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Wednesday 27 April 2022

Respite

He sits on the bench along the boardwalk with a bag of peanuts and feeds the animals. They know him well since the snow disappeared and the air is warmer. He enjoys this time, leisurely giving the nutty treasures to Blue Jays and Red Squirrels as people go by, most greeting him as they admire the antics of the animals. 





He doesn’t have much to say because he’s not there for the people. Besides, his hearing prevents him from understanding much of what others say but the animals don’t mind.


While I watched one day, two squirrels scampered away with the nuts, returning quickly to the man, one coming from behind, quickly jumped to the bench and up to his knee. It took the peanut from his hand. He threw a peanut for the other, as he does with the Blue Jays. The man smiled and talked to them as he sat there, relaxed as he enjoyed the setting and the experience.


Around the man, a number of other birds hang out too. A Robin watches from a nearby tree 





as does a Mourning Dove, waiting for any leftovers when the more aggressive animals are done. 





One can hear the efforts of a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker nearby and see it in the tree behind the man and the other animals.





The area is a playground with snacks for the beasts.


For a few minutes in the day, a person sits and communes with nature. During that time, the cares of a troubled world and those in his own life disappear as he feeds the animals, oblivious to all else.


Everyone could benefit from a few of those minutes.

39 comments:

Boud said...

That's a respite post. Thank you.

Patio Postcards said...

Being with & in nature is always a balm to the soul - IMO. :)

Bill said...

Life and nature, beautiful partners!

MARY G said...

Lovely. It brought up memories of taking my grandkid to a park near her home. There were squirrels so plump that you worried about them climbing. The kid, on the other hand, climbed like a squirrel.
She is in university now, but I have the memories like jewels in a setting.

Secondary Roads said...

A very beautiful post. I feel so much better now. Thank you for making my day a bit more pleasant.

Shammickite said...

Nice to think of the birds and animals waking up in the morning and wondering if their person was going to be bringing goodies to the bench.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I am one of those happy people for whom communing with nature is a daily activity. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Elephant's Child said...

He has his priorities right. Thank you (so much) for sharing this lovely window into his day.

Lorrie said...

What a lovely post. Your words paint the scene well. Nature is so restorative.

Sandi said...

We should spend our hours with nature and our minutes...well, with nature too. 😊

photowannabe said...

So beautifully written and I agree we all need that kind of respite for our souls.
Thank you Marie for the lovely photos too.
Sue

Debbie said...

a beautiful interpretation of this mans lovely interactions with nature. i am sure the birds look forward to his visits. your images are crisp, clear...wonderful!!

Ruth Hiebert said...

I believe this man has found a true way to experience peace.

William Kendall said...

Animals are better company than many people.

Adam said...

I've noticed the birds love my dog but are scared of humans. Go figure

Red said...

Critters coming to the hand is a real treat. We have trails where chickadees, nuthatches, downies and blue jays will land in your hand. It's a big treat for kids.

Joanne Noragon said...

How wonderful to be loved by small animals and birds.

Catarina said...

I will try and follow his example. And I know exactly where to go... : )

peppylady (Dora) said...

munching on some peanut does sound good.
Coffee is on and stay safe

Susie of Arabia said...

Sounds so peaceful and leisurely. I'm sure he really enjoys this part of his day - and the critters seems to look forward to his visits too.

Beside a babbling brook... said...

Lovely post....

jenny_o said...

You are so right, Marie. And the benefits go further; when we are under stress or stuck at home unable to go out, those minutes can be remembered and used to push away our cares a second time. Your photos are wonderful. You have a good eye.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

A loving relationship. Beautiful post.

Helen said...

Bill and Lorrie express my feeings perfectly.
Another inspiring post to read.

Maebeme said...

So very true, we could all use those moments in our day. I don't have squirrels coming up to me, but I sure enjoy the birds at the feeder just outside the sunroom.

Nancy J said...

What a delight, to be that man sitting there quietly, I see the little squirrel waiting at the side of the road. A moment in time so well spent, oh, that we all could do that and enjoy nature.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

We don't seem to have so many people feeding birds and animals in this way. At one time every park had someone. However far more people feed birds at home these days.

At Home In New Zealand said...

What a moving story. I'm glad he has found something to help him through each day.

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

Don't you just live to days like that? Alone with your thoughts and the wild critters looking for treats. It just does not get any better than that!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
What a great post. I love all the birds and photos. I am sure the man enjoys his time feeding the birds and squirrels. Everyone can benefit from spending time with nature. Take care, enjoy your weekend.

Liz Hinds said...

He sounds like a nice man.

Beside a babbling brook... said...

April 30th

Re: my post... "Knives Out" We really enjoyed it.

Present day setting, but done like an old fashioned Hercule Poirot mystery. :-)))

And Daniel Craig plays a very *non-Bond* character! :-)

🌹🌸🌹🌸🌹🌸🌹🌸🌹

Pattie said...

Lovely post. Being in nature always improves my attitude. That, and working with my plants, both indoor and outdoor.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

There is nothing like interacting with nature to bring relaxation and peace. The photos of the birds are lovely and so nice that the snow is gone.

Lea said...

A beautiful post!
Have a blessed day!

junemac2 said...

Beautiful post and gorgeous photo's. I would love to see this too. x

Pam said...

you make me want to get out with the camera and just shoot.

baili said...

it made my eyes teary dear friend !
special thanks for this beautiful post ,i think this one deserve an award!

the first image is magnificently taken and goes fit with story you shred so brilliantly .

yes nature has an endless lap where everyone can find place if want to . i am sure the man who does this found it healing and comforting and that healing and comfort cannot be found in this whole world i believe .

thank you for incredibly beautiful sharing

... said...

WONDERFUL PHOTOS OF NATURE; THANKS FOR SHARING