From (Not For) the Birds

"Chorus Line" Print by Artist Wendy Wegner

The woodpecker started it all. I heard the tapping--actually, it was more like hammering--before I saw him. I was surprised at how small he was compared to the noise. He sure worked hard for his supper.

Then a flock of goldfinches sprang up. Have you ever noticed the gladness in a goldfinch's flight? They dip and soar like iridescent bubbles blown from a child's wand. A little farther on and a cardinal flitted by, a splash of red on green canvas, and a dove cooed. An owl hooted.

And I took messages from them home with me...

Woodpecker: Dig deeper for the good stuff, even if it sometimes feels like you're beating your head against a tree (or computer). Your writing--and relationships--will be better for it.

Goldfinch: Write, and live, with as much gladness as you can. There are many things to be thankful for that are often taken for granted. Just like you can't hold bubbles or a goldfinch in your hands, time passes too quickly to get bogged down in the little things.

Cardinal: Brighten someone's day at the birdfeeder, water cooler, supper table or any other gathering place. Your stories, and your days, will be better because you reach out to others.

Owl: Give a hoot--for what someone else has to say. We might feel like we'd like to hole up alone in a tree sometimes, but we can learn a lot from others.

Dove: Go in peace as much as you can. Find ways to reduce stress. Work out the tension in those tight muscles. And tell someone how much you appreciate them. Especially this Memorial Day--a day to reflect on our blessings, and to remember and honor those who sacrificed to help make them possible.

Happy Memorial Day.