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Kathy Halsey's avatar

Sarah, the true bird in all its glory is there when we can get away from the beast "perfectionism". For me as an art enthusiast, you have captured the essence of the catbird - unassuming, small, grey, unassuming, yet, so comely! Ty. You and your practice give me hope!

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Sarah Tobias's avatar

Thank you, Kathy for your kind words. I do love the catbird. It's simplicity is so endearing. I have been focusing on delights lately. When I feel myself smile and my heart g I soft, I make note of it. A reminder of where I want to come back to again and again. I guess that's become my baseline. Like the catbird, pleasant, lovely, and unassuming.

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Kathy Halsey's avatar

This is your internal home where you can nourish yourself and grow, just like the catbird.

I am working at a practice to find joy every day. To capture that feeling and be able to conjure it when we need it, is balm.

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Virginia Neely's avatar

Sarah, I love your birds. You say, "Art is a way of of expressing what you see, notice, and imagine." But more than that, it expresses how you feel about what you're seeing, and your love of these little feathered creatures comes through loud and clear. I'm jealous that you get orioles. There are supposed to be some around here but I've never seen them. Chickadees are my favourites, but you're right about how quick they are. They dart around so fast, grabbing a seed and scooting off to open it before coming back for another. It amazes me they can get enough energy from a seed to fuel all that motion. I love your idea of a bit of art and a haiku as a journal entry for the day. I might steal that idea!

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Sarah Tobias's avatar

Thank you for your kind words. I agree that it expresses how you feel. At least when you let go of self-doubt and judgement.

We are very lucky to see the Orioles as they arrive for breeding season and then as the juveniles learn about good places to forage.

I wrote a little haiku for our chickadee friend.

Black capped chickadee

Zips in. One seed at a time.

Cracks up in tree.

And

Catbirds, Orioles

Empty grape jelly bowl

Extra sustenance.

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Virginia Neely's avatar

You captured their behaviour perfectly.

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Sarah Tobias's avatar

Thank you. The chickadee one cracks me up. 😂

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