I know it’s a bit hard to see, but this is a blue jay’s nest in a holly bush near the front gate. Last night about dusk, I was walking past, and saw the blue jay sunk down in the nest, staring at me.
Don’t worry, mama bird, I said to her. I won’t come near your nest. Her eyes watched me warily.
Just a nest pitched precariously on a limb, a target for the wind or a predator.
There is much to be learned from the rag-tag nest put together with bits of leaves and debris. In nature, they make do with what little scraps they can find to build on.
I wonder if she sat there all night, protecting her eggs?
We are a society that puts a lot of stake on possessions. And how we can gain more of them.
We’ve only to look at the catastrophic disaster in Japan to realize that, no matter how much we attain in the way of possessions, it is merely the whim of the elements whether we keep or lose them in a matter of seconds.
I think much that has happened recently has opened our eyes to the possibilities of “what if?” And to look forward to what we can do to help. Instead of looking inward at what more we can have for ourselves.
This mockingbird sits in this corner tree every day and sings its many songs. There was a time in life when I was too busy to appreciate the sweet serenade it freely offers me.
But now I sit and close my eyes and listen to the water spilling over the waterfall. The mockingbird sits faithfully in that tree, belting it out for all to hear. And I know that the piercing sweetness is better than anything I might ever own.
You have some beautiful birds over there. We have here too, but I love hearing about the ones we don’t get to see. We certainly can learn a lot from them.
x
Beautifully said, love the photos also. Enjoy smelling the roses!!
You are so right Brenda. Life is far too short not to enjoy the more simple and beautiful things in life, such as nature and each other. I am so enjoying the rain over here at the moment.
Have a wonderful day. Pam x
I guess it’s just the male blue jay that’s such a bully, and not the female, otherwise you might have had your head pecked!
Beautiful post. Sometimes I feel like I’m too wrapped up in acquiring more “stuff”. Although I really like that stuff, it doesn’t compare to the happiness that my family brings me. Also the sound of trickling water, and bird nests make me really happy too!
Such a beautiful and truth filled post Brenda. Your pictures are spectacular as always!
Kat
Hi Brenda!
Your new look, the new shoppes, I love it all! Truly enjoy reading all of your posts, and that picture of the white flower not just blooming, it’s gorgeous!
Also, your outdoor cushions, the blue with flowers one, they are beautiful too, sigh… shame I cannot find things like this here,
anyway, I think your blog is even better! All the best,
Maureen xx
(oh and how are the dogs doing after their teeth procedures?)
Well said Brenda!!
xo
Ashlyn
Beautifully said ~ I agree.
Lovely photos and such true words. I have been really purging from our house and garage. I buy much less “junk” cheapo stuff these days. If I don’t need it or really love it than I pass it up.
Thoughtful post, Brenda. Our things are just things. The people of Japan have gone through
so much. So sad.
I do love your blooms and your mockingbird
Lovely post, Brenda. Since you like birds, you might enjoy my niece’s story of saving a horned owlet, on her blog: cheekymagpie.com, under the “nature” heading.
So true! Nice post – Thanks!
Enjoy your evening.
I totally hear what you are saying. Thank you for writing your thoughts for sharing (and the wonderful photos).
- Joy
Brenda, I think this is one of your best posts ever…loved it. Also love the pictures…gorgeous, as usual. And, yes, we all need to realize that in a fleeting moment all can be lost so while we have it we should be so thankful and enjoy every moment. Thanks for the reminder.
Great post, Brenda….so well said, and so true!!! Really love this.
Well said as always. Love your bird photo!
Wonderful and true words!! Great pics!!
I just love the way you make seemingly insignificant things so meaningful.
Brenda ~ what a poignant post and so true. I say stop and smell the roses and listen to the birds…that makes me smile
I could not have said it better. I love to listen to the birds, especially in the spring when they are especially “songful”!
Brenda, we truly do think a lot alike. Wonderful post! Bonnie
Beautiful photos… I am so ready for spring
Beautiful post and photos Brenda and so true! I love sitting outside and just being, nothing more than the sounds of nature and my tea.
So true…beautiful post Brenda! Laurel
Perfect words. Those birds must love you and your outdoor space.
birds build so very fast – beautiful shots
Love your pictures. I love flowers full stop! Thanks for dropping by the whimsical wife!
Nice post Brenda. It sounds like you’re taking time to enjoy the things that really make life special.
~Tricia
So true, Brenda… a great reminder! Lovely spring photos, too!
You are so right, Brenda. I couldn’t agree more, my friend.
I guess it’s everything I have seen re: Japan, but lately, I keep thinking about the words to an old hymn, “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”
The most important things in the world are not things. They are people. I enjoy my things very much, but I realize they are temporal.
Funny, because I have been focussing a lot on birds and animals, too. There is a bird who sings ALL NIGHT LONG that comes every spring. We’re not sure what he’s up to, but we think he might be a mocking bird. I’ve thought of you often as i’ve been taking lots of pictures of birds in the birdbath and squirrels napping in the tree. SO cute!
XO,
Sheila
A beautiful touching post nature is a beautiful thing but also very cruel. Its lovely to sit still once in a while and admire the beauty around us. enjoy your day, dee x
Hi Brenda .. You’re so right – we need to take note of nature .. they use everything .. nothing is wasted.
Love the photos and the storyline .. thanks – Hilary
Oh so true! If only the world would stop believing that more is better. The Tyler Azalea Festival is absolutely glorious! Have a wonderful Wednesday. Tammy
Birdsong is a joy, even the raucous cry of the blue jay! Thanks for reminding us to pay attention to what’s important.
I miss the songs of the mocking birds. We don’t have them here in PA. But I used to marvel at them when I lived in Virginia. How they could go on and on, singing a new song every few seconds! They are amazing birds. They were very mean to cats though. Poor kitties.
The sounds of nature are so incredibly enjoyable to me every morning. We have a bush out front with two nests in it. They have been there for a couple of years, most likely built by cardinals. I’ve never seen eggs in either of the nests though.
DI
Oh, how I’m looking forward to be able to sit and listen to the birds and not have to go to work. I’m ready to retire and do some things I’d like to do — maybe sew or sit outside all day if I want to. As ususal, your piccies are as pretty as they can be. God Bless – have a great day…
Oh, how I’m looking forward to be able to sit and listen to the birds and not have to go to work. I’m ready to retire and do some things I’d like to do — maybe sew or sit outside all day if I want to. As ususal, your piccies are as pretty as they can be. God Bless – have a great day…
Great post Brenda. Thank you for those reminders. Life is a precious gift we often take for granted. Posessions don’t make us happy.
Hear hear Brenda!
Yes, dear one…I try very hard not to take myself or my *things* to seriously..many more things around to get serious about.
What a great post, Brenda. And
so true. You take incredible photos of the beautiful birds in your area. I love that cardinal. xo,