Mama Bird

May I introduce to you a Northern Cardinal, female. Native bird to Kentucky. I didn't know her face until today. I heard the chirping of birds outside of my office window for the last week. I knew a family had made a home.

This morning I noticed 2 small mounds on the walk by the window. I took a closer look and realized they were 2 of the baby birds - featherless, helpless, alone. They'd fallen out of the nest. Pushed out because the nest was overcrowded? Wind? Predator? I don't know the cause - just the end result.

One was dead. Another still moving. I couldn't hear a sound, but I imagined a whimper. I stood by my window and yearned to weep. Life and death. I know this is a frequent occurrence in the life of birds, but today it struck a chord. You see, it's been a tough week - stress to the point of heartburn, and many moments of frustration and anger at the apparent incompetence of others. Suddenly, things fell into perspective - I've allowed my job to became one great ball of stress. I can't let it control my life. As silly as this may sound, seeing the dead baby bird and its brother/ sister struggling to stay alive, I felt my perspective realign.

A short time later, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. Mama was flying. Chirping a call. Searching for her lost ones. And then a surprise - the baby bird moved. Her very body responding to the call of her mother. Struggling to move and make a sound. Mama heard the cry of her young. And flitted about - determined, searching, calling out . . .

At this point, my heart was sad. I couldn't watch anymore. I closed the blind and walked away. I'm not sure how the story played out. Later in the afternoon, when I looked out, the only baby bird left was the one dead from the beginning. I heard the sound of chirping in the tree. I'd like to think Mama and Papa bird figured out a way to get baby bird back to the nest. This is my happy ending. I know what the reality is . . . but the truth will not be spoken here tonight. I like my happy place where it is.

Thank you to this photographer for the use of his picture from the web.
http://i.pbase.com/o6/74/498174/1/71332666.0zbCa6tB.IMG_4062640jpcurv.jpg

Dear God . . .

Dear God,

Thank you for the food at El Tarasco Mexican Restaurant. Mexican food in Louisville! I'm not so sure how I feel about the cheese sauce on the Carne Asada Burrito, but it contained perfectly marinated and grilled steak. And the refried beans were not from a can.
The chips were tasty, but I suspect the salsa might have been Pace's Hot and Medium - 2 bowls so the diner decided which "temperature" their taste buds could handle. The meal came with a salad. I had to laugh. It was literally a bed of sliced head lettuce with two spoonfuls of salsa fresca on top. The salsa fresca was, quite honestly, delicious - cilantro, onion and tomato were an explosion of flavor in my mouth. The lettuce just interfered. But, I ate the lettuce - vegetables are good for you, even if it is mostly water. Anyway, I tried their Happy Hour $1.99 lime margarita. Well, it was mostly lime margarita mix and minimal tequila, but it was refreshing.

So, God, I think I may have found a restaurant which will satisfy a small portion of my Mexican Food Cravings. Certainly better than the chain restaurant Qdoba. Let's just say, I know we are supposed to give thanks for all things but . . . YUCK!

Now, God, we've had this conversation before, but I figure it is time to have it again. Why do I keep attracting short hispanic men? I thought the waiter was sending me a vibe, but I had hoped it was just because he was friendly :o) Then, when he asked me to write my phone number on the back of the bill, the vibe became EXTREMELY clear. God, it is nice to know he considered me attractive AND had the courage to ask me out. I am flattered. I thanked him and said no. I left him a generous tip, though.

Just so we are clear - I'd like the man who you bring into my life to be taller than me (I'm only 5'5" so this really shouldn't be that difficult), speak English (Bi-lingual is acceptable. In fact, I'd be jealous since I think knowing a 2nd language is GREAT!. But, Lord, we both know I talk fast and I talk a lot and a relationship won't work if he doesn't understand me.), and well, the rest I'll leave up to you (but I reserve the right to let you know if I need to add some specifics to this list.)

And, not to complain, but it does feel like I've been waiting a long time for "Mr. Right" to come. I recognize you are the Master Matchmaker, and we are on your time line, BUT . . . I'd REALLY appreciate it if you'd introduce us sooner rather than later.

So, just to summarize:
- Thanks for the Mexican Food today.
- Thanks for the flattery of someone asking me out.
- Please introduce me to Mr. Right (remember - taller and speaks English) soon.

Lots of Love,
Emily

P.S. Thank you for letting me make my requests known. Abba Father does know best, so I add this prayer - Not my will, Lord, but your will be done.