Bye Bye Birdies

Today the birdies flew away—all four of them. Just like birth pangs, I knew it would be today or tomorrow—soon! They were outgrowing their tiny nest and lounging around was difficult—if not impossible.

This afternoon I ran some errands and I sensed something was different. Their feathers started to fluff up and they looked restless. I snapped a picture and whispered, “Bye, bye birdies.”

When I returned home, they were all facing in the same direction; the first time in two weeks that ever happened. Four little beaks all in a row—facing skyward.

I ran in the house to grab my camera, but the phone rang, and I forgot! An hour had passed and Mark arrived home.

“What was that?” he shouted.

Mark was covered with bird poop from head to toe. Mama and Papa Robin had nudged the babies out of the nest and the babies literally pooped their way out.

I ran down the street pointing my camera and clicking as the birdies tested their wings under the watchful eye of Mama and Papa Robin. One little birdie was not using his wings and plopped himself in the middle of the road. But Mama Robin nudged him along and kept nudging him until finally a flip…a flop, and then flitter…flitter…fly!

I felt a tear slip down my cheek and watched as they all four took flight. Nearly an hour had passed while Mama and Papa watched, waited, and nudged again. They perched on the rooftop and hid in the trees until all four had safely found their wings.

Tonight it’s lonely…no chirping…no peeping. The wind is howling through the trees and I can’t help but wonder if my little birdies are safe.

Two weeks ago there were four shiny robin eggs and now they are flying free—all four of them.The nest is finally empty.


Bye Bye Birdies!

Living Life Passionately,




P.S. I will be taking a break from blogging for the next two weeks. Jon's college graduation is Saturday and then I will be out of the country until the end of May. I'll have lots of pictures to post when I return.

The Dirt on Mother's Day!

“Happy Mother’s Day!” I said to my sister who called from California. “How does Mom like the flowers I sent her?” I asked.

My sister, Sherrie, hesitated and said, “Oh, I can see the bulbs in the dirt right now,” she replied.

“Whaaaaat,” I shrieked.

“Bulbs and dirt? I ordered tulips!” I whined.

It seems that a certain 1-800 company had advertised “blooming tulips,” when in fact they were “blooming bulbs,” which were delivered by a certain package company (which will remain nameless) that just happened to turn the box upside down on the front steps of my parent's home -- dirt and all.

My original thought was a great one: Send a basket full of tulips—in every conceivable color—that would grace the dining room table, and then my mom could plant them in her garden after they withered away. That way Mom could have a reminder—every year—of the once gorgeous centerpiece!

I thought it was unlike my mom to comment briefly on my “bouquet” in her last e-mail. She wrote, “I can’t wait for the tulips to sprout from the dirt.”

Umm...

This Mother’s Day will be remembered for weeks to come and I’m sure I’ll get the “dirt” on the tulips for quite some time.

Happy Mom’s Day everyone!

Living Life Passionately,

Sing Birdies Sing!

“That’s a terrible place for a bird’s nest,” remarked my neighbor—referring to the robin’s nest on top of our door wreath.”

“Well, I didn’t put it there!” I said with a grin.

The newest members of our family are a delight because they come at a time when our nest is soon to be truly empty (Jon graduates next weekend and will be leaving for his job in Cleveland, Ohio). I love the diversion the birdies have provided during this transition time and the joy they bring each morning as they belt out their praises.

“Mama Robin” is attentive to their every need and keeps a watchful eye on them from treetop to rooftop when she’s fetching food. Each time the door opens, their little mouths open widely waiting for mama to bring them yummy worms as snacks. This morning, one of them opened its eyes and for a moment, I thought that baby robin winked right back at me.

Soon they will fly out of the nest for life on their own, but the memories of my baby birdies will continue to sing in my heart.

Sing birdies sing!

Living Life Passionately,

Mother's Day Babies

I’ve become a mom (again!).

My baby robins hatched while we were away at Parents’ Weekend at Grove City College, and it’s been fun to watch “Mamma Robin” take care of her babies by fetching worms out of the front yard. We’ve had enough rain lately that she hasn’t had to do too much digging! Their nest resides in our door wreath, so I don't need an alarm clock in the morning (peep-peep!).


I have to say those birdies are something only a mother can love: they're bald, with bulging eyes, a tuft of feathers, and a beak as large as their body. I took several pictures, but they’re just too scary to post. I’ll show off my “babies" when they get a little "fluffier."

Speaking of “babies,” I have some books that I’ll be signing at Barnes & Nobles in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on Saturday May, 9, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. One of the books is The Ultimate Mom and contains three of my stories. So for those of you who are in the area, it will be a combined author signing and a chance to win another great book, A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional.


On Monday, May 4th, Tracy Ruckman interviewed me regarding my life, my writing, and my "babies." You can catch both interviews at Pix-N-Pens and also at The National Christian Writing Examiner.

Anyone who posts a comment about their favorite Mother’s Day experience will be entered into a contest to win an autographed copy of The Ultimate Mom.

Thanks, Tracy, for the opportunity to do a Mother’s Day interview and congratulations on your new position with the Christian Writing Examiner. I’ve got you bookmarked!

Living Life Passionately,