Pelicans

November 26, 2023

Sunrise November 16, 2023

Hello friends. I’ve been sick this week and only today starting to feel better. It’s not the way I planned to spend my week off, but as Thich Nhat Hahn says, “we are of the nature to get sick”. My brain has been quiet - which is rare (and most likely always a sign I’m unwell). I’m doing my very best to practice gratitude for all the blessings of life, to listen to what my body wants and needs, to respond with care and compassion, and to stay in the moment and not project a lot of “what if’s”. I’m extremely grateful it was not contagious and I was able to be with my wonderful family on Thursday!

I’ve been practicing some (very light) qigong and acupressure points I’ve learned, lots of “healing sounds” and meditations. Who knows if it helps - it surely doesn't hurt! If nothing else it gives me something to do when I feel like doing nothing. I’m pretty sure getting myself to gently move in between long rests is good for my body.

Hopefully you’ll forgive me if this weekend’s post looks more like a “drops of beauty” post, I just don’t have any clear writing thoughts to deliver today and I didn’t have the energy to process the big stash of videos. I thought I’d share some pictures of the one day this fall when pelicans stopped by. I love pelicans, so when I saw them out across the lake I stood there and asked - ok, begged - them to come in a little closer. They did, briefly, and not as close as I’d hoped, but watching those big white mops glide gracefully over the sunlit water was such a gift. I hope you enjoy.

American White Pelicans - incoming!

I mean, they don’t always look graceful in the air but here they managed it.

I was seriously holding my breath, hoping they’d keep coming towards me.

But they made a sideways turn.

I love watching them elegantly glide across the water together. Just like a very healthy family.

I always wonder how they know when to pause or when to turn. It seems so choreographed.

Hello friends! For a minute I thought they might turn my way.

Ah, sigh, they are moving further away. It was kind of them to come say hello.

Pelicans against fall leaves.

And then they took off.

Made a lap around and disappeared. Bye bye pelicans, for now.

Several years ago, April 18, 2018 to be exact, I had the most amazing experience with pelicans. A version of this video had over 2 Million views on Facebook. It’s still one of my favorite videos. I’m not sure if I’ve shared it here before, but if I have, I hope you enjoy it again:

Take good care friends. I hope you find these posts to be an oasis of calm in your day. I’ll be sending all the Drops of Beauty posts to all subscribers through the end of the year, because I’m sure we could all use a little extra nature medicine this time of year!

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