I found this feather smack dab in the middle of a city sidewalk. It’s about 4 inches long. Is it from a Finch? A Baltimore Oriole? What do you think? It’s going home with me.
Edited to add: It’s from a Northern Flicker (Yellow-Shafted) – which is in the Woodpecker family!
Oh my! Thank you, thank you for the incredible conversation we had yesterday. For those of you who missed it, you can read it all here. I had no idea as I was wrangling with this topic yesterday morning that it would elicit such a strong response from all of you. Obviously, it struck a chord. The blogging world is ever changing. Some of the changes are wonderful; some not so wonderful. I’ve always compared blogging to being in high school and I’ve said that time and again on this blog. Wonderful friendships can be made, creativity can be encouraged and rewarded. But there are cliques. There are the ‘popular’ girls. There are mean girls. There are those who do their own thing, regardless of what is deemed popular. I had a great time in high school, but I was not one of the in crowd. I was in the theater/music crowd. I was never going to be a cheerleader and that was fine. I thrived where I was and found myself in the process.
Same thing for blogging, don’t you think?
Anyway, thank you. I found your comments stimulating and wise and funny and profound. Many of you raised points that I hadn’t thought of. What a great conversation!
Two more days in Hartford. One last Preview performance tonight and then Opening Night tomorrow. Once again, I failed to ride the carousel. What can I say? And once again, I didn’t tour Mark Twain’s house or Harriet Beecher Stowe’s house. But, I’ll be back again in about 7 weeks. I’ll do all of it then. (Fingers crossed.)
Today I have to find a pair of shoes to wear tomorrow night. (I really hate shopping for clothes or shoes.) I’m hoping that I find something quickly because I have to be at a short rehearsal at 2:30. All I want is a comfortable pair of black shoes. I’ll let the younger members of the cast wear the strappy high heels.
It feels like a Friday to me, but Happy Thursday.
Love the Carousel myself (Great Pictures) I hope my grandchildren never stop wanting to ride, because then what will I do? Love your blog every single day and you have evolved a lot but all consistent with your values and mine THANK YOU! -Judy A-
I should have gone on that carousel, Judy.
Hi Claudia,
I am sure Scout and Don will be glad to have you home. Your posts from Hartford have been wonderful. I have never been to that part of the country for any length of time. Hopefully now that retirement is just seven days away Roger and I can start visiting some of the places in the east.
Suzan
ladybug cottage
Happy Retirement, Suzan!! That’s a big milestone – Yay!
Finding cute, dressy but comfortable shoes is a post all by itself! And then there’s the expense…but I digress! Enjoy your last two days…bet you can’t wait to get home! ;)
Oh lord. It was endless. I didn’t really want dressy shoes, just shoes that fit – sort of like comfortable Mary Jane’s. I tried on Clark’s and Born and ended up with a pair made by Naturalizer that will make me very tall, but are MJ’s with a wedge type heel and they were 60% off. Probably wouldn’t have chosen them normally, but I’m usually in sandals or sneakers, so these will be fine.
Cliques?? Yes, absolutely. A fellow blogger told me once that a group of women wanted her to give up her “blog name” so they could have it! They were even going to pay her and even have someone help her design a new blog heading. It was a popular name and she relented. What they don’t understand was that the name she had for her blog couldn’t be used again. Once you have that name, it’s a done deal. I was appalled at the way she was treated but she said it wasn’t worth it and changed the name of her blog. But they couldn’t use it anyway! Can ya fell th’ anger here, sugar?! But they’ll never be able to use it. ;-)
So, yes, I know what you’re talking about. I just do my own thing and not worry about what others think. Comments? I get very few but I don’t care. I absolutely do this for me and no one else. It’s my sanity, especially now as I get through this cancer.
xoxo,
Connie
Now that is a truly bizarre story, Connie. I would have been outraged had I known about it at the time. Who the heck were these people? What gave them the right to even entertain this idea? Well, what goes round comes round. They went to all that trouble and couldn’t use the name. Sort of a wonderful karmic payback!
I’m going to write you privately, my friend.
Here’s hoping you find that great comfortable pair of black shoes to celebrate all the work you’ve done for the play! Do one of those shots that bloggers sometimes do looking down at your shoes?
It was an education just to be a part of yesterday’s conversation. I feel a part of something wonderful.
Me too, Dewena. That kind of conversation makes me tear up and smile and laugh and think “How blessed I am to have these friends – friends I wouldn’t have met without this blog.” Extraordinary.
I got basic, ‘healthy shoes’ as I call them. They’re by Naturalizer and they won’t win any awards, but this isn’t a dressy occasion – it just calls for something other than the sneakers I’ve been wearing every day!
Hi Claudia. I did know that your Mom was in a home. I know how hard that must be for you and Meredith.
I just read your previous post too, regarding the competition of blogging. I totally agree with you. I have never been interested in building my blog, etc. I have thoroughly enjoyed the people I have met through blogging. I am still finding amazing blogs out there, and it is wonderful to discover another kindred spirit.
The feather does look like it could be an Oriole. But something about it reminds me of a falcon of some sort too.
Have a lovely day.
xo Kris
I think it might be too small for a falcon’s feather – but I’m not sure. I’m going to have to google Oriole feathers.
Having Mom in a nursing home is very hard for all of us, but especially for my dad and Meredith, who lives there and have to see her decline more and more with every visit. xo
In response to yesterdays’ conversation, some of which was about comparing ourselves to other bloggers : While my little squirrel visitor let me take some pictures of him the other day, while I was sitting on the porch WITH him, I had a rude awakening this morning!
There I was under the tree with a peanut in my hand waiting and waiting and he would not come. I really wanted to try to get him to eat from my hand.
Finally he said to me ” LISTEN LADY, You are NOT the Squirrel Whisperer like the lady at the Enchanted Cottage. Get it ? HER place is Enchanted. Now, throw the peanut on the ground please and walk away…”
And THAT is why the tagline of MY blog says something about an ORDINARY lfe, lol! Even the squirrel knows it :)
You’re cracking me up! My friend Donna is the squirrel and chipmunk whisperer – I wish I could pull it off. She just has a magical way with her. But I wonder how long it took for her to gain that trust?
Anyway, thanks for the laugh on this dreary, rainy Thursday, my friend!
Yesterday it was a wonderful conversation and with so many insights. Lovely feather and very special that you found it. Enjoy your opening…with comfortable shoes dear.
It looks like they will be comfortable – I hope so!
As I read your post about blogging, stats, and competition, I had to totally agree with you. I wasn’t one of the popular, outgoing, “in” kids in high school either. I was in band but even in that circle, I was hiding quietly and shyly in my own little corner. I had my close circle of friends, and now as an adult, my life is pretty much the same way, though I’m not as shy. Just introverted. Anyway, I am drawn to the blogs that are true and “real” and down-to-earth. Not the ones that are only doing it for the fame and fortune. Sure, sometimes I look at them for decorating ideas, but that’s about it. Am I thankful for my mere 140 followers on my own blog? Of course! And I hope my blog is as enjoyable and pleasing to them as it is to me. But do I care about stats? Not really. I maybe look at those figures a few times a month. I’m not a competitive person either. I just want to live my own little quiet life. Maybe that’s the beauty and grace of growing older. We can truly be our own selves and not give a rat’s hiney what anyone else thinks about us.
Happy travels back home to you! xoxo
Well said, Melanie. It’s a relief to be our true selves and be content with that. xo
The opening night sounds so exciting! I bet you can’t wait to get back home, though. As for the blog discussion… I’m just a simple blogger with no big goals other than to keep a journal of life in my little spot of the universe. The best result of my blog has been making friends from far away places and the most unexpected part has been meeting local bloggers for lunch, etc. So, it’s brought me much joy in friendships. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Me too, Teresa. Having this journal for five years now has been an unexpected and precious gift. Hugs to you, too.
You must ride that carousel. Must. It makes me happy just looking at it. Ride it next time on my behalf!
I will!
Beautiful feather..Carousals are amazing to me..I still love to ride them..Comfortable shoes are a very good thing to find..lol
It’s such a pretty feather, Nancy!
I don’t deal with cliques, or any of the other competitiveness on bloggyville. What you see is what you get, me. Love the write, you nailed it all down beautifully. I got tired of all the stuff, bunk & nonsense long ago … only sincere friendships do I share with now … your blog I so enjoy. I have not been good about blogging for several months, trying to climb back on board once again.
Thank you for the sweet 52nd anniversary wishes, Claudia. They are truly appreciated.
Have a lovely holiday, my friend ~
TTFN ~
Marydon
Thank you so much, Marydon – Have a great weekend.
I know you have enjoyed your work, but also know you will be so glad to get back home. I know Don and Scout will anxiously be waiting for you to get there.
You know, the discussion yesterday was really good. I don’t care about numbers – I do want more comments because nothing thrills me like someone taking the time to comment on my post. Interesting discussion.
Judy
I enjoyed your blog topic yesterday. Your blog is one of only a few that I read. I’m not sure how I stumbled across your blog but I immediately felt a connection to it. It feels real and unpretentious. Thanks for taking the time to blog! Jen
It was a great discussion yesterday. I loved reading the comments and responses! I’m happy you will get home soon. Oh please ride that Carousel next time! I love them and never miss a chance to ride one!
hugs,
Linda
Hi there, Claudia! Wow! I can’t believe your time there is already winding down. Goodness how the days do fly. I can barely keep up with the end of school and trying to keep things going at home. Will be so glad when the school year ends and summer vacation begins. :)
As for blogging, I’ve tried looking at stats and have absolutely no idea what it all means. And honestly, don’t really care. I’m not a numbers person either. The only time I’ve ever been competitive was when two friends and I were working out together and would weigh in every 6 weeks to see who had lost the most weight and inches. Out of the 5 times we weighed in, I won 3 times and was treated to lunch out and gifts. :)
I enjoy blogging, though I’ve not had much time for it lately, solely for the connections made. And for the inspiration to be found. I’ve created and crafted and crocheted more than I ever imagined due to blogging. And I cherish the friends who stop in to say hi. Other than that, I don’t play the numbers game. I much prefer a simple, humble space here in blog land.
Wishing you all the best, always, Tammy
I’d go for the simple black shoes too. I would break my ancle, my leg, my neck wearing high-heels. How can they walk?????