Slices of life, both written and photographed.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Hummingbird Mural Alive with Color~~~ Post for Wednesday, November 10, 2010



My father loved nature and whizzed into action in the spring when the snows began to melt in New England.

As soon as possible, he'd get working on his huge garden which yielded a proficient amount of veggies for several months, much to the culinary delight of all the family.

He loved hummingbirds, too, and always called his kids when he spotted one. 
   
     "Look, look," he would say, excitement sparkling in his big brown eyes.  "Isn't that a beautiful little hummer?"  He'd point out how fast the wings would be whirring back and forth.

After my father died, I felt the loss so very deeply. Life as I knew it, particularly as a child, would never again be the same. 

One day, while looking out of the sliding glass door of our kitchen, I spotted a hummingbird. She was very close by and flew into a ficus tree growing on the patio and then flew out. Peeking into the branches, one could see a walnut-sized nest with tiny eggs inside. I was thrilled with my discovery.

Coming back into the kitchen, my eyes glanced at the calendar. It was the anniversary of my father's death!  Seeing the little hummer was no small coincidence.



Recently, while traveling in the southwest, my heart skipped a few beats when I spotted a mural on the side of a building. The artist had painted the biggest hummingbird I had ever seen.  Smiling to myself, I grabbed my camera and snapped the photos shown above. 

"Daddy," I thought. "You are never too far away from my heart."

DO YOU LIKE HUMMINGBIRDS?

7 comments:

diane stetson said...

I have humming birds galore in my yard all year round....love them.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I love seeing fences and buildings painted with beautiful murals like this one. One of my best friends LOVES hummingbirds. But now that she is in Qatar, she won't have the pleasure of their company each season. :(

That Mexican restaurant looked like it was a ton of fun with great food. And the prenuptial dinner on the hilltop just magnificent. What a lovely time you must have had. Glad you managed to stay in your seat and not on the floorboard. HA!

The first time I drove to NC after not having been there since the early 80's, I had a fear of driving those mountain roads. In my mind, I envisioned this tiny little road that wrapped itself around and round the mountain. HA! It wasn't that way at all. Thank goodness! It was actually and beautiful, enjoyable drive.

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday. Best wishes, Tammy

Claus said...

While walking Lucas and Mateo, we often see at least two, visiting pretty gardens. I have spotted some at my patio too!, especially around summertime, when flowers are at their best.
What a sweet story. Your dad is indeed always around.
have a pretty day!

BECKY said...

I don't see hummingbirds very often, but I don't have a feeder for them, either! :o
I do love them, though! (missed you while you were gone, Susan! I'm just now getting back over to visit you again!)

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

I have never seen a hummingbird in person. Maybe I need to plant some plants or flowers that they are attracted to. I was thinking that the southwest states sure know what to do with color. Great mural.

Carolyn said...

Hi Susan,
I do love hummingbirds and I can see where you have special memories!

Thank you for your kind words,

Carolyn

Chatty Crone said...

I have to be honest with you - I have never seen a real hummingbird up close and personal. I'm glad you had that close experience with you dad.
sandie

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