Miracles come in all shapes and sizes and can range from small to big. They can appear at unexpected times in a quiet or in a dynamic way. They are usually signs of encouragement meant to give hope and joy to the recipient. We need to notice our miracles that surround us daily. There was one such miracle in my life recently. I first heard the noise of chattering birds causing me to look out the kitchen window to see what was going on. To my surprise, there were dozens of robins having a great time checking out the winter lawn in search of food. They seemed to know where the worms were hiding!! It was a delight to watch so many of them enjoying themselves in the back yard seemingly unafraid and industrious in purpose. This scene has continued with afternoon visits from the robins on a daily basis. This is pretty amazing to me since they arrived in early January. Such a promise of spring, although we have had quite a mild winter in eastern Oregon so far.
I was able to get a
few photos, particularly of this one little robin who was not eager to
fly away and seemingly posed for me for profile shots....
The symbolic meaning of robins is renewal and new birth. Not surprising that they are associated with spring.
Here are a few facts about the robin
- they fly at 17 to 32 mph
- have about 2.900 feathers
- have an average life span of 1 year and 2 months, although in captivity, robins have survived longer than 17 years.
- robins are omnivorous, eating everything from fruit to spiders but given a choice of any food, most robins like meal-worms best of all.
A saying by R. Tagore... "Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark." Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, February 12th....
I began a blog in November of 2012, a mere 5 years ago. Perplexed as to what to title my new literary and photo adventure, my husband came up with the name "The Turn-Up Patch". It was perfect! We had a rescue cat that came to our door of that same month and we called her "Turnup", since she happened to turn up at our home. She must have instinctively known to come to a ranch home that would soon provide her with all the love and comforts near and dear to her little feline heart....
She quickly adapted from being a lost outdoor kitty to one who knew how to use a an indoor litter box with all the fringe benefits of more food than she could eat and a number of warm beds to curl up in comfort. I don't have any idea of what happened to her in her 'before' life, as it is with most rescue animals. She didn't appear to be abused - whether the previous owner simply dumped her to fend for herself or she somehow strayed and became lost is all unknown. One thing was evident - she had been without food for days, leaving her vulnerable and timid in unfamiliar surroundings. Happy to say that she is now quite the opposite and probably could lose a pound or two.
I took a few photos of her as she lounged close to December's Christmas tree with sparkling lights and glass ornaments. She seemed to study the ornaments, trying to decide whether it was worth a swipe of her paw or simply to observe.
I am reminded of the comfort that an animal can give to a human heart. We all have our favorites in the animal kingdom that opens into the discovery of friendship between critter and human. How unlikely is that? And how likely is it that God who is Creator of all, can delight the heart between human and animal despite the specie difference in appearance and sound.
Here are just a few of many notable quotes regarding our four legged friends...
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. - Anatole France
Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet. - Colette
The greatness of a national and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Mahatma Gandhi
Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That's the problem. - A.A. Milne
An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. - Martin Buber
Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. - George Eliot
Join me at The Turn-Up Patch in two more weeks, on Monday January 29th... See you then!
Time of 2017 in its moments, days, weeks and months have quickly turned and we find ourselves beginning anew on this 1st day of January in 2018. Resolutions are made, some to be kept and some to be broken. Reflections over the past year are thought about as to what is important and what is not with an eye towards future days that will make their own memories.
I would like to share with you a new year blessing written by Janet Rebhan...
"In this new year,
- may you have a deep understanding of your true value and worth,
- an absolute faith in your unlimited potential,
- peace of mind in the midst of uncertainty,
- the confidence to let go when you need to,
- acceptance to replace your resistance,
- gratitude to open your heart,
- the strength of meet your challenges,
- great love to replace your fear,
- forgiveness and compassion for those who offend you,
- clear sight to see your best and true path,
- hope to dispel obscurity,
- the conviction to make your dreams come true,
- meaningful and rewarding synchonicities,
- dear friends who truly know and love you,
- a childlike trust in the benevolence of the universe,
- the humility to remain teachable,
- the wisdom to fully embrace your life exactly as it is,
- the understanding that every soul has its own course to follow,
- the discernment to recognize your own unique inner voice of truth and
- the courage to learn to be still."
And may we all grow deeper into the awareness of God's presence, making a difference in the time we have in 2018. Join me again at The Turn-Up Patch in two weeks on Monday, January 15th.
