Saw my first bird! And oddly it didn't happen until January 3. I heard them but didn't actually see one until today during my nature walk. I guess I wasn't outside enough! Anyway, it was probably definitely a hairy woodpecker. Doesn't sound that lofty or romantic, but I'm going to be open to its meaning and what this bird can teach me.
It is actually a pretty bird, and funnily, it's the same one that Margaret Renkl wasn't sure whether was a hairy or a downy woodpecker. I got a good look at mine and think I've identified it right. Don't think I can post a photo in the comments but here is a picture from Audubon: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-tell-hairy-woodpecker-downy-woodpecker
I loved this meditation on noticing and paying attention. A few days later I was reading the Marginalian and came across a quote by Simone Weil that I thought was exquisite: "Attention, taken to its highest degree, is the same thing as prayer."
I am nervous about seeing my first bird tomorrow. We often have blue jays in our front yard and I think they are known as bullies. I certainly don't want that as my theme of the year, but robins seem kinda boring.
Also-it still says I need to upgrade my membership to participate. Do I need to do something else? Maybe sign out and sign back in? I'll try that.
Hey Dana - you should be all set and able to access the paid content. Try signing out/signing back in and let me know if it doesn't work - probably best to send me an email so I don't miss it in all the holiday shuffle!
Preparing to notice, for me, has looked like making sure I have the right gear for the weather. I started this at the end of last year when Gretchen Rubin announced her #outside23in2023 annual challenge. As you've mentioned in your podcast and writing, "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing," which Gretchen had brought up as well. This was a catalyst to finally invest in some good quality outerwear and just get outside. It has been life-changing.
Vicky, having warm enough clothing easily available has made such a huge difference for me, especially when it comes to those "quickie" trips out to the backyard or around the block.
Saw my first bird! And oddly it didn't happen until January 3. I heard them but didn't actually see one until today during my nature walk. I guess I wasn't outside enough! Anyway, it was probably definitely a hairy woodpecker. Doesn't sound that lofty or romantic, but I'm going to be open to its meaning and what this bird can teach me.
I’m not even sure I know what a hairy woodpecker looks like, but I bet it’s a cool bird with more to it than an unfortunate name 😀
It is actually a pretty bird, and funnily, it's the same one that Margaret Renkl wasn't sure whether was a hairy or a downy woodpecker. I got a good look at mine and think I've identified it right. Don't think I can post a photo in the comments but here is a picture from Audubon: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-tell-hairy-woodpecker-downy-woodpecker
You should be able to post your pic here if you got one, Amy! https://substack.com/chat/1661581/post/adb15230-3242-41e3-8a43-3d25f64d95e6
Meagan,
I loved this meditation on noticing and paying attention. A few days later I was reading the Marginalian and came across a quote by Simone Weil that I thought was exquisite: "Attention, taken to its highest degree, is the same thing as prayer."
I am nervous about seeing my first bird tomorrow. We often have blue jays in our front yard and I think they are known as bullies. I certainly don't want that as my theme of the year, but robins seem kinda boring.
Also-it still says I need to upgrade my membership to participate. Do I need to do something else? Maybe sign out and sign back in? I'll try that.
Hey Dana - you should be all set and able to access the paid content. Try signing out/signing back in and let me know if it doesn't work - probably best to send me an email so I don't miss it in all the holiday shuffle!
I know what you mean, Dana! I was a little nervous about what bird I would see and what it would mean about me too.
Preparing to notice, for me, has looked like making sure I have the right gear for the weather. I started this at the end of last year when Gretchen Rubin announced her #outside23in2023 annual challenge. As you've mentioned in your podcast and writing, "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing," which Gretchen had brought up as well. This was a catalyst to finally invest in some good quality outerwear and just get outside. It has been life-changing.
Vicky, having warm enough clothing easily available has made such a huge difference for me, especially when it comes to those "quickie" trips out to the backyard or around the block.
Yes! Same.