Pause & See

On my snowshoe today I nearly left the camera behind.  But then I thought, "What if I can get that photo of the Raven?"  I have been trying for a long time to snap a picture of the Raven that lives around this land.  There used to be a family of 3 for many years.  But for that last couple of years there has only been one.  I have a relationship with this bird.  Ravens are highly intelligent.  Sometimes we talk to each other...I mimic the Raven's croaks...I hope I am saying something nice!?  Once this Raven flew right next to me when I was running in the back field.  That was an amazing moment!  

Today I was focusing on this lovely beech tree when I heard that familiar croak.  I turned my camera skyward and snapped these 2 photos!  I am grateful I pause at this tree.  It is "loud" snow in the woods today.  I may not have heard the croak while walking.  But I really feel the Raven was "listening" to my desire.  Raven gave me a gift, as good friends often do.

a flying raven

turns her head and croaks at me

YES! I love you too

orah

If you would like to know more about these fascinating birds I would recommend:

In the Company of Crows and Ravens, by John Marzluff & Tony Angell

This a regular feature I plan to include in this blog.  I try to see something new each day.  It is part of my practice in "seeing".  The art of seeing is essential to any creative work in my humble opinion.  My favorites are the ones that stop me in my tracks!  Like so many folks I have a very busy mind that I struggle to quiet.  But by creating this practice it has given me many opportunities to pause and be with a new wonder.  I love to wonder about wonders.  These little seeings can be just the jolt my creative process needs to get out of a rut.  But mostly they provide a pause which is that moment of peace I need to heal from a frustration. These seeings are grounding for me and bring me to the present.  I will admit to laughing out loud with joy over some of these discoveries. They are a moment of childlike wonder!  

"When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky"             ~~~Buddha