Rhoda Lewis 5/25/23 Rhoda Lewis 5/25/23

Ode to a Blue Jay

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.

Henry Van Dyke

To be a Blue Jay

In a blur of white, black and blue

You flew into my garden -

Landing under the feeder,

Pecking at the ground,

Picking up seeds,

Hopping around

Unbothered by my watching.

I want to live like you-

Able to fly from danger,

To pierce the silence

of the cold morning air

With the longing call

of my wild heart,

Unashamed.

I want to land softly

In the warm grass -

To dance in the sun,

and then just take off

for the trees when it’s gone -

leaving this comfortable cage

behind.

A blue jay and its partner are nesting in one of the trees behind my house and are regularly visiting the feeders in the yard there. I chose the opening quote not just because I think people should be able to share their talents, but also because the blue jay’s call is annoying to some people. Loud and piercing. Personally, I love the sound - especially on an otherwise bleak and quiet day.

Here is a link to check out if you want to hear the sounds (and learn more about the birds) : Audubon Society: About the Blue Jay (with sounds) - The calls I most often hear are the Jay (or Jeering) and the hawk imitation calls; but I recognized most of the other sounds; not realizing they were Jay sounds too.

This bird is very calm and curious. I read that when they are afraid; the feathers on top of their heads stand straight up - so he was unafraid, hopping around and tilting his head from side to side.

I also read that they are not really blue, but that the color is a trick of light … here’s a link to that explanation, if you’re interested: NOT in Blue.

Holding a little seed in its mouth and looking ready to jump again.

Pensive.

Standing tall and unafraid.

may my heart always be open to little birds who are the secrets of living

e. e. cummings

Thank you for being here, and thank you for your support. I appreciate every comment and suggestion!

Rhoda Lewis 5/18/23 Rhoda Lewis 5/18/23

Going Home again

Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.

Terry Pratchett

my last desert hike

I stumbled on a ruin

crumbling into dust

and realized I was ready to go home

home where water flows freely

where spring blossoms riot - bursting through their skins

where narcissus is already in full bloom

where the forest floor fills with ferns

where squirrels sneak up to steal suet

where the silky tulips glisten

and silent mallards swim

where lily of the valley is wet with dew

solitary tree on the edge of the dunes, overlooking the channel

and a single tree keeps vigil over the grassy dune.

Where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

I loved the magic of Joshua Tree, but I am so happy to be back home. I am grateful that you are here with me.

Rhoda Lewis 5/11/23 Rhoda Lewis 5/11/23

Joshua Tree

I see my path, but I don't know where it leads.

Rosalia de Castro

View of the Peaks from Panorama Loop Trail

I only had a few days in Joshua Tree, but I realized quickly that even a few months wouldn’t be long enough to see the entire park. There terrain is so widely varied and it’s an enormous place.

You have to be so careful here. The sun and the wind make carrying water and using sun protection absolutely vital.

Joshua Trees Silhouetted at Dawn near my campsite

Rock formations, etched by water over time have taken on sculpted and sometimes eerie shapes.

The urge to climb and scramble over the rocks is irresistible. It’s like a giant rock garden in some places.

Some climbers are even more daring. These three climbers belayed for each other to climb the giant Intersection Rock.

From below it’s hard to figure out what he’s holding on to.

Almost There - I was relieved to see him reach the top where his friend waited for him!

Profile of Joshua Tree on the face of the setting moon

My favorite times here were in the dark - evening and early morning. The air was cold, but the skies were clear and the silhouettes of the Joshua tree against the skies were magical. I got up early one morning to watch the moon set, and afterwards get some pictures of the starry sky before sunrise.

Those who arrive at the end of the journey are not those who began. T. S. Eliot

Thank you for being here!