Philosophizing (and Phoebe)
“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This is my favorite portrait of a Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans).
This flycatcher is one of “The Regulars” here in the canyon — a year-round resident and almost impossible not to see or hear every single day.
Familiarity most certainly breeds fondness.
an endearing image of an endearing bird.. I love Phoebes so well that I had to give our sweet girl their name. It’s difficult to say Fee-bee in a harsh voice, it’s a name of cheer and joy for me. Sorry I haven’t commented much lately, trying to stay occupied and keep my mind as busy as possible. So good to see you finally getting outdoors more often. (I admittedly got a chuckle out of your post where you felt like climbing the walls after a week). It’s not so much how often we get out, but how much we make it count when we do.. take care.
Cindy, I’m so sorry to be posting your comment so late! I woke up not feeling very well and have been struggling a bit to get stuff taken care of. So strange… I hadn’t actually read your most recent blog post when I composed this. Perhaps I was channeling your dog’s energy without even knowing it? You know that I will be sending as many healing thoughts as I can her way… I’m so sorry to hear about her diagnosis. Also, my thoughts go out to you and your mother. Many people are not aware of just how much time I have had to spend in bed… You know what a fight it was for me to get past that point to the place where I could get out more of the time. I couldn’t agree with you more that it is definitely about HOW you make that time outside count for you. All my moments in nature are sacred ones and I know they are for you as well. Your blog is still a regular reminder to me (as it was in the beginning, so many years ago) of how important that bond can be. XO… and a special XO for your beloved girl, Feebs.
thanks for the good thoughts my friend, I do appreciate them- and Phoebe does too. She’s had a painfully hard week, but has turned the corner with her illness and is slowly recovering. It’s brought up alot of trauma for me since I lost Natasha to the dreaded disease, but she’s going to be ok. Soon she’ll be out romping through the fields again while I enjoy the hidden gifts I always find in those special areas. Knowing they’re out there is enough of an inspiration to push us though those days when we can’t rally enough to be there in person. To see, smell, hear and touch the sacred. After all, nature loves us 🙂
I am so relieved to hear that you think she’s turned the corner, Cindy. That’s excellent news!! Yes. Nature is always there for me. Never fails to give me wonderful gifts whenever I visit. Lets me stay for as long or short a time as I like. Never runs out of interesting stories and sometimes will even take me on an adventure. Is it any wonder why I’m so smitten??!