Reflection

This past week has been perfect for reflection, the vultures spending time in the trees where I love to sit has given me reason to do so. Friday morning when I came around the corner of the cabins, I was surprised to see 4 of the birds on the rocks, my side of the river – the rocks I normally sit on. I went back to my room to get my phone, hoping they would still be there on my return so I could get their photos. There has only been 1 – 5 birds here for the balance of this week, the carcass very difficult for them to reach, room for only one or two at a time. I imagine they were frustrated by the inconvenience, so only the most determined stayed. I like to think Sapphire is the most determined of all, as often when I go to say hello throughout the day, he is the only one there. What is interesting to me, is his solitary presence as he often just stands on the giant rock, as if he is waiting for me, and we watch each other in quiet reflection. I feel such a stillness, the water seems a distant noise even though I am right beside it. A sense of tranquility accompanies me and I have been enjoying it a great deal.

This morning when I went to see if the birds were still here, I found them absent, the carcass still in the river, having not been dislodged by the nights rain. I thought perhaps over the last few days with the steady rain each night, the water might have risen enough to allow the body to find it’s way further downstream – perhaps resting in a spot more convenient for the birds to feed with ease. At 6:30 this morning, it was still there.

Going back about an hour later, I carefully made my way to see if the birds had arrived. As I crept up to my usual vantage point to watch them as they fed, to my great surprise, I realized the carcass was no longer there, the river had carried it away at last. How amazing, having seen it trapped and looking for all intent purposes as if it would remain, it had now vanished. Sensing a presence, I looked over my right shoulder to find I was being watched by Sapphire. He was on the rocks this side of the river, the purpose for his stay no longer there. A sense of complete gratitude washed over me, believing he was came to say good-bye, standing in a place I was sure to notice him – on my favourite rock. We watched each other for a few minutes before he flew into a tree on the opposite bank. Doing a visual search of the river now that he would not be disturbed by my walking back and forth over the rocks, produced no sign of the carcass – it has found it’s way down stream out of my sight. The realization Sapphire no longer had the need to be here, had not been here the first time I checked this morning, produced in me a feeling I would never be able to describe. The gift of him joining me these past weeks, coming to an end, the honour not one to be taken lightly or forgotten.

Many times during the almost 2 weeks the birds have been here, there has always been one who did not fly away when I approached the rocks. While the others flew into the safety of the trees, disappearing into the shadows, one remained long enough to be noticed, no fear. Having just gone (taking a quick break as I write this) to check once more, I found the trees and rocks vacant, my recent visitors retreating to the highlands, their home in the clouds. I sat on the rocks for a few moments again in quiet reflection, thankful for the gift of time spent in their company. They were always so calm, the process of feeding seemed to be done in shifts, with great respect for each other’s needs, not a frenzied attack on the lifeless body before them. Of course it was difficult for them, I understand, the location certainly not ideal, but they seemed to be in no hurry. I marvel at their ability to find the animal caught between branches and rocks, difficult for me to spot as near as I was to it. Without paying it close attention, it seemed to me just a couple of rocks in the water, but for them at the heights they normally fly, it’s identity was clear. Fascinating!! What an amazing world we live in, it’s gifts ever present and waiting to be discovered.

The beauty of this piece of music seemed to resonate with my mood of reflection this morning. Once more I am attracted to the wonderful energy these young men emanate as they play, grateful for my discovery of them.

For me it is still summer, the rainy season has begun of course, the freshness in the air each morning unmistakable. A friend back home reminded me of the changing seasons however, telling me about the snow already falling in the town of Maple Creek where I once lived. It seems impossible to think of snow now, the constant temperature here so very welcome. Memories of winter to me is a time meant for quiet reflection from the comfort of a warm room, a good book in hand, baking in the oven and a hearty meal to be enjoyed. A time meant for us to slow our lives down after the business of the past few seasons. Of course it is a fairy tale ideal because seldom are we, in our busy lives able to enjoy such a perfect situation. I remember special times when after a walk in the cold air through sometimes knee deep snow, the magic of walking into a warm room, refreshed from the experience. I loved days like that, and perhaps this winter, I may even miss having the experience……..maybe :). In the meantime – enjoy Vivaldi’s Summer, full of energy and joy for life in it’s season……