As most of us do at the close of a year, I’ve been reflecting on successes and lessons of 2024. I use the word lessons very purposefully because the word ‘failure’ implies little good comes from outcomes that are less than stellar.
My blog this month introduces the cat angle because the internet has taught me cats are WAAAAAAAY more popular than birds. Sorry, avian friends, but you don’t get the same traction and credit as my goofy cat posts. And of course the weather does not make me want to run right out birding every morning in December like it does in say May or June.
Secondly, like I do in my books, I’m going to tie my photos and updates with lessons. I have learned a lot of lessons later in life and use “Lessons from a Birdbrain” in the self deprecating way. And I believe if a specific lesson comes along at the right time, it will resonate and perhaps make someone’s life a little bit better and brighter for that insight.
Lesson 1 – love with no regrets and always remember our time with every living creature has an expiration date.
I lost my beloved Tof in December after 13.5 years. I took this photo just a few days before he passed during one of our nightly cuddle sessions. After the young cats went to bed, he would come snuggle with me while I read most evenings. I also started each day sharing a cup of coffee with him and playing. (I drank coffee and he played, to clarify.) The pain of losing him is still sharp at times. But of course my life was richer for his presence and I appreciate his reminder of how short and precious all lives are.
Lesson 2: when one door closes, another opens.
This is Kelton. She’s an 11 year old, cranky senior kitty who may be the next Tof. My volunteer work at the Columbus Humane society has taught me there are always lots of kitties in need of a loving home. So when the time is right, I will bring one of them home to give them a loving place to live out their days. And while I would give anything to have Tof back, he opened a new door for some lucky kitty.
Lesson 3; “Size doesn’t matter; it’s all about the mental aspect and having heart.” T. Austin
The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. It weighs about as much as 34 pennies, 3-6 ounces. Fun fact: American Kestrels often hunt as a family group, giving young a chance to learn hunting skills before they are on their own.
Often times in life, we think our size will hold us back from accomplishing something. Do you suppose a kestrel thinks that when it goes out hunting? That’s right, it doesn’t. There will always be someone bigger or smaller, taller or shorter, wider or thinner but what we accomplish in life is all about how well we cope with setbacks.
Lesson 4: Always bring the weather with you.
I had the privilege of visiting Puerto Rico at the end of December for a family vacation. Much as I love Ohio, I don’t love Ohio weather for the winter months. The temperatures were lovely, mostly in the 70s. We did get a decent amount of rain and especially when we went to the only tropical rainforest in the United States, El Yunque. As is the case in most of the northern hemisphere, bird activity is low in December and I didn’t see a ton of species. This Mangrove Cuckoo was out in between light rain events though and did not seem to mind.
I love the phrase “always take the weather with you”. I can be depressed when it rains or when…happens in my life or not. The beauty of our brains is we can look at every last situation in whatever way we wish. I lost my job…therefore I suck, I’m doomed, blah blah blah. OR…I lost my job…it wasn’t a good fit for my skills, it was a business decision, not personal…etc.
And to close out my blog for the month, it’s time for a shameless plug for my first foray into fiction, Focus On. Sophia learns these lessons and more. If you would like to be an early reader / provider of feedback, reach out on my contact page for a complimentary preview copy.