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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Not Just Any Port in the Storm

 
It's no secret that I love my birds.
It was with much delight
that I ventured out around dawn one morning
to discover this first time visitor to my yard.
 
 
(Dumetella carolinensis)

 
So handsome in his suit of slate gray,
and his little black cap -
even with a spot of jelly on his beak.
 
Not an uncommon species,
yet not common to my immediate habitat.
 
I am imagining he was on his way south,
just happened upon my feeding station,
and finding not one, but two, dishes full of jelly/jam,
decided to hang out for a spell,
restoring his strength for the remainder of his journey.
 
I remember when I first discovered Cape Breton
and decided I'd hang out for a spell' here, too.
 
Days ran into nights,
time stood still.
 
Seemed as though there was time for everything.
 
And while embracing the magic,
I took great solace in the wisdom of others,
 

 
while learning new things,
like hand applique.

"The secret of happiness is to enjoy the moment."
 
"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous."
 
"If you have built castles in the aire your work need not be lost.
That is where they should be.
Now put the foundations under them."
 
"Dreams are the touchstones of our character."
 
"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sail
so as to always reach my destination."

 
 
Perhaps my new bird friend
will return each year,
as did I,
and will continue to gain strength
to move on,
and
and find peace in his surroundings.
 
Life is fragile.
Reach out.
 
 

28 comments:

Montanagirl said...

Terrific post! Love the handiworks; and we get visited by Gray Catbirds every year, and they love the grape jelly as much as the Orioles do! Great photos.

Abby and Stephanie said...

A very sleek and handsome fellow indeed, just as your applique is neat and beautiful.

hetty said...

Two of my favourite things - birds and hand applique! Beautiful. Love the wording too. I have never put jelly out for the birds. Should I?

Lesley said...

This was a lovely post to read as the birds sing outside my window! Your blocks and that exquisite stitchery are stunning! So glad you discovered Cape Breton!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Beautiful shots of the catbird. And I loved seeing some of your craft projects. The words on the last one are very similar to a note I had written in my Bible many years ago: "I can't explain the wind, but I can raise a sail." The thought came from my reading of John 3:8 and Ephesians 5:18.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I put out black oil sunflower seeds but had not heard of putting out jam - new to me.
have fun with the applique!

TexWisGirl said...

i've never seen one in person. hope to someday!

Ash said...

Lovely posting, thank you for those thoughts to ponder.

Terry said...

I love birds...whether I see them or just hear them, they always make me smile! :0)

Kathie Brown said...

What a nice surprise, Karen! You make Cape Brenton sound so wonderful! I hope the catbird returns next year for you. I am glad you have found peace in your life!

Our photos said...

Beautiful photos and Quilt!

Lynn said...

What a lovely post that you've shared, it made me feel better just reading it, thank you.

Carrie P. said...

I wondered if I saw a cat bird a couple weeks ago. Not sure after hearing the sound from the link. The bird I saw and heard sounded like a kitten meowing. Do you know if that is a cat bird making that sound?
Love your quilt and the saying you used. Your applique is beautiful.

john bord said...

Had never considered there being all grey ones. Just the yellow belly ones and the king bird. They are quite the aerialists.

grammie g said...

Hi Karen.. Well you was very privileged to have his presents weren't you!! : )) Always exciting to see a bird for the first time!!
Love these guy's very personable characters!!
Your hand appliqued pieces are just adorable, and a lot of sore finger I bet ; ) "kudos" to you!!
Grace

Fiona said...

such a lovely post with a touch of nostalgia....
Hugz

Bob Bushell said...

Well Karen, you made a big success of the bird, lifer I presume. And, your hand work is a beautiful.

Roy Norris said...

Its nice to think you have helped a migrating bird on his journey Karen, by supplying an R and R spot.

DeniseinVA said...

Great shots of the catbird Karen, and beautiful detail in those quilts.

Unknown said...

Hi Karen! Haven't been here for ages but enjoyed your catbird post! Great pictures, works of art, and a reminder to slow down and enjoy today!
Thank you!

Lynette said...

I love the birds that stop in at our place. We've only been here a year, so I'm still getting acquainted with the species that are in this region of the U.S. Thank you for sharing this quilt - one of my daughters could probably use something similar to help her keep hope up.

Katherine said...

What a handsome feathered friend! This spring we had a pair of cooper's hawks take residence in a tree in our front yard to raise their brood. What a pleasure to learn more about them and watch them. Nature is magnificent and a wonderful teacher.

Love your pretty quilt!

Just Ramblin' said...

What a delightful little visitor you had. It is really a pretty bird. Never heard of putting out jam/jelly. Learn something new from you constantly. I love sitting on my patio and watching the birds that visit my yard also. Your applique and embroidery is lovely. Nola

Sondra said...

I enjoyed all the inspiration in the appliques! I didnt know the cat bird would go for Jelly!! Of Course I would go for it too!! HA.

FlourishingPalms said...

It's most enjoyable to read your musings. You have lovely thoughts and sentiments, and it's comforting to know you live in such a place that gives you peace. Bless you.

FAB said...

Well I reckon you both had the same thoughts .. Cape Breton was a good place to stop even if the Catbird's was only to refuel on its longer journey.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

I don't like to repeat vacation destinations... too much world to explore. That being said, I can easily make one exception; YOUR little corner of the world, Cape Breton! NS beckons me to return. I love this post today, thank you. I have found this to be a most excellent refueling stop for my spirit and my day's journey! :) Hugs~

Linda Reeder said...

Your hand work is so beautiful, and amazes me!