I am trying to lean into gratitude. While the world is very stressful right now, and I am sometimes overwhelmed by daily obligations, I am trying to be more mindful of all the wonderful people in my life, all the wonderful times I have had and will have, and all the good things. My husband and I just celebrated our 34th anniversary. I made a short video of us together through the years (for us, not the public). It was a fun project that gave me a warm and loving feeling.

In the process, I looked at some old photos from our past trips and adventures.  Even going back before I was a ‘naturalist’ or birder, I used to take pictures of random birds and insects on our travels.  We had visited the UK several times.  Knowing where I had been, and with the metadata from the photos, I was able to enter some of them into iNaturalist and identify them. Birding by photo I added a few lifers to my list. I am very thankful for having these adventures, and I am thankful I had my camera with me!  (newly added old observations)

I continue to find joy in my yard, watching the birds, insects and the plants grow and green up after all the rain we had this month. In addition to my regulars, I had a Chipping Sparrow briefly stop by.  My regular night visitors in my yard inspired me to portray them in an acrylic painting.

I am thankful for friends who get me out of the house to chase rare birds: Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. I am also thankful for my friends with whom I go to lunch, share conversations and laughs, and do art.

Even just by writing this and thinking of good friends and good times, my heart is lightened.

Be thankful. Find joy. Enjoy the photos!
 

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