This morning was hectic. We had to make some quick parenting decisions, which is not my style. I prefer to make careful, well thought out plans. Today didn’t allow for that and as a result, it felt like a whirlwind. My kids, sensing my overwhelmed energy, followed suit and revved up the noise, bickering, and energy levels.
We all needed to wind down. Observing a bird nest, discovered and set aside weeks ago, seemed like the perfect solution. We invited Rose, the baby of the family, to the observation table for the first time and the result was about ten minutes of quiet before the next activity pulled one and then another away.
After the kids retreated to the swing set, I stayed at the table to observe the nest a little closer. I noted:
- A mud shell, packed with love.
- Walls built high enough to shelter eggs and babies.
- A variety of materials carefully gathered, twigs, straw, mud, and leaves.
- A careful design to fit over a branch securely-safety first.
- A soft cozy layer for resting, waiting, and hatching.
In those quiet moments, I marveled at the love that went into that little nest and felt a strong connection to that mother bird.
Where There Is Joy 
What a beautiful slice. My babies have flown out of the nest. I mourn that empty nest at times, but celebrate it too. Life is complex (and it’s not always easy to make thoughtful decisions). I like the way you are trying to slow things down a bit.
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The evolution of the nest, I like the idea of that!
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A creative tactic that would work with students as well. My favorite part besides your drawing and notes is that precious photo of those sweethearts.
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Precious moments spent together, the children will remember them later in life. What you have written about the nest is so true. Thank you for sharing.
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I can so relate to the love in this post – for the mother bird, for the nest – this is an endless marvel to me. I marvel over your wonderful carving out of time with your own young ones and the power of all your “noticings” – a lovely blend of art and science! I celebrate Rose’s coming to the observation table for the first time.
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THIS needs to be shared with a class as an example, a model, for how a writer LIVES! How to slow down, notice, observe, THINK and WRITE! “Perfect” (don’t really like that word but too excited to think of another!) example for “it’s not always about the end product but the process and the thinking”!
AND it is a beautiful reminder to all that we need to slow down to keep ourselves present to what is right in front of us!
Thanks for sharing!
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This experience had “Dawn” written all over it! You inspire us all!
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I completely agree with Dawn. This is an exquisite slice. You’ve conveyed so much with so few words. From the initial whirlwind much calm. And that photo is priceless. Thank you!
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Can I just say how much I love that you have an observation table!?! And that you make deliberate decisions to slow down and appreciate what’s around you. You are modeling such important life skills for your children and reap the benefit of sharing the experiences with them. Fabulous post!
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It’s a multipurpose table! Yesterday, it was needed for observing… i think I needed the slow down more than they did. But I do hope they remember to slow down as they get older and to notice. Thank you!
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So great that you can be the teacher in school and take what you need home with you to inform your kids and yourself. Love your nest observations…
Bonnie
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So sweet! A nest is a beautiful think to slow down and observe! I also love that you recognized the need to slow down for yourself and you little ones. Beautiful.
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I love that you have an observation table (even if it is a multipurpose table – actually, that might make it even better) and that you invited Rose for the first time. What a wonderful slice. What wonderful noticing. What wonderful mentorship. Thank you.
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This is one of the sweetest slices I’ve read. Thanks for sharing it — and your precious babies — with us today. (Ari probably wouldn’t have sat as long as Rose did. I’m impressed you captured her in a still photo. Ari’s ALWAYS on the move.)
Would love to use this as an inspirational slice in March 2019. Drop me a line and lmk how you feel about that.
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Thanks, Stacey! Rose is into whatever her sisters are doing- she’s at such a fun age! I’d be honored to have you share my Slice. Thanks for all you do and all the Tweets this week! ❤️
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