“Show not what has been done, but what can be. How beautiful the world would be if there were a procedure for moving through labyrinths.”
―     Umberto Eco,     The Name of the Rose     

Every morning, without knowing its name, I have awoke to his song. The lovely call of the male Cardinal has been my reminder of good things to come – my mind was elsewhere though. This morning, when he made himself known, I realized I had forgotten their call. Te Ta, Te Ta, Te taaa.

Here, with cars every morning coming in and out of the parking lot next door, perched up in the Black Walnut tree, he has been there for these last few days. A reminder? Me thinks so. I’ve been hesitant to feed the birds, as the squirrel population I fear would make it a terribly expensive enterprise. However, a wee nibble to entice my featured friends in would be a welcome distraction.

Yesterday’s shift bid, for those following via the home game, went far better than expected. By the time I had my turn to pick there were but 4 choices left…8:30am to 6:30pm…with various combinations of off days. One bid had two days together…so I choose that. So I guess I’ll work the weekend, but atleast I get a little change-up in hours – I’ll be scheduled for some time between those hours, starting no earlier then 8:30 and no later than 6:30. Goodbye afternoons, I will miss thee.

Now maybe I can take part in life – go to evening activities at the local library and maybe get back involved with the Heritage group I’ve sadly, and with heavy heart, ignored.

I spent many an hour in the morning at the Lake watching and recording the many birds that stopped by our little piece of paradise. I have notebooks full of dry recordings of bird counts, feeding times. I noted the many varieties that stopped in for a bite before their migration south or north, those that stayed for a time, and those that were a constant feathered friend throughout the year.

Cardinal aids in manifesting dreams and ideas by focussing intentions where it’s needed. He adds color and balance to life and demonstrates that everything you do is important. He aids in understanding and helping you find your own song in life. Are you doing what needs to be done or should be done? Pay attention to your diet. Are you eating balance meals; too much or not enough? Cardinal can teach moderation in all things and can help in finding a healthy balance of physical and spiritual. Do you have enthusiasm for a project or idea? Are you voicing your ideas? Are you listening carefully to others and your surroundings. When you listen to Cardinal’s lessons, he will teach you strength in creativity and productivity with discernment and balance.[from ANIMAL TOTEMS]

The last year of Tim’s life, and that last year I spent at the cottage, I watched the Cardinals in their mating dance. Then watched in awe as the male brought their young in for their first feast at our feeding deck. Until that year I had not known that it was the male who feed the fledglings. That last year, as Tim slowly slipped away from this life, I saw baby Cardinals, Robins, Goldfinchs and various sparrows. It was as if the spirits were talking – and reminding me of the continuity of life.

As I am attracted to signs and symbols, these seemingly small things do not go unnoticed. I see the continuity, and the message of hope these feathered friends bring. Just yesterday, before I ventured forth to find out my fate, overhead as I stood with my cylinder of sin, a Bald Eagle soared in lazy circles. I stood at my stoop, cig forgotten, in awe. I could clearly see the white fan of his tail and his brilliant white head. Here, in the city? I can not deny the hope that filled me with.

I captured him with my heart and soul, and not my camera – this beautiful thing brought hope and tears of joy.

EAGLES: Creation, mental-spiritual-emotional swiftness, healing, dignity, strength, courage, wisdom, healing and insights, awareness of surrounding, aids in seeing hidden spiritual truths and higher balances, illumination of spirit, stronger and quicker in actions, responsibility, shows how to connect with intuition and higher spiritual truths. Are you willing to soar to new heights at this time? Are you ready to be involved with your creation and manifestations? Eagle teaches that you can achieve balance and intuit the winds of change while remaining connected and grounded. [ibid]

As a good family friend pointed out yesterday, until recently I had been lost in a maze. Now I am walking the Labyrinth… as I am no longer lost. Rather I have found my direction, and although the journey ahead is not clear, the difference is in my intent.

In colloquial English, labyrinth is generally synonymous with maze, but many contemporary scholars observe a distinction between the two: maze refers to a complex branching (multicursal) puzzle with choices of path and direction; while a single-path (unicursal) labyrinth has only a single, non-branching path, which leads to the center. A labyrinth in this sense has an unambiguous route to the center and back and is not designed to be difficult to navigate.[WIKIPEDIA]

So, as the Bald Eagles once again returns to the shores of Lake Erie, so have I. Once endangered, the Bald Eagle populations have grown over the years in Southwestern Ontario; grown and prospered. So these two fine feathered friends are trying to teach me that I need moderation and balance in my life. That with that balance will come the ability to soar to new heights, to take responsibility for my actions, and with these winds of change I see before me, remain connected and grounded.

Tis amazing what lessons one can learn from your own front stoop.