Birds... I feed them. I buy expensive bird seed and act as their personal chef. Before I replaced my windows with ones that had screens, the birds would occasionally fly off the feeders right into the house. My dogs did NOT approve. Kerfuffles ensued. Finally, I got the brilliant idea to open the window on the opposite side of the house. The birds began to fly straight through. This was an acceptable solution. As long as they were travelers and not tourists stopping in detente was achieved. No more loose feathers in the house but one nuthatch insists on flying into the window every so often. I've learned that the thump does not mean death, only a few seconds stunned on the ground.
You are simply awesome. So glad you write and allow me to absorb your insights. Very real and recognizable metaphors for living a long life and gaining wisdom, glad you share it for my eyes to see and my brain to soak in the knowledge it needs. Thank you
Thinking of so many angels I have known without wings. They appeared at just the right time and I had no idea how they knew or got there just when I needed one. Thanks for the reminder!
Your posts have this wonderful quality of, I think, duality—urgent and timeless at once. Like a series of presents (as in nows) captured. I’m not sure if I’m quite saying what I intend. So I’ll just add, I love them and am quite grateful you’re writing and sharing from your present now.
I'm a new subscriber, but not a new reader of your writing. Your memoir, A Three Dog Life, is one of my favorite memoirs, and I recently ordered two of your other books. Just wanted you to know I'm a fan.
And isn't it funny how we sometimes remember the most random things?
Thanks for the smile your words brought this morning. Those wooden angel wings--what did happen with the angels? And does it matter? No, the wings are enough, maybe more than enough. Just like moments, they're what we have and what we use. I needed that reminder. Bless you!
I think perhaps the angels shed their wings like a dog sheds its fur, or a bird molts feathers, or a snake sheds its skin. Or perhaps, the angels purposely leave their wings behind for us earthlings to find, try on, and play with like little girls pretending to be tinker-bell...just to remind us what it's like on the "other" side. Or, perhaps they drop their wings very intentionally for those who have earned them to find - because they will need them soon.
I love how your writing inspires me to write something simple and beautiful in response. I never know what will spill out of my fingers when I read what you've written. Thank you Abigail
I love your curiosities so much. What happened to the angels? Maybe an algorithm. ...but I gave up superstition a long time ago, although it took me a while to stop knocking on wood. We can all relate. Thank you for these small gifts.
Birds... I feed them. I buy expensive bird seed and act as their personal chef. Before I replaced my windows with ones that had screens, the birds would occasionally fly off the feeders right into the house. My dogs did NOT approve. Kerfuffles ensued. Finally, I got the brilliant idea to open the window on the opposite side of the house. The birds began to fly straight through. This was an acceptable solution. As long as they were travelers and not tourists stopping in detente was achieved. No more loose feathers in the house but one nuthatch insists on flying into the window every so often. I've learned that the thump does not mean death, only a few seconds stunned on the ground.
you are definitely a pro!
I look forward to your posts so much, both the content and the honesty - thank you for being you!
Thank you very much. Thank you for reading and liking my writing.
You are simply awesome. So glad you write and allow me to absorb your insights. Very real and recognizable metaphors for living a long life and gaining wisdom, glad you share it for my eyes to see and my brain to soak in the knowledge it needs. Thank you
Thank you, Kathy. I appreciate your words so much.
Those angel wings got me flying this morning 💜🙏
Thank you. Where did you fly to?
Thinking of so many angels I have known without wings. They appeared at just the right time and I had no idea how they knew or got there just when I needed one. Thanks for the reminder!
I think they knew, maybe without knowing until they found you.
And thank you.
Yes, they knew. I just didn’t know how they knew.
And I’m OK with that!
me too. I never question miracles.
Your posts have this wonderful quality of, I think, duality—urgent and timeless at once. Like a series of presents (as in nows) captured. I’m not sure if I’m quite saying what I intend. So I’ll just add, I love them and am quite grateful you’re writing and sharing from your present now.
You said it exactly right, about the nows, and thank you very much.
Hi Abigail,
I'm a new subscriber, but not a new reader of your writing. Your memoir, A Three Dog Life, is one of my favorite memoirs, and I recently ordered two of your other books. Just wanted you to know I'm a fan.
And isn't it funny how we sometimes remember the most random things?
Thanks for the post and keep writing.
Thank you very much, I'm so glad to know this. Welcome. And yes, the things we remember and they things we forget. Both so interesting.
Images in conversation about life and death. You don’t need many words to penetrate the heart of things.
Thank you, that's lovely to hear.
I too love your writing and the wooden angel wings. I am currently reading "Getting Over Tom." 😊
Oh my God--where did you find a copy of that? I hope you like it. And thank you!
Amazon. It is a used copy but in good condition. I'm loving it 😊
Exquisite moment.
“I gave up knocking long ago”
Boom
Love this I often see angle wings on humans I know that seem untouched by human life like my Libby
And your curious wonder never ends
I love you and your writing so much.
Just finished audio of three dog life, the five years, you do know how to continue
Thank you
Thank you darling Prajna.
Thanks for the smile your words brought this morning. Those wooden angel wings--what did happen with the angels? And does it matter? No, the wings are enough, maybe more than enough. Just like moments, they're what we have and what we use. I needed that reminder. Bless you!
Thank you. I needed that reminder too.
Maybe someone knocked on those wooden wings. Knocked ‘em clean off the angel ?
More likely, the angels probably found a way to shed them when they are among us. If they are among us. We are an unpredictable species.
We certainly are.
I think perhaps the angels shed their wings like a dog sheds its fur, or a bird molts feathers, or a snake sheds its skin. Or perhaps, the angels purposely leave their wings behind for us earthlings to find, try on, and play with like little girls pretending to be tinker-bell...just to remind us what it's like on the "other" side. Or, perhaps they drop their wings very intentionally for those who have earned them to find - because they will need them soon.
Thahk you. Lots of good reasons.
I love how your writing inspires me to write something simple and beautiful in response. I never know what will spill out of my fingers when I read what you've written. Thank you Abigail
Thank you, I love knowing this!
"No idea but in things" as William Carlos Williams said. I love the evocative power of the things you remember, and how it stirs questions and wonder.
Thank you, I love what you said.
I love your curiosities so much. What happened to the angels? Maybe an algorithm. ...but I gave up superstition a long time ago, although it took me a while to stop knocking on wood. We can all relate. Thank you for these small gifts.
Thank you. Small seem to be easier than long and confusing.
The bears were an inspiration. One of your first posts I saw, Abigail. Glad you remember them and the angel wings.
Never will forget them. And I actually have a pair I bought fifty or so years ago, painted a fading blue. Beautiful.