The Power of Suggestion

Schools were closed today in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many adults had the holiday off, too, including myself. We all need a day to remember great men and to slow down. I’m guilty of rushing through life to a fault, like many people I know. In 2007, I’m trying to change that. On my way to the grocery store this morning I parked my car at the pond next to the entrance of the plaza and enjoyed the view of geese on a windy pond and the clouds mirroring on the water. An older, white-haired gentlemen in a white SUV slowed down and parked a couple car lengths ahead of me.

He was dressed in office attire so I guess he was a businessman that works nearby. With the camera on my face, I just kept shooting away and he apologized for interrupting me. “Hello. I was curious and stopped to see what you are photographing.” I replied with a smile, “Nothing special, just taking in the view.” After a few more photographs, I packed it up and wished him a good day. He stood there for a while, arms folded against his chest, and continued to enjoy the view. The butts-up made me smile.

Without knowing it, I invited him to enjoy something he might not have done. I like this.

I’m a GBH stalker and I admit it. My goal is to catch a photo of this bird in flight, preferably on his runway with the legs galumphing and wings spread wide. This occurred on my way home from the grocery store. My car parked on the easement again, me with the camera, and a mini-van pulled up behind. A young mother rolled her window down and said, “We’re wondering what you see!” She had a little boy and girl in the van with their noses stuck to the windows. I pointed to the bird. It was so nice to have them join me while I gave them a little information about the great blue heron. Ages about 5 and 6, they were thrilled to see a living thing in the pond that they might not have noticed if I weren’t standing there making a spectacle of myself! The little girl asked, “Why are you taking pictures? Because it’s so pretty?” Right on!!!!

While taking my neighborhood walk today, the same thing happened! Am I triple blessed? Four little boys wearing their helmets on scooters stopped and asked, “What are you looking at?” I pointed out the teeny-tiny birds on the feeder over there… “Have you ever seen birds that tiny before? They’re gold finches.” Wide-eyed, they said, “Wow! They’re little!” Another boy added, "No, Jason, they are small!" Little kids tickle me. They’re educational sponges. This photo is a little out of focus but I think I have a new one, here. A female house finch and a male purple finch? He’s raspberry… This neighbor has the right stuff for birds. I’m dying to set up more feeders at my house.

In my travels, if I ever see someone with a camera, I will stop and learn.

Now on to more valuable information.

THIS IS A SPOON TONGUE.

Gina and Mr. Biggins came to visit today. I’m blessed four times! Doesn’t Chloe stack well? My old girl still has it.

I wanted to upload some beautiful pansies for my friends who are living in a deep freeze, but Blogger cut me off.

Laundry is waiting. It's time to crank up the MUSIC!