Three Feathers

Early morning before the crowds

I took my usual path

to stretch my legs and clear my thoughts

a good start to a good day.

In the green grass between the ways

lay 3 feathers gently scattered.

No sign of struggle or owner,

just sitting perhaps misplaced?

while feeding among the brush.

I bent down to retrieve them

carefully clearing the debris.

I gave thanks to the bird

even gazing up in hopes

of finding him watching me

pick up his three feathers.

My inspiration this morning,

I quickly decided.

Left there for me to discover

despite the voices in my head,

other people’s voices,

telling me to leave them rest.

I disagree! These gifts

are too important to not pick up.

Spiritual signs from the heavens

whichever heaven awaits you,

nudging us to follow the higher path-

to glide, to soar, to watch in wait.

And find true meaning in your life

like the bird does-

exploring the heights

before you lose your feathers.

I sit here typing the feelings

and enlightenment these beautiful,

avian implements have given me.

I feel as if these feathers fell

off of my own wings.

Guess we'd rather be in Colorado

Over two years ago, a big opportunity clicked and we made the move to Florida starting what became an exciting adventure. New state, warm climate and things to do all year long. We were close to the beach, the ocean, Orlando, Key West, the Everglades, tiki bars, South Beach, the intercoastal, and the Caribbean. You can bike, walk and boat all year long-It’s a tropical paradise. Okay, it’s humid and hot in the summer and the snowbirds are intolerable but it’s a gorgeous state with amazing fauna and wildlife. I almost forgot to mention lanais which are screened in rooms attached to most houses where you can be outside but inside which is totally cool.

But now we’ve packed up our life into pods and are trekking westward back to our home of Colorado where the temperatures can be below zero and the winds on the plains can be debilitating. Although I lived most of my life there, the years in Florida have forever tainted me. Like Adam tasting the apple, I know the secret and it cannot be un-known: there is a beautiful place you can live where it’s warm all year long. So how will I stay warm in Colorado?

The warmth of Colorado is it’s people and how they survive the crazy seasons: sub-zero snowy winters, insane-weather springs, 100+ degree summers and perfect falls that don’t last long enough.  These are the people who never fail to be in awe or appreciation of the state’s beauty that morphs from golden prairie grass to high tundra and jagged foothills that stand guard in front of the 12,000-13,000-14,000 foot Rocky Mountains that eventually fall westward to a desert-like landscape not unlike Utah or Arizona. The landscape is as diverse as it’s residents who are blue and red, crazy intelligent with a side of stupid gonzo, and who get where they’re going but sit back and enjoy the ride. Not to mention, these people will find almost any reason to wear their shorts regardless of the weather. Great local music flows everywhere, the hispanic culture colors the neighborhoods and the food and these hardy residents are fiercely protective of their home and their neighbors across the state.  What is the core they have in common is their connection to the land- farmer, rancher, roughneck, hippie, urban gardener, skier, boater, four wheeler, biker, cyclist, rock climber, hiker, glider, or camper-that they all would bleed to preserve the blessings the state offers. It’s as if Colorado itself is the supreme leader of the residents and they all happily follow.

Writing this has helped me remember why I want to go back. The reason why I will leave the beautiful weather.The reason why I will leave the amazing rain and lightning shows. The reason why I will leave year round flowers and vegetables. The reason why I will leave a great job. I want to get back to my people who respect, love and protect themselves, each other and the beautiful land we live on. I really missed these folks.