The Hat Birds are back.
Tiny little House Wrens, they made a luxurious nest in an old straw hat that was left in the breezeway last year. Back then, we hadn't noticed the nest until the babies had hatched, and the sounds of eager chirps filled the porch each time the mama or papa would arrive with food.
Tiny little House Wrens, they made a luxurious nest in an old straw hat that was left in the breezeway last year. Back then, we hadn't noticed the nest until the babies had hatched, and the sounds of eager chirps filled the porch each time the mama or papa would arrive with food.
We stood on a chair, held our breath and tilted our heads so we could peek into the soft cavern. Ridiculously large beaks opened wide in unison at any movement beyond the opening, especially fingers wriggled in a gentle tease. Amazingly, the gawky, awkward babies with their sparse feathers would jump the nest for independence in a matter of days.
And now the mama and papa are back with another batch of blue eggs to tend. They've been remodeling, fixing up the place and making it perfect for their new brood. I think they've added on. I know they've certainly worked on the curb appeal.
It is charming.
Oh, the delight of finding a glorious nest so close to our curious eyes!
We can peek in and see the feathers, bits of grass and leaves, some string and even some dried moss from a nearby window box. Tufts of fluff, twigs and petals make this carefully crafted structure sturdy, yet simply welcoming to the small family of perky-tailed birds.
I have to hand it to this little wren couple.
I have to hand it to this little wren couple.
They've managed to make their home a sanctuary with creativity, ingenuity and flair. Of course, finding the right location, high atop a hat tree and nestled inside a straw chapeau, was a wise choice. But the tending, the decor and the creature comforts are what make this place such a wonderful family home.
These wrens know the secret of sanctuary.
They know that using what you have, no matter how modest, is the key to sleeping well at night.
These wrens know the secret of sanctuary.
They know that using what you have, no matter how modest, is the key to sleeping well at night.
They know that good food, and lots of it, is a perfect way to strengthen the little bodies who will soon take flight.
They know that families must be tended by both parents, and that protecting and caring for their brood is their most important job.
They do fuss and scold, but their cheery song tells me that they find joy in their existence.
The fluff and tufts show that even the tiniest of creatures need a soft place to land.
What is Home Sanctuary to you?
Is it a place that smells good and has good food on the table?
Is it a place that reflects your family's personality - all crazy aspects of it?
Do you enjoy walking in the door after you've been away?
Beyond the unmade beds and toothpaste on the mirrors, does your home give you a sense of belonging?
Today, take a moment to create a bit of Sanctuary for yourself.
Fluff a pillow in an easy chair, pull a lamp close and open a book. Cuddle up with a sweet-smelling, freshly bathed child. Pour a cup of tea. Cut a flower from the garden. Pick up the toys with gratitude for the children in your tending. Fuss a little over the placement of a picture, or vase, or a memento. Fill a tub with bubbles and lock the door to the outside world.
Take a few moments to do something that delights you.
Find sanctuary in the tufts and fluffs, the sticks and leaves that make your house.....your home.
What will you do to create Sanctuary today?
*this post first appeared in 2010, but I had to repost when I saw the return of the little wrens...this time atop a ladder which was set "temporarily" on the porch. Now the ladder is there permanently...until the babies fly.
