I Love Birdies

Every year around this time I am reminded of why I love nature and the country and life in general so much. Its way too easy to lose track of the world around you, to miss details and moments and such. However, this time of year always works to reground me and bring the moments I might have otherwise missed back to me.

I've been trying to spend more time at my parents house. Even though they live maybe 5 minutes away from me, its a whole different place. There are no fences because nothing needs to be kept in or out (mind you, there should be one around the garden...). There are no neighbours looking through a window at your front yard. There is hardly any traffic, millions of birds and bugs and deer. Our dogs sing along with the coyotes. That, by the way, is something to hear. When I'm there, not even the smallest detail gets by me. I get to pretend I'm a little kid and chase the dogs around the yard, then drop, right where I stand, on the grass and let them all pounce on me. I putter around the yard, throw sticks and pick up interesting objects.

My mom, dad and I spent a good 45 minutes watching birds eat the blooms off the apple tree. This was sooo not a waste of time, as many people I know would tell me. It brought me right back into the moment, and made me breathe deeper (that tree smells so good!), smile and remember how privileged I am to be able to just stop without worry.

I'd suggest finding a spot like this, by a lake or in a meadow, and just stop, listen and watch everything around you. Take note and appreciate nature and the life around you. You can borrow our lake or apple tree if you want (as pictured above). We even have a meadow up in the bush, if you don't mind a short walk.