I've been very overwhelmed by my circumstances which have been aggravated by a number of consequences re the coronavirus pandemic. I'm now behind in every level for many of my tasks from the mundane to major projects and it's getting out of hand.
According to the spruce, the process of this activity is "aligning feathers into the most aerodynamic shape [makes] for [an] easier, more efficient flight."
I have witnessed birds preening on a number of ocassions and it was such a pleasure to once again witness this process the other day.
I documented it by taking the photos which are atop this entry. On another note the process that Mourning doves use to do this is covered in volume one of my three volume book series, Words In Our Beak (WIOB). |
| WIOB VOLUME ONE |
However, even though I've covered the process of preening in my books and in other posts on this blog, as well as my speaking engagements, I realized something new the other day. Perhaps my recent observation came to me is because I am so overwhelmed.
I especially paid attention to the fact that my visitor was very methodical in using the bills to preen each feather on the body, "nibbling or stroking every feather from its base to its tip to get it aligned just so..."
In other words, my visitor did not appear to look at the task of how many feathers had to be aligned and become too inundated by the prospect in such a manner that might cause the an inability to function; instead this creature did (as all birds do when preening) the process slowly, with focused determination by doing it feather by feather.
The whole scenario reminded me of a passage from author Anne Lamont's, book titled Bird by Bird. "Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.’"
My lesson from the visiting Mourning dove to do just one thing at a non rushed pace per time, coupled with Anne Lamont's passage, is my Wednesday Wisdom. But my parting words will be to remind you that Valentine's Day will be here in less than a month, it might be wise to consider giving your true love my book series as a gift.
As I've mentioned in prior posts, I have designed Mourning dove themed note-cards (which are also appropriate for Valentine's Day and can be seen below)...
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
... these cards are great for all occasions but especially for Valentine's Day, which is less than one month away.
By the way, FAA can also render the images on to an array of surfaces; including acrylic...
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
...canvas...
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
...metal...
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
...special art paper...
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
...as well as wood...
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| CHECK THS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
... for varying sizes of wall art. Moreover, Fine Art America also offers framed images of my collections.
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
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| CHECK THIS OUT ON FINE ART AMERICA |
Just a quick reminder, Valentine's Day is less than one month away, so if you would like to get these items or my book series for your true love, consider acting quickly to avoid delays caused by shipping.
And another reminder (which I've mentioned before but is worth reiterating), continue to take a cue when you keep your eye on the birdie, especially mourning doves, you never know what they may teach you.
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