I admit it, I’ve not posted as often lately in the Hummingbird Shaman. It is not for lack of love for the bold yet tiny flying wonders that have become a part of my life. I have simply not been in my home territory enough to enjoy a long walk at the off leash park, one of our rendezvous points. “A poor excuse”, states my little guardians. I turn my head, and roll my eyes, but I know they are right.
I manage a couple of days at home, but the majority of time was in preparation for the upcoming Healing Drum Retreat in Yelm, Washington. Kaye, the co-organizer of this event, and I teamed up for a few days to pick up the hides for the drum making class, and spend some time together to discuss the teachings and activities that make this a fulfilling, healing event.
This morning we reconvened in my living room for coffee, breakfast and discussion of our hand-outs. I suddenly felt a diversion, and turned toward the window. “He just swooped and buzzed”, said Kaye. She knew exactly why I was looking out the window. “I’m sorry, I need to find out what this is all about”, I shared with her, and I opened the door. Though the skies were modestly blue it was cold, with warnings of snow. I pushed open the storm door, and heard a loud, persistent voice. “Can you hear him?”, I asked Kaye. She smiled. I looked toward the trees, and saw the biggest of the male hummingbirds perched on the electrical wires. He stared at me with conviction, and spoke loudly. Unfortunately with the clutter of our prep work in my mind I found it difficult to understand his message, other than the obvious. “Fill the feeders”, he said. I had just changed the tubes, but they can empty them in less than a day.
When I checked the feeder I was not surprised, they were empty, and the large (less visited) purple feeder was not in the best condition. It is important to keep their feeders clean. Do not use bleach, nor dishwasher soap, in fact soap is not the best choice. I like vinegar soaks, or H2O2, or MMS to purify my feeders. At the least a good soak in hot water. I replaced the tubes, and refilled the larger less-than-favored feeder as well.
When they speak to me I feel saddened if I am too caught up in my ever-spinning world to listen. I knew there was a wonderful message to be heard, it just took a little time for me to create enough free space in my day to hear it. Kaye and I had to leave, traveling from my home base to the First Nation gathering in Tacoma, Washington.
By the time I was back at my southern home away from home it was after midnight, and the roads were icy. I thought our departure from First Nation would be the normal time, but this was a special month, celebrating their fourth anniversary. We enjoyed the evening, and I had opportunity to introduce Kaye to many of the wonderful people I had met since our friend Billy invited me to join this community. We celebrated the return of one of the founders of First Nation, home for at least a short visit before returning for his ministerial duties in Iraq.
God speed and God bless you Mike for your service and support. The many young souls who find themselves in deployment have many basic needs provided to them, but many items we take for granted are unavailable or too expensive for these guardians of our freedom. Many receive packages from home, but many do not.
My contributions, as simple as it seems, was suggested by my shaman friend, Billy. He asked me for a few of the four leaf clovers to give to Mike to distribute in his troop. I opened the box I had, containing about 30 at the time, and told him he could gift them all to the soldiers. In all, over 50 four-leaf clovers were gifted last year. When I spoke to Mike he shared that most of the recipients were the Irish soldiers, and they appreciated the gifting.
A few days later I found the first of the four leaf clovers for this year. It was a pleasant surprise. I look forward to finding many more and sending them to Mike for distribution, and with spring arrives so will the outburst of growth that will provide a new crop. My favorite hummingbird was there that day to greet me as well, making it a wonderful day. As he sat on a branch overlooking the large field below his stance was majestic. Even the smallest of birds has a role in life, and for each of us our role in life is sacred. Treat it as such, with humility, and a world of magic will open for you.
