Swans and Duck Together

Swans and Duck Together

We recently discovered  a lake off the main road at a Jersey shore town. Geese were relaxing under the shade of the few trees on the edge of the lake while swans were enjoying a respite from the hot weather as they swam around on the cool water.  

Then a small duck appeared. It was alone, no other ducks were obvious nearby, and seemed to be a young one. It swam toward the flock, its dark feathers a contrast to the white of the swans. I wondered if they would accept the little bird into their group but they didn’t look at all disturbed by its presence. The duck became part of the flock as it moved further out on the lake. It seemed as if the duck was identifying with the swans. So different and yet it belonged. They all seemed comfortable together.

I thought of the immigrants who come to our country. There are differences, yes, but traditionally we have accepted them. Are we changing our generosity for politics? Have we forgotten that we were all immigrants at one time? Swans and ducks are all birds. Americans and immigrants are all people. If they can accept each other, surely we can do the same.  

Life Ripens

 Life Ripens

A friend of mine gave me a tomato bought at a farm stand near her house. I was flabbergasted by its size. I hoped, since it was small and local, that it was organic but I accepted it with gratitude and served it for dinner. It tasted good, not a doubt, but there was something missing – it wasn’t eaten fresh-picked. That, I discovered, was the secret to taste.

I planted some heirlooms this season and had an incredible Jubilee tomato. It wasn’t nearly as large as my friend’s gift and it was orange, not red, but oh, what flavor. It went from plant to plate to mouth. I had to close my eyes to savor its flavor as the juice dribbled down my throat. I’m eagerly waiting for the others to ripen so I can enjoy the experience again.

But the original tomato gift had something to offer besides just its taste. It was offered with kindness and enthusiasm. As I ate each bite, I remembered our friendship and valued all that we have shared over the years. It was as much a treat in its own way as the heirloom tomato was. I think if we pay attention to the wholeness of what we experience, life ripens in our hearts as well as in our gardens.

Robin's Beautiful Eggs

Robin's Beautiful Eggs

I get yelled at each time I pass by the Smoke Tree in our backyard. The yeller is a robin trying to get me away from her nest and the four beautiful blue eggs inside. She, or he because both male and female robins are very protective of the nest, zooms out of the Smoke Tree and onto an extended peach tree branch, all the while watching me with intense eyes. When I move out of the immediate nest area, the robin flies back to the nest, no doubt content that the immediate danger has passed.

I understand her/his need to protect the potential babies. I try to walk as far from the tree as I can, reassuring the scolding robin as I move along slowly and calmly that I would never harm the future birdies in any way.

There seems to be more robins around this Spring. I see them flitting in and out of the oak tree out front. It seems that some of them may be staying north during the winter. Could that be an indication of our warming temperatures? They have always been a symbol of Spring, their red breasts a signal that warmer weather is approaching. Now maybe sooner than we expect. As nature changes, other things change, too. I hope we will be as delighted at the changes as we are at seeing the robins.

Robin info:
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-robin

Some robin images:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Robin/media-browser/431201

Nature's Progression

Nature’s Progression

We are greeted by the most amazing azalea bushes in our front yard! Big puffs of pink remind us of the beauty of Spring. I stop before getting into my car to gently touch the buds and thank the bushes for their greeting.

But the warmer weather is not just about the brilliance of a flowering bush. Before the flowers burst open and awe us, there is the hint of what is coming. Buds slowly appear on bare stalks, anticipating what is waiting to expand into fullness. Then they unfold, expressing their rapturous enthusiasm for being in the world. The energy of the flowers in full bloom interacts with our energy as we appreciate Nature’s offerings. And after the flowers have spent their allotted time with us, they fade and lose their colorful petals, the bush, now green, reminding us that it is still with us and now mature.

It is Nature’s reminder, I think, of the wholeness of being. Not unlike our human progression from conception through infancy, adulthood and our last years here. Our energy remains even when our petals fade. Nature is always offering us a broader picture of life.