Monday Musings...
It was a relatively (and marvelously) benign weekend here down in the "Badlands" (for a change), and it ALMOST instills the belief that somehow, the world has a few ounces of real hope left in it.
We still have the boomcar assholes that thump on by, but this weekend was a bit calmer, as things go around here.
I suppose one might say this part of the ghettohood is "between ammunition purchases" for the locals.
Yeah, I always TRY and see the "up" side to whatever comes along.
One of my more important and self-imposed "duties" around the homestead is feeding the birds, squirrels and rabbit that stop by every day.
It's the whole "taking care of God's smallest creatures" gig for me, and I look forward to it.
Hell, I used to feed the pigeons a long time ago back along West Washington Square in Philly.
I would have been the young adult sitting on the bench, with bag of soft pretzels and about FIFTY pigeons all milling about, cooing their butts off as they fought for whatever crumbs I tossed their way.
It's an experience to be sure...as long as you like birds.
And to think that as back in the day when you didn't fret about such things as "bird flu".
They might nail you with their droppings once in a great while, but other than that, not a problem of any kind.
Besides, the real world will find better ways to crap on you as you'll find out.
That was also a time when a bag of soft pretzels could be had for UNDER a DOLLAR (and they were so fresh, they were still warm).
Amazing how we remember such things with such clarity.
These days, I'm content to provide our patio "friends" with bagged seeds, ends of the bread loaves, and some peanuts and raisins added in now and then.
And yes, we also put out suet cakes (which draws woodpeckers and nuthatches).
THIS is the kind of variety I never saw in the city...had to go into a park and hike about a few hours to find anything close to this...and that was a rare find.
Deer season has begun in Indiana, and curiously enough, no one has off the FIRST DAY from school (as they do in upstate PA).
The DNR expects a record year, and that's a good thing.
I've only shot deer with a camera, and I can tell you...they're not easy to sneak up on (even when you're downwind from them), and certainly harder to get to "pose" for a picture...LOL.
But culling the herd is good for everyone. The deer population is made smaller so that their food sources are not depleted, and there is less chance of them striking vehicles along the roadsides. Jerky and venison gets to make the rounds in many homes this time of year as well.
It's a win-win all around (except for the deer that get shot...well, you can't please EVERYONE, right?)
This is also the time of year when we start to hear the squawks of the CROW population, as it returns for another winter.
Now here, I have to draw the line.
These birds, although larger than anything we have around here (except the occasional lost seagull or migratory geese) are what I refer to as "bottom-feeders". They will eat anything anywhere and at anytime.
When you live in a part of the city that has a majority of citizens who LOVE to toss food and drink from their primate paws at the drop of a (sideways-worn) hat, it's the perfect situation to have these "garbage collectors" show the hell up.
They will flock in the middle of the streets, picking at half-eaten BK burgers, or poking at chicken wing bones from KFC.
Now we know who ALSO loves the middle of the streets around here, and it's safe to conclude WHOSE hands these food items came from.
Like I said, THIS is where I draw the line.
And it's also when I bring out my BB pistols.
Now, mind you, I never "shoot to kill" (not when I don't HAVE to, that is)...it's just to bounce a BB near them, or pop one in their ass , either of which is usually enough to "get their attention", and will invariably chase them off.
Typically, during the colder months, the nearby oak treetops will be COVERED in crows, and in the mornings, they all begin their particular brand of noise.
Again, a few "well-placed" BBs into those trees, and the sky becomes darkened with their timely exit to another neighborhood.
I also have a slingshot handy as well.
Now I do this to dissuade THESE birds from messing with "my" birds.
I take care of "the little guys" (and gals), and much like life, that's the way it SHOULD be.
Someone needs to be watching out for those being bullied by the "tough guy".
Well, in my part of the avian world...that would be me.
Besides, the sound of a cardinal, wren, or even the lowly sparrow is much nicer than the squawk of a crow.
I think there is a parallel to the human condition here...there has to be.
I liken it to a parable of sorts.
On the one hand you have these small birds that have less of a chance of survival, simply because they don't have the same food resources that the crows have available (thanks to mankind), and in the winter, whatever plants (and seeds) they subsisted on are gone until spring.
So they rely on a "charitable contribution" from yours truly, and I'm OK with that.
On the other hand, you have these (for lack of a better term) carrion-eaters that will force themselves into most ANY situation, are louder than everyone else, and will bully other birds away, so they can feast first.
It's almost like these crows believe they are "entitled" to any food for the wrens, the cardinals, the sparrows, or even the blue jays..
And this certainly mirrors a lot of what goes on in MY part of the ghettohood.
We have our share of human "carrion-eaters", but it's not always about food...
They will prey on your house, your children, or even you, to satisfy their "appetite".
And they are hungry for what you have, be it money, possessions, or even your life.
Yet they never seem to get enough, even though our government sees fit to "reward" such people by providing things they could simply WORK for to obtain. Hardly seems fair, does it?
The charitable arm of our society IS still in full operation, and those that can donate do so, and many times in record numbers, in spite of a bad economy. They give what they can, when they can, and that's worked well for us over the decades.
I've always been a "people-watcher", and I'm glad I am.
It's taught me a great number of things that I've applied in my life.
But now, I'm even more glad I've become a bit of a bird-watcher (like my father-in-law).
For in viewing nature, we can glean insight into our OWN being.
You take a look around you...take in the creatures of nature...watch them, and you WILL see similarities to the human condition.
OK, so maybe you won't see a wife being beaten at 6AM, a child molested by a sexual predator, or watch a drug deal going down, but I'm not talking about the specificity of any species...only the basics.
You will see birds vie for dominance and chase others of their kind away so they can get the food, or you will see one bird feeding it's offspring.
You will see much in nature that you can take up the evolutionary ladder...and learn from...IF you're paying attention.
And isn't that something we ALL could practice a bit more...paying attention?
We're all being plied and pulled in so many ways, we lose focus.
But, all we have to do is pull ourselves back from all the fuss, and pay a bit more attention to what goes on around us.
We can't change the world in a day, that much is certain,but we CAN take a minute to nourish our psyche...or soul, if you will, so that we are better attuned for that the day will bring. And it can all start with feeding one little bird.
(who knew?)
Have a great week.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay safe out there, America.

((40 shopping days until Christmas))