Nature is my touchstone as I celebrate my tender time of wellness. A celebration with nature is a gathering of kindred spirits. Late night adventures of catching fireflies in a fruit jar used as candles on a red devils food cake in honor my Ma Crocker. The blustery wind is captured just long enough to blow out the flittering candles for a warm, down home celebration of life. Springtime gatherings are mindful of thunderstorms that bring torrential rain. The red dirt transforms into fire red streams, the water is spirited and has a life of its own as it cuts crevices in the landscape  The wind may be in full force or tornadoes threaten but the celebration goes on.

Having survived a direct hit by a tornado I marvel that I survived and just lost my house. The morning after was a time of celebration with friends and family gathering for support. Just as there will be thunder storms and even tornadoes so is there the threat of illness and depression. Nature is my touchstone and I will celebrate wellness. Nature is my healer and I am mindful of this delicate freedom from illness.

I was driving the hills and hollows near my sweet country home when my eyes were drawn to a pasture of Angus Cattle. A pasture of cattle is not an unusual sight for this part of the country with some ranches raising herds of cattle and others horses. The unusual was the sight of more than 20 Snowy White Egret grazing with the cattle. It was as if the creator had arranged the miracle of nature as part of my celebration of wellness. I have never seen these pure white birds in the company of cattle and the sight of the birds made my heart race as I was sure it happened just for me.
As I came closer to the city I was eager to tell my friend about the miracle. I was sure she would know the reason for this occurrence and respond in amazement just as I had done earlier that day. I asked if she had ever seen Egrets graze with cattle. She replied in a matter of fact way with “sure I have”. I asked why the birds were in the pasture with the cattle. She again responded with a matter of fact tone, “They are feeding on the cattle manure”. She also reminded me that I live near a lake and a nature preserve.
I let myself continue to be amazed at the sight of the egrets in the pasture but ignored the purpose for them grazing with the cattle. It was during this encounter and discussion with my friend that I realized my tendency lately to see things as a gift and something special instead of just a bird eating on a pile of shit. A few months ago I would have ignored the beautiful birds altogether and just felt like shit! It is another example of a glimpse of the ordinary being an all together celebration of wellness

Just outside my back door and several yards to the east is a small pond. Last summer it never seemed too inviting but instead was one more job of cleaning and clearing than a source of pleasure. But day before yesterday, there were two Great Blue Herons taking flight from the water’s edge. Then a day later there was a mallard duck. I feel honored that the Creator shared such beauty in the middle of red dirt country of Oklahoma. I so appreciate the gift of these feathered friends

To go outside and watch the birds is a little bit risky. There are various nests of wasps in the eves of the house. If you have ever been stung by these dive bombing creatures you will appreciate the risk in going outside just beyond the back door to enjoy the beauty of the birds. It makes no sense to get a bee keeper suit or to wear long sleeve shirts year round. So I just summon my courage and move closer to the pond to wait for the show. If I am patient I am never disappointed as there are several other kinds of birds that can be seen beside the waters edge.  

When I am peacefully perched for bird watching my mind ponders how glad I am that I have recovered from my illness and want to be outside. The serious depression of last summer was so uncomfortable that being outside was like being stung by a wasp. I retreated back into the house and only came out to do the necessary chores.

I didn’t even watch for the birds from my window, the glare of the sun was piecing and I pulled the drapes.

What a contrast, this spring to take in the breeze and love the sun on my face. I have the energy and desire to risk the sting of wasps to see the beautiful view outside. I marvel at the healing power of nature, the support of family and friends and the helpfulness of my medication. For the first time in many years I feel what it is to be well