Birds of a Feather
“Don’t make me yawn, sneeze or deep breathe, other than that I’m fine,” I commented to friends on Facebook six days after my laparoscopic surgery.
I’ve told family members in the past that it’s okay to put me in a nursery home if it’s necessary when I’m older. When life comes down to getting your basic daily needs met and being as comfortable as possible, I believe I can make my life small enough to accommodate those changes, but only if my room has a window.
The window has been a lifeline to me over the years as I’ve struggled with chronic fatigue. As a poet that needs regular inner reflection, I use it for perspective and inspiration. I absolutely need to see the sky, the trees and the birds. It’s maybe the one thing in life I couldn’t live without.
Although, I love nature, I’ve never thought of myself as a big outdoors person, not like my husband who goes on long hikes in the woods, has sit-spots next to waterfalls and would prefer to do everything outside, eating, yoga etc. I’m more of homebody who likes the comfort of home. But I’ve spent a lot of time looking out of windows as I read, write and rest.
I watch and follow the news like a hound, but I could live without it. TV and movie watching can be a fun diversion, but it’s what is happening on the screen into the real world that is the most dramatic, the most constant, but never the same twice, the most precious and meaningful – the moon through my bedroom window, the stars, the budding of spring blossoms on trees, the resident critters, the clouds.
I had a rude awakening during the first week of recovery realizing that, even though it’s a commonly accepted social norm to visit people when their sick and to offer help, it’s the least time that I want someone to visit. I felt grateful to have a caring husband for those first rough four days and to see slow improvements that brought the promise of more improvement.
I found solace in watching the birds from the comfort of my chair. The more I watched, the more varieties came. The first days of recovery were painful and depressing and sometimes wondering what the birds were up to helped me want to get out of bed. I made new friends and a had fleeting visits. And even the bluebird of happiness showed up!
Thanks to Joe for keeping the feeder full, the best one we’ve ever had, gifted to us by potter Joey Sheehan (check him out on Facebook). We like to watch the squirrels unsuccessfully try to scheme ways to reach it.
We like seeing our yard become a welcoming bird sanctuary.
April 20th, 2018 2:20 pm
everything you mention is a joyful gift to me, too. I find myself staring out the windows in the room where I spend the most time. thankfully, there is more glass in this area than anywhere else. I can see the front and back gardens from my chair and am entertained by the birds, squirrels, and bunnies. I am glad you are moving through the inconvenient disruption and are noticing your comfort being restored. I totally get it about visitors. I cannot imagine enjoying hospital or home guests when I am in pain and feeling so out of sorts. my parents never seemed to mind, but then they liked walk-in guests and rarely thought to call anyone in advance when they dropped in on their friends, too. I find it all very invasive, despite my southern upbringing. here in our home we practice “by invitation only!” enjoy your observations and online visits and keep up the good healing you are doing!
April 20th, 2018 2:46 pm
I couldn’t even bear seeing myself! Thanks for reading, Sky and for being a kindred.
April 20th, 2018 7:52 pm
nature will always soothe the ravaged breast ….
I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better, day by day – may it continue this way, with the wise “creature” comforts as companions
April 21st, 2018 2:04 am
It’s looking a lot like spring. Great photos.
April 21st, 2018 1:27 pm
I hope your recovery is progressing well. I loved the pictures of the birds, especially the colorful ones. They aren’t as common down here in Texas. But we have lots of egrets, seagulls, and pigeons! Not the ones I’d like to see. Haha
April 21st, 2018 7:41 pm
These birds are just heavenly Colleen. Nature’s medicine for sure. Kind of like a walk on the beach can make everything right again when it’s not. I have a hummingbird feeder and love to watch them. To me, they are about as magical as they come. I once studied their facts and they are the most amazing little creatures. xoxo
April 21st, 2018 11:01 pm
I saw one today but it was too fast for me. It was on like I haven’t seen before in our yard, had a tiny red breast.
April 22nd, 2018 12:52 pm
As a good poet does, even in prose, you’ve expressed my thoughts about nature so much more perfectly than I ever could. And I love your window views.
I too think I could be happy in a smaller world when it becomes necessary — and have told my family the same thing…. just not yet!! (Although at my age, I wonder if I should reserve a window room ))
Keep on getting stronger.
April 22nd, 2018 3:50 pm
I always request a window seat on a plane too!
April 26th, 2018 2:45 am
Glad to hear that the birds inspired you to see n be curious at the window. Hope your recovery flies by as you re-group.
I love feeding birds n miss that here. At my old place neighbors complained about the birds n ruined my window time before I moved. That helped me want to leave!
Hope baby birds visit you soon
April 26th, 2018 1:46 pm
love the view you have, and all those birds!
I do agree about visits to the sick, the ailing, and the getting betters: people forget how vulnerable people can be when they’re mending, and show up with coughs, drippy noses, kids, and too damn much cheer =). Dunno about you, but the last thing I want is to have to be cheery back.
Glad to know you’re feeling better, truly