Five-Minute-Friday—Remedy

Apr 30, 2021

The Camels Hump, a poem by Rudyard Kipling, first published in The Jungle Book came to mind when I read the word for today. Though in the poem it says,”The cure for this ill…” remedy would fit perfectly. So, I shall let Rudyard Kipling sound my thoughts for today.

There is more truth in this little poem than one may be willing to admit.

FMF Writing Prompt—Permission

Apr 17, 2021

It seems this word, permission, puts a bad taste in peoples’ mouths these days.

We were recently told of some folks that had trespassers on their property. These folks did not ask permission to be on that property. A post on social media about them being there (the owners did not know who it was) brought such as onslaught of negative remarks to the landowners, the post was removed.

“They have a right to be there.”

“People can go where they want.”

“You have no business owning so much land.”

The property is used for hunting so the owners were concerned for the safety of those trespassers. Is it because asking permission puts one in a humble position?

A man’s pride will bring him low,

But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

In Focus #14—One Fun Bird at Feeder

Apr 16, 2021

There are so many good photographers of birds on the internet. The photos are remarkable, and some do not even seem possible to me to capture. Such patience and great timing. I admire all of them.

For me, it is more of a ‘catch as catch can’ with photographing birds. It was so thrilling to see this special little bird at our feeder last week. I have fed birds for forty years, and still have some I am waiting to see, i.e. an Evening Grosbeak and/or a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. Oh the joy of seeing one of them at our feeders.

I hardly believed my eyes early the other morning when looking out at the feeder. Transfixed at the window, I did not dare to move, but needed field glasses for a positive identification. To my intense joy, my eyes proved correct.

There foraging all around the ground was an adorable Rufous-Sided Towhee! Happily eating the sunflower seed off the ground (they are ground feeders). I have admired Towhees for many years, and enjoy beyond measure their sweet, Spring song, “Drink your Teeeaaa!”. But I have never had one at the feeder.

There was no photo taken because I was having such joy just watching it. It flew away just as I was thinking I could get a photo. That sweet little bird gave me a second chance. It was at the feeder the following morning. I did not dare to open a window or door, so the photos were taken through windows with screens.

These photos are surely not the best, but by golly, I have one, and that is so fun. Just look and see how cute and happy this bird is! It is sure to put a smile on your face. I love what Calvin used to say in the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, “There is treasure everywhere!”

Indeed so.

FMF Writing Prompt—Gentle

Apr 8, 2021

Gentle is not an adjective I would ever use to describe myself.

I grew up on a 1,500 acre tourist business/farm. This meant we had to work and work more. It was not for the faint of heart. It was the life I knew, and enjoyed. Though the work was endless, so were the laughs, family times and joys.

Learning to be gentle was taught to me by the animals. Cats, especially, do not respond well to rude behavior. Actually, nothing does. Animals taught me much about managing myself personally. I love the Scripture that says, ask the birds, they will teach you. Indeed they will.

Life is an interesting journey. I love the way The Lord uses it so wonderfully to teach us His quiet, gentle ways. Glory.