This is beautiful Betsy.... Suspenseful.... Emotional... Personal.... And even though some may struggle to see it... for me it clearly is theological.... God's limited edition creatures, intersecting in a limited amount of time....blessing one another.... God stepped out on space and said, "it is good.."
Undeniably divine, Barry. Pigeons are such a good example, too, because they are so often maligned, persecuted even. There's more story to tell, but I decided to save that for another essay. Stay tuned! And much appreciation for you and your perspective.
Yes, Beth, so easy. For me it's pretty much an automatic investment, and I almost always wish I could offer more. We were lucky to know each other, Pidge and I. Thanks for spending some time here today. 😊
June, with your last line you're going where I'm going in a future post. There is so much more to share, but I felt like Pidge needed a stand alone. So glad to know you enjoyed today's piece. Thank you.
Thanks, Elizabeth. You always transport my thoughts just when I need it.
I think life would be a lot less full without a community of critters around. For years, I resisted getting a dog, then I realized a dog was better than a fur free car. Much better.
Well, that's a lovely thing to read, Switter thank you. Right now, my community of critters are all undomesticated, and it's a weird feeling. I don't think I've ever lived without a pet or two. But, I'm learning good things through the experience. I appreciate your presence here.
This is a beautiful story (albeit with a shocking moment of gray fluff), Elizabeth.... what an amazing ending, too, one that leaves us with magic, questions, possibility, and hope. While sometimes beautiful with their iridescence, I think the reality of city pigeons makes most of us who live with them less apt to romanticize them. But mourning doves are pigeons.... and it's impossible not to romanticize them. I have seen white pigeons in the mix, but I had never heard of a King pigeon. A really nice story to read today. Thank you. Thank you for being someone who may not have counted them initially but noticed, tracked, mourned with and for that final one. And Mr. Palmer, a pigeon keeper. Really!
Such a kind comment, Amy, thank you. You're right, mourning doves are pigeons, and city pigeons have a much more meaningful story than many realize, one that's on my list for a someday-soon essay. King pigeons are used both as a livestock (food) breed, as was the case with this farm's birds, and as sporting birds, a hobby about which I know very little.
I feel lucky to have known Pidge, and to have been part of a place he called home for a little while.
Oh, Elizabeth. What a gorgeous piece. The ebb and flow of joy and hope and loss and grief painted with a tender brush. I’m so glad to have met Pidge through you. Thank you for sharing him.
Thanks, Prue. Of all the critter-attachments I've thought about "repeating," it honestly has not occurred to me to consider pigeons. I'll let you know if anything percolates up to change my thinking on that. Hope you are managing. I thought of you and others who are suffering with loss as I wrote this one. Big hugs.
What is that old adage? People (and animals,I'm sure) are in our lives for a season, for a reason...and you brought us Pidge! I have a wee friend, Gus, a chipmunk who, for the past three years ,will stand on the small wood pile across from the kitchen window staring in at me. At precisely 8:30 am and then again at 4:30 in the afternoon, he sits up, clasping his little paws and stares at me. He'll then watch the kitchen door until I come out with a handful of peanuts. He'll dart off a few feet until I'm back by the door, then stuffs his cheeks. He's gone to burrow now and I won't see him again until Spring. While others see him as an opportunistic rodent, I see him as a small wild one who brings me a bit of joy in our connection.
A season and a reason, for sure, Susan! Gus sounds positively charming! We could chat at length about the way some folks perceive the Pidges and Guses of the world, but if any species has proven itself to be an opportunistic environmental nuisance it's US! :)
So appreciate you adding to the conversation. Hope all is well.
Such intersections are precious gifts, connections with Creation we are blessed to receive, enjoy, appreciate and celebrate......until the next one. These are what enrich our lives beyond what we could have imagined.
You are so right, Gary, and each one is indeed a precious gift. I realize we aren't likely to develop similar levels of attachment to all that the natural world has to offer, but if more folks could experience even degrees of the intrinsic value in connecting with wild, other-than-human beings, I think we'd see exponential leaps in compassion and joy. A girl can dream anyway. Thanks for chiming in.
Thank you for this beautiful piece.
I'm delighted to know you enjoyed it, R.C. Thanks for taking time to take it in. 🕊️
“The rolling murmur of his calls on the wind.” What a beautiful piece.
Ah, Rona, thank you. It means the world that you're here.
This is beautiful Betsy.... Suspenseful.... Emotional... Personal.... And even though some may struggle to see it... for me it clearly is theological.... God's limited edition creatures, intersecting in a limited amount of time....blessing one another.... God stepped out on space and said, "it is good.."
Undeniably divine, Barry. Pigeons are such a good example, too, because they are so often maligned, persecuted even. There's more story to tell, but I decided to save that for another essay. Stay tuned! And much appreciation for you and your perspective.
Beautiful! I’ll do a special on this later, Elizabeth. O Pidge!
Ah, Diane...a "special." Thank you. It's really good to see you here.
Thank you. So emotional. So easy to get invested in our animal (and bird) friends. 🤗🤗❤️💕
Yes, Beth, so easy. For me it's pretty much an automatic investment, and I almost always wish I could offer more. We were lucky to know each other, Pidge and I. Thanks for spending some time here today. 😊
I loved hearing about wandering Pidge. A lovely post. A pigeon post.....
June, with your last line you're going where I'm going in a future post. There is so much more to share, but I felt like Pidge needed a stand alone. So glad to know you enjoyed today's piece. Thank you.
Thanks, Elizabeth. You always transport my thoughts just when I need it.
I think life would be a lot less full without a community of critters around. For years, I resisted getting a dog, then I realized a dog was better than a fur free car. Much better.
Well, that's a lovely thing to read, Switter thank you. Right now, my community of critters are all undomesticated, and it's a weird feeling. I don't think I've ever lived without a pet or two. But, I'm learning good things through the experience. I appreciate your presence here.
I finished my post. I got sidetracked by the ups guy and then my sister called and somehow the text sent itself.
Tricksy little message. Dog > Fur Free Car - fur sure! ;)
This is a beautiful story (albeit with a shocking moment of gray fluff), Elizabeth.... what an amazing ending, too, one that leaves us with magic, questions, possibility, and hope. While sometimes beautiful with their iridescence, I think the reality of city pigeons makes most of us who live with them less apt to romanticize them. But mourning doves are pigeons.... and it's impossible not to romanticize them. I have seen white pigeons in the mix, but I had never heard of a King pigeon. A really nice story to read today. Thank you. Thank you for being someone who may not have counted them initially but noticed, tracked, mourned with and for that final one. And Mr. Palmer, a pigeon keeper. Really!
Such a kind comment, Amy, thank you. You're right, mourning doves are pigeons, and city pigeons have a much more meaningful story than many realize, one that's on my list for a someday-soon essay. King pigeons are used both as a livestock (food) breed, as was the case with this farm's birds, and as sporting birds, a hobby about which I know very little.
I feel lucky to have known Pidge, and to have been part of a place he called home for a little while.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your most wonderful and soul inspiring writing!!!
So good to see you here, Erica, and to know you enjoyed today's essay. Thank you.
Oh, Elizabeth. What a gorgeous piece. The ebb and flow of joy and hope and loss and grief painted with a tender brush. I’m so glad to have met Pidge through you. Thank you for sharing him.
Thank you, Holly, for receiving him with open arms. As with so much of the natural world, I see him as a valuable teacher. Hugs to you!
I heart Pidge. I'm glad he had a space in your world and a place in your heart 🩷
Me, too, Eileen. It's the Pidges of our world that are doing their best to show us the way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Lovely, poignant. Have you never felt you'd like another Pidge? Not to replace, but to enhance the memory?
Thanks, Prue. Of all the critter-attachments I've thought about "repeating," it honestly has not occurred to me to consider pigeons. I'll let you know if anything percolates up to change my thinking on that. Hope you are managing. I thought of you and others who are suffering with loss as I wrote this one. Big hugs.
What is that old adage? People (and animals,I'm sure) are in our lives for a season, for a reason...and you brought us Pidge! I have a wee friend, Gus, a chipmunk who, for the past three years ,will stand on the small wood pile across from the kitchen window staring in at me. At precisely 8:30 am and then again at 4:30 in the afternoon, he sits up, clasping his little paws and stares at me. He'll then watch the kitchen door until I come out with a handful of peanuts. He'll dart off a few feet until I'm back by the door, then stuffs his cheeks. He's gone to burrow now and I won't see him again until Spring. While others see him as an opportunistic rodent, I see him as a small wild one who brings me a bit of joy in our connection.
A season and a reason, for sure, Susan! Gus sounds positively charming! We could chat at length about the way some folks perceive the Pidges and Guses of the world, but if any species has proven itself to be an opportunistic environmental nuisance it's US! :)
So appreciate you adding to the conversation. Hope all is well.
Such intersections are precious gifts, connections with Creation we are blessed to receive, enjoy, appreciate and celebrate......until the next one. These are what enrich our lives beyond what we could have imagined.
You are so right, Gary, and each one is indeed a precious gift. I realize we aren't likely to develop similar levels of attachment to all that the natural world has to offer, but if more folks could experience even degrees of the intrinsic value in connecting with wild, other-than-human beings, I think we'd see exponential leaps in compassion and joy. A girl can dream anyway. Thanks for chiming in.