Alliances Mean Everything

It’s true: Alliances mean everything. A few weeks back we’d had freezing weather, and its unusual that our temperatures stay below freezing during daylight hours. Even with these drops in temperature there are at least two hummingbirds that remain. As I typed this story I look out the window to see the alpha male perched near the window at his “hiding place”, watching over his territory.

With this freezing weather it was challenging to keep the content of the feeders in a liquid state. I know with rabbits it is suggested to add a little bit of food-grade alcohol to the water to keep it from freezing, not with the intent to get the little four leggers intoxicated! I refused to try any such technique with the hummingbirds.

Each evening after the last feeding session at dusk I would take the feeders inside. This is easier and quicker than trying to thaw them in the morning when fast-winged hummingbirds are anxious for the life sustaining nectar. The only challenge was getting the feeders outside as early as possible each morning.

This early morning connection seems easy, but during those last few days I have been finishing the design phase for my new book, “Being Here Now”, with the support and help of a most amazing branding specialist and designer. Talk about alliances! For the most part we have been handling our own tasks individually, but our work hours seem to mutually carry deep into the night, which means offset sleeping hours.

Along comes Angie, bringing about an unusual alliance. Angie is normally a quiet dog, and she will stay on her bed as long as I remain in my own. These last few days have been the exception: At daybreak I’d find her trotting down the hall. I choose not to follow. Next thing I know Angie would be barking. As I got up and look down the hallway I would see her facing me instead of the door, with great determination in her eyes and conviction in her muscular body. “Open the door”, she conveys. Of course I cannot help but notice the feeders that await, hung in an obvious location by the door.

We’ve recently celebrated Thanksgiving, a time to share appreciation. We’ve had our holiday month, a time of giving and receiving, or a time of giving back. The alliance shown between dog and hummingbird says it all, that we can support and honor one another with the simple little things we do. As we move forward into our new year, our new decade, and our longing for spring, let’s not forget to care for one-another.

Happy New Year, everyone – welcome to 2010.
Estee Taschereau
Hummingbird Shaman