Thoughts from Chickadee Lane

After yesterday’s (Jan 20) heavy snow fall, our yard has been transformed from dull grey into a winter wonderland filled with magnificent soft sculptures. Sharp edges are transformed into voluptuous curves of softness. The cedar hedge appears like a chorus line of Snow Whites dressed in flowing gowns. The oak tree branches become 10 times their size laden with white marshmallow-like snow fluff.   On fresh fallen snow there are a zillion tiny foot prints embedded in the snow. I don’t know about you, but I am often surprised by the many night visitors who wander through our yard in the moonlight. Their presence only revealed through fresh tracks in new fallen snow. Seeing these tracks - some tiny, some large, some focused with a clear destination, some wandering, I am filled with wonder and playfulness just knowing these creatures are around. And happy they stay outside! Out of our home and out of my car! (That’s a story for another day)   Google helps identify some tracks yet m...

Have you ever had the opportunity to sit and watch a toddler learning to coordinate their arms and legs? Recently I had just such a delight. Sitting on the floor with seven month old grandson Crew, we watched in awe as he tried over and over again to direct his arms and legs to get him where he wanted to go. Crew knew he wanted to crawl. However, as hard as he tried, arms and knees just would not move as he hoped and a face plant ensued.  Learning to crawl is hard work!  That was three weeks ago. This week arms and legs are moving at his command! He has accomplished the art of crawling!  Crew is on the move! It was fascinating to watch Crew try over and over again. When a toy was out of reach, you could see him pondering a way to reach the toy. Then wiggle and squirm until the toy was in his hand. Success. And a smile. Watching Crew, reminds me how wondrous it is - that deep within our beings there exists this innate drive to move, to crawl, to stand upright, to walk, to ...