A few weeks ago, one of my hens, one of the original flock (which makes her a senior citizen), started having trouble walking. The other hens began picking on her mercilessly. She would cower and hide her head under one of the nesting boxes. The others wouldn’t let her eat or drink, so I began closing them out of the coop while she’d drink. This went on for over 2 weeks.
Farm folks would say that this is Nature’s way of culling the flock, and I suppose there is truth to this. However, I decided that she should at least have some comfort for her last few days. So I put bedding in a crate, and put her in, protected. That was 2 weeks ago. This chicken won’t drink, but eats watermelon and grapes. She gets around in the crate by scooting. Each day I expect to find her motionless, but she is not ready yet.
Patience can be taught in many ways, I think. And creatures great and small can show us the way, if we stop to look.
I just realized that I began writing this blog on April 27, 2007. Oh, what a ride it has been!
In the past year, I have learned not to be afraid of this new to me medium (thank you, Kelly). I have discovered so much about this lovely blue planet, and about myself.
In the past ten months, I have had many life-changing experiences. On Fathers’ Day, my Dad had a massive stroke. Throughout a very powerful and intense few weeks, we supported him in completing his work in this life and transitioning to the next. My oldest daughter left for college in New York City; nine weeks after she left, her horse’s intestines ruptured and she had to make the decision to have him put down. At the end of November, my dear friend and neighbor lost her life to cancer (but not the battle—-she grew so much, and so did I). Since then, three good friends have lost a parent, and one had a serious surgery.
The Little Blue Santa came into our lives and graced us with his gentle being. His sweet nature and connection to history continues to be a blessing.
I have learned a lot about perspective, and about valuing what I have been given. i have learned what is truly important to me. (I have to say though, that a little less experiential learning would be fine with me; I’d gladly write a paper.)
I have met so many lovely people through this venture, where we sit and tappity tap our thoughts to share. Words have power, and the combined power of all our words and actions are catalysts for change.
Patti, over at the Patti-o recently asked what her readers have learned. She kind of got me thinking about what we learn and how. I have learned how to do lots of things, from writing this blog to embedding a map in a post. I have learned how to be rather than what to do. I have learned, as I posted on Patti’s blog, that when I feel stressed, I can realize that there are 2 sides to every coin, and that stressed spelled backwards is___________ .
So, join Patti in an umbrelly drink and ask yourself what you have learned lately?
**On another note—I’ll be away from Thursday through Saturday: taking the train to NYC to visit with #1 daughter. See ya’ll next week.
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