Messages From Another Realm

the wild sage jungle under a stack of clouds

I believe in science. I think it's a conscientious approach to investigating our world that continually looks for new questions to find the answers to. And I admit I have an active imagination, but when it comes to news and understanding what's going on in the world, I try to seek out facts . I think I have a good handle on the difference between journalistic biases and plain old lies. But I will say that this strong belief in a search for the truth doesn't deter me from also looking for signs. You know what I mean... messages from another realm or a dispatch from a rock.

So this happened the other day: I was out for my daily walk with the dogs in the wild sage jungle behind our house. We'd hiked down into the small canyon and back up on the plateau beyond and were winding our way in and out of the sage and rabbit brush when I heard some honking. And not a polite honk, but a rather loud and abrasive one. So I wandered over to where I could get a better view of its source, which seemed to be the small reservoir below that's an oasis for all sorts of wildlife and cattails and especially water fowl.

The honking was definitely coming from there and it wasn't the honk of a Canada Goose, several of whom were floating around seemingly unconcerned about the rude noise. The honking continued and as I watched a Great Blue Heron took off from the reeds at the side of the reservoir, honking like loud noises were going out of style. He honked and honked as he gained altitude and then quieted as he flew high above where the dogs and I stood.

I love seeing herons and have been pretty sure they've sent me signs in the past, so I was pleased to come across this honking dude. "Hi heron!" I called softly as he flew up high. And just then, just as my friendly greeting left my lips, the Great Blue Honking Heron did a poop, way up high in the sky, and as it fell in a spray it glittered like silver reflecting the sun.

Ha ha ha! What kind of sign was that? What ever could it mean? I had to laugh at myself because if that whole episode (from the honking to the poo) was a sign, it definitely had to be about not taking yourself too seriously, about singing loudly and badly whenever you want, and about keeping your eyes peeled for the humor that's all around us. And whatever you do, make sure to do it with style.

May big smiles and a loud honking laugh follow you through your day!

Love, Rosie