Monday, November 2, 2009

Feed the birds...



I've spent the last couple of days in Venice which, as everyone knows, is a beautiful city. Yesterday I spent time at the Piazza di San Marco or St. Mark's Square. There were so many amazing things to look at but I was taken with the pigeons. There were hundreds of people (including many kids) feeding and playing with the birds. All I could think of was the song "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins. That song was one of Kate's favorites and she knew all the words to all of the verses. I wish she could have been there with me yesterday.


Many people were actually allowing the pigeons to land on their arms, shoulders and heads which seemed a little crazy but I thought, 'hey, why not?!' So here are some pictures of me with the birds. It's obvious (and hilarious) how uncomfortable I was at first. I was afraid their claws would dig into me or they'd peck me with their beaks. Instead, they were the most graceful, gentle animals I have ever touched. As strange as this may sound, having those birds land on my arm was the highlight of my trip to Italy so far. It was truly amazing!





I'm not sure exactly what this experience has to do with anything, but I wanted to share it. I'm pretty sure my kids were proud of me for doing that. :-)

10 comments:

  1. Love it! That last pic says it all.

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  2. first- i miss you! i really really do. to see you being struck by life, to have that moment of delight, whatever the cause, gives me hope beyond hope. you are a champion and a warrior amy. i love you. karlin

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  3. Amy, I will never think of a pigeon in quite the same way again. It turns out that any animal, even the most common bird in the world, can be a divine messenger. I am praying for more and more amazing, gentle little moments like these in your life.

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  4. Karlin said it perfectly....well said.

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  5. I still sing that song to them before I go to bed sometimes. I know Kate is proud of you for that. Peter would have probably been hesitant with the pigeons, and likely was running around the square with you :)

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  6. I love the facial expressions, So proud of you and your courage for facing the birds! Miss you. Im going to go watch Marry Poppins now;)

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  7. The greatest battle is with yourself.
    I've tried to escape or pre-occupy myself in the past, you can go on vacation, but you are always with you. No matter where you are, there you are. This is where the hard work begins. Isolation forces it.
    Good Luck. Keep reaching out. The tinest comment or blurb can lead to a significant insight about yourself.

    I'm glad you're travelling down the path with this blog that you are not caring what others think. I've recently embarked on that path myself.

    I love the bit about the school supplies especially. Reminds me of a director who shoots psychological drama very well, ...Darren Aronofsky. He did PI first, but the one I would recommend is: "Requiem for a Dream".
    It is exactly that.

    Tara

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  8. I love this! I think Kate and Peter were totally with you while you were there doing this....enjoying every moment and definitely very proud of their "mama." You are so amazing for continuing to push yourself and face your fears (what's left of them) and to just keep going in a positive direction...it's truy inspiring and I'm really happy to be your friend and share your journey with you. And I'm soo psyched about you going to the cooking school...i think it's going to be simply amazing for you--and I still say that I can't wait to see you on Top Chef : ) Love you.

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  9. I absolutely love this. I can't help thinking that in some way, Kate and Peter gave you the courage to do this, just so you could experience some happiness. It reminds me of a poem that someone gave me when my parents passed away...

    Do not stand at my grave and weep
    I am not there. I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow.
    I am the diamond glints on snow.
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
    I am the gentle autumn rain.
    When you awaken in the morning's hush
    I am the swift uplifting rush
    Of quiet birds in circled flight.
    I am the soft stars that shine at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and cry;
    I am not there. I did not die.

    by Mary E. Frye, 1905-2004, a housewife from Dayton Ohio I believe.

    Sending positive thoughts, good karma, strength and love your way....

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  10. two pigeons landed on you!! your kids could not of given you a better sign that they are always with you ;)

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