January 26, 2020: Seeking Bluebirds
Every time I see a bluebird, I say, well, hey, all this hard work is all worth while.
Bill Vaughan
Along with bitter cold and snow, January brings the unwelcome task of getting ready for tax season. In a jewelry design business like ours, where there are thousands of small parts, the process of inventory alone, is not one for the faint hearted. It’s the total opposite of designing, where new ideas flow, bringing excitement and positive energy. Spending hours in front of a computer and storage boxes, counting and cross referencing product data, is a necessary, but not welcomed activity. And each year I dread it.
So this year, I decided to make the dismal prospect a little sweeter. I set up my computer in our kitchen, where I have a view of our deck, bird feeders, woods and mountains. A cup of my favorite herbal tea wafts its aroma, and soothing music plays in the background. A treasured friend Gail, has offered her assistance in this perceived ordeal, which along with the valued help, has brought humor and laughter into the process. As a result, I’ve set a stage where the dreaded boring activity has evolved into a still necessary event, but is now infused with moments of pleasure.
Cole Porter
Be like the bluebird who never is blue, For he knows from his upbringing what singing can do
Our feeders bring a variety of local birds and are a never ending source of entertainment. My camera is set by the window, to “capture” some of our delight in seeing them. This week, I was thrilled to see six visiting bluebirds. Usually they only come in the Spring, so to see a group at this time of year brought a gift of joyfulness.
“Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, she still sings away all the same, knowing she has wings.”
Victor Hugo
Their unexpected presence reminded again me of how important it is to seek and recognize those moments that bring us joy. Mired in tedious paperwork was a reality, but so were the vibrant flashes of blue on my deck. Instead of labeling them distractions, I saw them as messengers of happiness, bringing once again the awe and wonder of nature to my doorstep.
I have days ahead of me to complete all that needs to be done to complete our taxes. But I also have the anticipated and simple pleasure of looking out my window for unexpected gifts of happiness.
Gail BruntJanuary 27, 2020
When I see the little birds I am reminded of the passage in the Bible “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27). Therein is happiness: a lack of anxiety and a confident, contented faith in God’s provision. His love is evident everywhere in His creation!
WendyJanuary 28, 2020
Thank you Gail for reading our blog and your heartfelt message. Such a beautiful reminder of how we should treasure the precious gift of our lives and the natural beauty that surrounds us. .
LizJanuary 30, 2020
Thank you for reminding us to “stop and smell the roses” or in your case “stop and watch the bluebirds”. A great antedote for winter doldrums and especially for tax season.
WendyJanuary 30, 2020
Thanks so much for reading our blog and commenting! It’s those moments of beauty and wonder that bring us joy and light during stressful times. Whether it’s taking the time to “smell the roses” or bring our attention to what is a blessing or gift in our life, the time taken brings so much is bringing light to dismal times.