Random Thoughts from Michael's Random Mind

My neighbors

Have I told you about my new neighbors? I just moved into a beautiful little 2 BR cabin off of Mary’s Lake Road in Estes Park, Colorado First time I’ve lived alone in more time than I care to mention here..

But, my neighbors are everywhere. They swoop, they dive, they compete for God knows what, probably some unseen insect.

But they fascinate me. Especially; in these times when my satellite is down and there’s nothing to watch other than my "neighbors". I think they’re Starlings. I believe them to be unique to our neck of the woods. Maybe not.

I believe the count to be around 10-12. This flock sticks together; though they battle it out with each other daily. They come, they go, but ALWAYS they are "swooping". Competing, I assume, for a scarce supply of edible, delicious, bugs on a stick. (kind of like a county fair) I watch in amazement as they perform they’re aerobatics.

One can only assume that they are oblivious to me enjoying their daily maneuvers that Amelia Earhart or John Glenn would ooh and ahh at!. These are some smart birds.

I’ve thought of tempting them by loading up the bird feeders with some irresistible bird candy, but I fear that would be counter-productive. Not only that, but I think I would miss their incessant quest for the ultimate meal.

Why disappoint my friends swooping around my newfound paradise? Not to mention myself; and the joy of viewing their fun and games?

Our great new world buries so much that we don’t take the time to see.

Take a moment to watch what our ancestors appreciated everyday. Take a moment to believe the unbelievable and make it so. HBO will never be the same!

2006-07-23 14:16:48 GMT

Comments (3 total)

Author:sarahstrums

We have a bunch of starlings here in Oklahoma, too. I feel sort of bad about saying this, but they've never been my favorite birds. Maybe I should give them another chance, and try to see them the way you do. :-)

What I really wanted to tell you is that I'm a songwriter, as well. And I know all about the sweet agony of waiting for the muse to hit, and the even more excrutiating task of sitting down to, by God, write a song! My best songs have come to me from somewhere out of the blue. Like Arlo Guthrie says, "All the songs are out there, like a river going by. You just have to know when to dip your hand in and catch one." Or something like that. And I think he's right to a certain degree. But it takes work, and thought, and openness to the muse (which is what I think Arlo meant).

Your craft is perfected when you are happy with the finished result. Of course, it's nice when others like it, too, but that's just the frosting on the cake. Say what you feel and do it for you.

Some of my songs (probably the best ones) have taken me less than 20 minutes to write, whereas others have taken months, and others are still in the works.

Hang in there, Brother. You've got some good stuff, and your best work may still lie ahead.

2006-07-26 14:01:00 GMT

Author:Michael

Hello Sarah,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I had hoped I would be able to hear some of your music, but couldn't find the links. If I'm missing them please let me know.

One of the interesting things I found on the web which I think I'm going to participate in is http://fawm.org/ . 14 songs in 28 days. Kind of a songwriters challenge. I think it's a GREAT way to force some writing. It may not all be good, but it seems like a pretty neat idea to jump start the creative process.

Take care,

Michael Stone

2006-07-29 15:08:21 GMT

Author:apr1860

I love watching bird all together they are facinating creatures.

2006-08-02 01:53:13 GMT

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		Random Thoughts from Michael's Random Mind

		My neighbors Have I told you about my new neighbors? I just moved into a beautiful little 2 BR cabin off of Mary’s Lake Road in Estes Park, Colorado First time I’ve lived alone in more time than I care to mention here.. But, my neighbors are everywhere. They swoop, they dive, they compete for God knows what, probably some unseen insect. But they fascinate me. Especially; in these times when my satellite is down and there’s nothing to watch other than my "neighbors". I think they’re Starlings. I believe them to be unique to our neck of the woods. Maybe not. I believe the count to be around 10-12. This flock sticks together; though they battle it out with each other daily. They come, they go, but ALWAYS they are "swooping". Competing, I assume, for a scarce supply of edible, delicious, bugs on a stick. (kind of like a county fair) I watch in amazement as they perform they’re aerobatics. One can only assume that they are oblivious to me enjoying their daily maneuvers that Amelia Earhart or John Glenn would ooh and ahh at!. These are some smart birds. I’ve thought of tempting them by loading up the bird feeders with some irresistible bird candy, but I fear that would be counter-productive. Not only that, but I think I would miss their incessant quest for the ultimate meal. Why disappoint my friends swooping around my newfound paradise? Not to mention myself; and the joy of viewing their fun and games? Our great new world buries so much that we don’t take the time to see. Take a moment to watch what our ancestors appreciated everyday. Take a moment to believe the unbelievable and make it so. HBO will never be the same! 2006-07-23 14:16:48 GMT Comments (3 total) Author:sarahstrums We have a bunch of starlings here in Oklahoma, too. I feel sort of bad about saying this, but they've never been my favorite birds. Maybe I should give them another chance, and try to see them the way you do. :-) What I really wanted to tell you is that I'm a songwriter, as well. And I know all about the sweet agony of waiting for the muse to hit, and the even more excrutiating task of sitting down to, by God, write a song! My best songs have come to me from somewhere out of the blue. Like Arlo Guthrie says, "All the songs are out there, like a river going by. You just have to know when to dip your hand in and catch one." Or something like that. And I think he's right to a certain degree. But it takes work, and thought, and openness to the muse (which is what I think Arlo meant). Your craft is perfected when you are happy with the finished result. Of course, it's nice when others like it, too, but that's just the frosting on the cake. Say what you feel and do it for you. Some of my songs (probably the best ones) have taken me less than 20 minutes to write, whereas others have taken months, and others are still in the works. Hang in there, Brother. You've got some good stuff, and your best work may still lie ahead. 2006-07-26 14:01:00 GMT Author:Michael Hello Sarah, Thanks for the words of encouragement. I had hoped I would be able to hear some of your music, but couldn't find the links. If I'm missing them please let me know. One of the interesting things I found on the web which I think I'm going to participate in is http://fawm.org/ . 14 songs in 28 days. Kind of a songwriters challenge. I think it's a GREAT way to force some writing. It may not all be good, but it seems like a pretty neat idea to jump start the creative process. Take care, Michael Stone 2006-07-29 15:08:21 GMT Author:apr1860 I love watching bird all together they are facinating creatures. 2006-08-02 01:53:13 GMT Site Home