Week 2: Beauty undercover - The Cardinal

 















I see the Cardinal so often that I do not appreciate its beauty the way others from a different region might.  They are common backyard visitors in the Texas Hill Country.  The female Cardinal is of most interest to me and the main player in this post.  Upon seeing her initially I thought her a little plain. Over the last few years of observing and enjoying birding, I have begun to realize the contrast in her feathers and the bright orange beak that is similar to shiny hair or great eyebrows on a woman.  She is busy and bright and regal. The female Cardinal doesn't sing as often or as loud as the male and when she does sing it is usually a signal that she is ready to build a nest or in need of food.  She vocalizes her request and her needs. Some of us could do a bit more of that in our relationships I bet. 

The female Cardinal reminds me that there is beauty right in front of me. There are traces of colors and hints of bright beautiful features to behold every day. The morning sky, and the afternoon sun are earthly treasures,  but what of the beautiful people we might be missing out on knowing. Their stories revealing wonderful wrinkles and depth of character.  Humanity is can be hard and painful but it can also bring such rich bold life to our reality. What of the neighbors' dog, the fruit just washed, the table set for a simple dinner.  In each of our paths there is a person, a pet, a table, maybe even a meolody that we have yet to discover their beauty and depth. 
To new discoveries amongst the normal.
love,
the birds and me

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