugs,
    Lee Laurie

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  2. Thank YOU for all your inspiration. I love coming here when I need a time of reflection. Merry Christmas to you.

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  3. Querida Cielo, me hace muy feliz leerte y disfrutar tus bellas fotografías, tu inspiraciòn me transporta al mismo "cielo", gracias por esto!!!!! Además te siento contenta y plena y eso es muy contagiosoooooo!!!
    Muchos cariños para ti, eres un verdadero Cielo.
    Maria Cecilia

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  4. Hello Cielo! Beautiful pictures-thank you;) Just wanted 2 wish u and yours HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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  5. I've only discovered your beautiful blog in the last few days and have much delight ahead of me as I delve into your archives. Plectranthus is large and powerful but he too must find food if he is to survive the long, cold winter nights:) Merry Christmas!

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  6. Another enchanting entry. Thank you.

    And wishing you and yours, a very peaceful and happy Christmas...

    Gentle hugs,
    Aunt Amelia
    P.S. I must admit to having rushed out the back patio door and banging on something, to try to scare off the few hawks which came by. *Delightful* mind picture, I know. -giggles-

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  7. Merry Christmas sweet one. I find myself alone this morning as my husband is walking our two dogs before we must get ready to visit the childrens houses. I love the hot cup of tea, the company of your blog and the quiet. I hear nothing except my fingers on the keyboard and it is very relaxing. When we lived in Germany, I use to love watching the hawks, if I am lucky, sometimes I will catch a glimse of one here in the desert. Everything needs to eat, and so I find myself respecting them and all their power. No one puts out food for them, so they must fight for all that they can get. Plectranthus is a perfect name for one so strong. I wish you a weekend of safety, warm, love and most of all, peace. I will see you after the New Year, Char

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  8. The hawks will usually take the sick and the weak birds. A fast hawk strike is a kinder death than lingering in the cold. Plus Plectranthus does need to eat too. Everyone has their place in nature.
    Your woodpecker-looking bird is a Flicker. Beautiful, isn't he?
    Your blog is so lovely and was a great Christmas read on this misty Christmas morn. Thank You.
    Cindee

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  9. I've been at the windows watching the birds myself today. Enjoying their endless antics. And the squirrels! Can't forget the squirrels and my poor Charlie Ross at the window trembling with dismay at the squirrels taunting him.
    Brenda

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  10. Beautiful Bird Photos! Happy New Year to you and yours.
    Marcie

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  11. Beautiful photos of beautiful birds, Cielo..
    Happy New year and I have my post up- to link with your Show Us....be back tonight....
    xo bj

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  12. It is remarkable, it is very valuable piece

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