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Antoinette's Reviews > Birds Art Life: A Year of Observation
Birds Art Life: A Year of Observation
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What drew me to this book was the fact that it had to do with the author’s year discovering birds. I spent 3 years with a group of birdwatchers, led by a bird enthusiast, that I absolutely loved. Much like the author, I found that communing with nature and birds was a peaceful, calming activity.
The author reflects on much throughout this book. She decided to take up this activity as she needed a distraction (her Dad’s illness) and she needed a creative boost.
“ I want for every overextended person in my life stretches of unclaimed time and solitude away from the tyranny of the clock, vast space to get bored and lost, waking dreams that take us beyond the calculation surface of things.”
There are so many lessons to be had when a person learns to just “be” with nature. It really is a thoughtful book that reflects on what we all know deep down- take time to stop and smell the roses!!
The author reflects on much throughout this book. She decided to take up this activity as she needed a distraction (her Dad’s illness) and she needed a creative boost.
“ I want for every overextended person in my life stretches of unclaimed time and solitude away from the tyranny of the clock, vast space to get bored and lost, waking dreams that take us beyond the calculation surface of things.”
There are so many lessons to be had when a person learns to just “be” with nature. It really is a thoughtful book that reflects on what we all know deep down- take time to stop and smell the roses!!
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Reading Progress
November 12, 2019
–
Started Reading
November 12, 2019
– Shelved
November 15, 2019
–
Finished Reading
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by
Kara
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Nov 16, 2019 07:39AM
Great review, Antoinette! Do you still birdwatch?
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Thanks, Kara! I stopped about 3 years ago. I’ve always wanted to go back, so maybe next year!, planning to retire next September:)
Beautiful review, Antoinette! We all need to 'be' with nature- especially in this connected 'plugged in' world we live in now. 💖
Thanks, Julie! I so agree with you:)
Love your review, Antoinette! I've never considered myself a birdwatcher, in the hobby sense, but I do try to protect their food source (at least on my property) from others. Every year there is a large flock of birds, at least 100, that walk around my yard and are fascinating to watch. It usually only lasts a day or so, and they'll fly off at the least disturbance, but return... until eventually they move on.
This is so lovely, Antoinette. My father was an avid bird watcher, and it was one of the few activities that calmed him and gave him peace. His favorite bird was the cardinal, and, after my father's memorial, nine months after his passing, a little cardinal came and sat on a branch next to the window where we were gathered and cocked his head watched us for a long time. It was one of the best things that could have happened to me on that day, and I took it as a true blessing, that a cardinal was sent to us to lighten our grief.
Cheri, thanks so much. You have an appreciation of birds and that makes you a bird lover:)
Julie, seeing that cardinal must have been so special. I would have taken it as a sign from your father for sure. He was there in spirit. I remember after my Mom passed away, we were driving and my 3 yr old daughter (a long time ago!!) noticed a twinkling star and I told her it was Nonna (grandmother in Italian) looking down on her and saying hello. I felt her presence at that moment and it was lovely:)
Antoinette,I'm sorry you lost your mother at such a young age. That hurts my heart. I just sent you a recommendation for a children's book that you must read. Please see if you can find it at the library, and then send me a note when you've read it and your shirt is soaked with tears.
Wonderful review, Antoinette, and wonderful comments thereafter. It's true that birds and nature can at times anaesthetise us from life's tragedies.
Thanks Kevin for your very thoughtful comment!
