A pleasant day to return to this blog.

I've been on blog-break. Just didn't feel up to posting, not that I wasn't grateful or anything like that...and now I am back.

The photo for today shows my current six bird babies playing on top of their cage (a couple days ago) and discovering bathing. That was fun to watch. I still need to spoon feed the babies a few times each day, though they are beginning to eat small seeds on their own and have also tried fresh apples, raisins, and soft baby bird food. In a few weeks they will be ready for their new homes. I don't know yet where the Pacific Parrotlet babies will end up but the Painted Conures are spoken for.

Today was fairly pleasant. I took a friend out to lunch for her birthday (Thai food). Then I went to the auto dealership and had an inspection done on the brakes of my car (two hour wait, but not uncomfortable). Then I went home and had a rest. That was pretty much my whole day. I even showered this morning.

I am grateful for the nice lunch with my friend/previous roommate.
I am grateful for my car checking out alright.
I am grateful for the air conditioning in my car.
I am grateful for the air conditioning in my bedroom.
I am grateful for a nice phone chat with another friend today.
I am grateful I completed a small bead project and got it to the right person.
I am grateful I had grapefruit for breakfast.
I am grateful for the bed I am about to go to.

GratefulJoy

Baby Scarlett is a beauty

This picture shows Mr. Feldman getting his first feathers!

Yesterday I finally met my friends' new baby girl.
Her name is Scarlett. Babies really are magical.
I also met their new dog and chinchilla...nice, but not magical.

I am grateful I got a large load of laundry done last night.
I am grateful I got to meet baby Scarlett.
I am grateful for my vacuum cleaner.
I am grateful for the kind hospitality of friends.
I am grateful one more stack of papers made it's way to the recycle bin.

GratefulJoy

The six babies today

I took this picture today of the baby birds after their dinner. They are wearing some of their meal.

Today I am grateful for the healthy baby birds.
I am grateful for a get-together with some friends.
I am grateful I currently have a storage unit.
I am grateful I sold my old car.

GratefulJoy

I'm back

This is a photo of one of my Parrotlet babies. It isn't little Feldman, but looks identical and is the same stage of development as Feldman. My neighbor named the baby bird "Feldman" because he looks like a bald little old man.

I am back. No, I didn't go anywhere. I've just been too overwhelmed to blog this past week. Doubtful anyone noticed my absence anyway.

Tonight I was rummaging through many many many boxes and files to find the title to my old Mazda. I need it to "retire" my car tomorrow. So thankful I eventually found the thing.

My friend will follow me to the auto dismantling place where I am selling my Mazda for parts. She needs to drive me home after I drop off the car. I am actually getting pretty much what the car is worth for this....not a lot. Still, it beats needing to have the thing towed.

This afternoon was nice. I met my new friend Phyllis and took her to a couple San Diego bird stores for fun. Phyllis is new to town and I am grateful to have her as my friend.

First I met her two Crimson Bellied Conure birds and then we had our little excursion to the shops. This would only appeal to bird-nerds like us I suppose. We had fun seeing many exotic and amazing birds. The fun part is to pet and hold the birds that are out on play stands there. It's important to ask the bird for permission before petting or picking it up....other wise one could lose a finger.

My five of my baby birds are beginning to look like birds. Before they looked more like some sort of larvae. In another week Mr. Feldman, the sixth baby, will look more birdish too.

I am grateful for my new friend Phyllis.
I am grateful for the little outing today.
I am grateful I found my old car title.
I am grateful for my friend Cindy who is helping me tomorrow.
I am grateful for an apartment to come home to.
I am grateful for clean sheets on my bed.
I am grateful for hot showers.

GratefulJoy

The One Hour Vacation

I finished the ruffled collar necklace and wanted to share a photo of the finished piece. Now I can mail it to the person it was made for. Finishing projects is MAJOR for me.

Well tonight I took another One Hour Vacation. Every now and again I do this....designate a small bit of time and energy to escape the ordinary. I drove to a beach in La Jolla and sat on a bench to listen to the sounds of the ocean. Below where I sat were harbor seals sleeping for the night. It was like being a tourist.

Tonight I took the remaining three baby birds out of the nest box to hand feed (here on). The youngest two are much smaller than I like to hand feed, but one had a big injury on his tummy that may have been caused by the mommy and daddy birds. If this happens it is best to take over the parenting for the bird....because even birds get overwhelmed as parents. An overwhelmed parent bird has potential to harm or even kill the chicks. This I know from tragic experience. I am grateful I have these six healthy babies this year and relatively few losses bird-wise.

I am grateful for my one hour vacation to the beach tonight.
I am grateful for my bird babies.
I am grateful I finally washed my car today.
I am grateful my new car has air conditioning.
I am grateful for my phone chat with my friend tonight.
I am grateful for plans to visit a new restaurant tomorrow with another friend.
I am grateful the weather cooled down a bit.
I am grateful for pay-as-you-go telephones.
I am grateful for big ideas, little ideas, and all ideas in between.

GratefulJoy

Sunday blessings

This picture shows a beaded ruffled collar which I am just finishing up. My bead stuff has been sitting dormant for a long while. Now that I have a car again I can resume some of these projects that have fallen aside. I love finishing things and finally getting them to the people they belong to.

Today was sweltering hot here in Lemon Grove. It got as high as 105 degrees outside. It was like a ghost town here since everyone was indoors. I didn't hear the sound of a car or truck all day. Tomorrow is supposed to be the same. Whew! Thank God for WATER! Thank God for COLD WATER!!

This morning I saw one of the Painted Conure babies poking his head out of the nest box door. The Parrotlets are still being great parents, but the box is just too small for all of these babies. So I pulled the 3 Conures out and will be hand feeding them full time now. It was too hot in the nest box too and I was worried the babies might die of heat stroke. So, now I have a little plastic bin with three little birdies sitting here next to me. I feel like a mommy bird.

I hope this week is productive. Last week was a bust all around...I was fatigued and feverish and foggy headed. Now I am a bit better and hope tomorrow I will feel like hopping out of bed and getting caught up. Prayer for this much welcome.

Right now I am grateful for the three frozen grape pops I found in my freezer today.
I am grateful none of my birds had heat stroke.
I am grateful for ICE.
I am grateful for left over pasta.
I am grateful for shoes that fit.
I am grateful for cotton shirts.

GratefulJoy

No earth-shaking news here

I took this picture of my friend's cat ages ago. Kitty's name is Chula, isn't she pretty? I don't have any new bird pictures to share so I am pulling out other animals...even ones that are not mine.

Tomorrow I get to see another friend of mine which I have not seen for a few months. She had a baby girl this summer and I look forward to meeting this little one.

That same friend just got a chinchilla too. I am almost as excited to meet the rodent as I am the human baby. What's wrong with this picture?

My plan to see my friend does my soul good. Fellowship is vital to my health and well being. When I have a lack of it I wither and when I am blessed with good fellowship I thrive.

I am grateful for my friends.
I am grateful for dish soap.
I am grateful for my telephone.
I am grateful for activities to look forward to.

GratefulJoy

The second baby bird

Last night I found some old bird leg bands and decided to file off the obsolete year on them and use them for my 3 Picta Painted babies. Today this one, the second oldest, got band number 3.

Right now I am grateful for the windows in my apartment.

GratefulJoy

First picture of all 3 Painted Conure babies for 2010

Here they are. This is the first photo of my 2010 Picta Painted Conure babies all together. They share a nest box with my 3 baby Parrotlets. The parrotlet babies are too tiny to take out of the box yet. Gloria and Wally (Pacific Parrotlet pair) are taking good care of all 6 babies even though the oldest Painted baby is bigger than they are.

Today was another really uneventful day. Wish I had some energy.

I will be grateful despite a disappointing day:
I am grateful I got the pictures of the 3 Painted Conure babies.
I am grateful I found a bag of good bird food I forgot I had.
I am grateful for nice phone chat.
I am grateful for plans to try a new Thai restaurant this week with a friend.
I am grateful I got all of my bills paid this month.
I am grateful that there is food in the refrigerator and gas in the tank.
I am grateful for the unwavering love of my Heavenly Father.

GratefulJoy

Grateful for spinach and most of my teeth

I took this picture today of my oldest Painted Conure baby. It's eyes are still shut and he/she knows nothing at all about anything yet.

Some friends of mine are doing that "Thrive" workshop I've mentioned a few times here in the past. We are learning to reprogram out thought process so that instead of living in primarily emotional pain....we are able to go back to a place (mentally and spiritually) where we feel safe with God even if our circumstances are difficult.
The difference between the two is that the negative place puts us in Trauma and the positive place lets us "suffer well" rather than cause further damage to ourselves or others. It's not as freaky as it sounds and it's based on scientific study of the brain as well as the Love OF God.

At this moment I am grateful I was able to email my friend Sylvia in NYC today.
I am grateful I held the baby Painted Conure and got a photo or two.
I am grateful for phone chat with my brother Ted and his wife Nancy.
I am grateful for fresh spinach.
I am grateful for my hearing.
I am grateful I still have most of my teeth.

GratefulJoy

My naughty Zoey bird

I took this photo this afternoon of my current bird babies. The two tiny ones on the top right are Pacific Parrotlet babies (2 and 3 days old) and the bigger three are Pacific Parrotlet babies (3, 6, and 9 days old, approx.)
Gloria and Wally, Pacific Parrotlets, are caring for the babies. I am so proud of them.

Today I noticed one of the three remaining Parrotlet eggs had a grey color, not a good sign. I candled the egg and realized the baby inside had died. My habit is to open the egg in such a case and figure out what went wrong. The baby was fully formed but seemed to not be able to get out of the shell, or, suffocated trying. I am sad for the loss. There remains two eggs yet to hatch.

Last night I had a horror. I took my Caique Zoey to my local bird club with me. She was funny and cute....enticing others to want to hold and kiss her. But just as I uttered the words: "Careful, she has potential to bite"
Zoey grabbed hold of club member Ginger's bottom lip and clamped down hard.
Ginger had to pry Zoey's beak off her face. The resulting wound was not pleasant at all.

I spoke with Ginger's husband this morning and found that Ginger had gotten 6 stitches last night. OMG! Dave and Ginger were the utmost of good sports about it saying they have birds and know what can happen. I still feel bad that I hadn't said something faster to prevent the injury. I won't be taking Zoey to the bird club again...at least not without a large warning sign.

So last night was very distressing. When Dave and Ginger left our meeting to go to the ER I felt it hard to breath and had an asthma attack later that night in bed. Dave's phone call this morning helped me feel not so horrible. Thank you Dave. Yet I want to do something nice for Ginger for the agony my bird has caused her. I am still thinking of ideas.

If any of you are considering a pet bird, be aware that they are indeed wild animals and all have potential to bite (hard). I have many scars on my fingers to prove this fact. For me the benefits of living with my birds out-weigh the risks. Birds do not bite to be mean, they just get startled or have a rush of wild excitement. One cannot punish a bird, such would be fruitless, except for the occasional "time out" which has been effective in my home.

Right now I am thankful that Ginger has had the medical care she needs.
I am grateful for Dave and Ginger's kindness toward me and my naughty bird.
I am grateful for the baby birds here.
I am grateful for fresh figs.
I am grateful for computers.
I am grateful for a new friend named Phyllis.

GratefulJoy

Gratitude to my Joyful friend

This is a picture I took in the garage of my Joyful friend's house. A few years back she and her husband did a grand renovation of their home. Now, their friends are reaping the benefits through the kind hospitality in this home. Thank you to the Joyful One for the love you put into your dinners for us. Thank you for sharing your space with us. Thank you for making your life about more than yourself only....so many people (including me)feel a lot more loved because of you.

Well, today I had a Pacific Parrotlet hatch. I'd forgotten how tiny and frail they are that first day. The two Painted Conure babies are doing well and Gloria and Wally (Pacific Parrotlets) seem not to care that their own baby is sharing the nest with those foster birds (Painted Conures).

I looked at egg incubators online several times. They are quite expensive and then if chicks do hatch...I would be required to feed them around the clock, every two hours for the first week. I am not up to that yet.

Yesterday I had grand plans (again) but never left my house nor did a single one of the things on my list. I ended up sleeping most of the afternoon and evening. This is a constant frustration in my life. That is why I challenge myself to find joy in what IS rather what ISN'T.

I am grateful for my dear friends.
I am grateful for a new baby Parrotlet.
I am grateful for my bed.
I am grateful for my bath tub.
I am grateful for ice.
I am grateful for apples.
I am grateful for easy access to clean water.
I am grateful for comfortable shoes.

GratefulJoy

Two Painted Conure babies now hatched

This picture is of me holding my two day old Picta Painted Conure baby. Another Conure hatched this afternoon and the foster parents birds are treating them well and feeding them. Sort of a miracle.

It is still Thursday for me, but not for long, I will go to bed after I type this up.

Right now I am grateful for my two hatchlings.
I am grateful for Gloria's good nature.
I am grateful for a nice dinner.
I am grateful it was a cool day.
I am grateful I am feeling hopeful.

GratefulJoy

I've got a Grandbird in Pennsylvania

This is a picture I got by email today from Connie in Pennsylvania. The baby bird is my grandbird. Actually, if I consider Treasure, Noah's mommy, my baby and Noah, this little bird's daddy, my grandbird...that would mean I have a Great Grandbird.

Gloria and Wally (parrotlets) are still taking good care of their foster chick. They don't seem to realize the baby isn't their own and not of their species. I am ever so glad for this.

My day was unproductive (unless you consider sleeping all day productive).
I think the last couple of weeks were a push and my body needs to catch up.
Even the good stuff makes me tired. At least there is GOOD stuff!

Last night's meeting at my Joyful friend's home was nice. It's the "Thrive" workshop that deals with retraining our brains to return to the natural state of Joy.
For many reasons most of us don't know how to go back to joy because of addictions, abuse, trauma, or some other thing. For me, gratitude is a good exercise to get me to Joy. Even gratitude doesn't always do the trick, so I am glad for this little group and the videos we are watching and all of that.

I got my old Mazda yesterday from the mechanic, did I say that yesterday here?
When I got to the car I said: "Hello old friend."
I had a rush of memories of how I got the car in early 1994.
Buying that Mazda was the miracle that saved my life during some of the hardest trials of my life. It was so surprising that I got the car based solely on good credit....I was unemployed, homeless, new to California (fresh off the mission field in Asia), sick, and didn't know anyone here....and, I didn't have any money.

Back during those hard times I held to the belief that if God could drop a car out of heaven to me like that then He could do anything else I needed.

I have such assurance that this new Toyota is the right car for me for this time. It will be a financial stretch to pay the lease, though that is how it was with the Mazda so many years ago. Last night my friends gathered around Ruby Caroline (new car) and asked God to bless her.

I did feel a little idiotic on Tuesday when I couldn't figure out how the windshield wipers work on the Toyota. I was driving with front and back wipers moving (no rain) and still didn't figure it out after reading the owner's manual. The car makers didn't put "ON" or "OFF" words anywhere in the car. My Mazda didn't even have intermittent windshield wipers, so the many options on the Toyota (without clear labels)is still a riddle. I suppose the lack of words is to make the car as international as possible without needing to change anything. Unfortunately the idea in Germany of "ON" and "OFF" may have a different symbol. Even Canada differs in it's icons from the United States.

I am trying very hard to get to bed at a proper hour these days. Even if I am wide awake and reading, my goal is to be in bed during normal sleep hours. I do this mainly for the sake of my downstairs neighbors who have little kids that go to bed early. Downstairs they can hear every footstep I take and it sounds like stomping to them. Gotta keep the neighbors happy.


I am grateful for my Grandbird
I am grateful for my "Thrive" workshop
I am grateful for the Mazda that served me well so many years.
I am grateful for my parking spot.
I am grateful for my home.

Well, to bed by way of getting clean water for my birds and saying good night to each one.
GratefulJoy

Just say "NO" to Blumpy

I got a great surprise this morning when I found that a Painted Conure baby had hatched....while my Parrotlet, Gloria, was sitting on the egg. I had given three of Treasure's eggs to Gloria to incubate and hopefully raise since Treasure and Berry had destroyed most of their eggs this year and killed all of their babies last year.
Somehow I didn't really think little tiny Gloria would be able to keep those bigger eggs warm enough. I also thought she may kill the babies if they did hatch.
Fortunately it looks pretty good so far.
This is a photo of Gloria while she is NOT being a mommy.

Today I rescued a friend from a day of lonely boredom. She was feeling "blumpy" (her word) so I thought I would lend a hand.
I picked her up in my new car (Ruby Caroline) and took her on a surprise drive to the Stephen Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. She had never been there even though she has lived in San Diego her whole life. It was just the ticket.

Then we drove to Pacific Beach and ate Curry for dinner. We made it extra special by ordering frosty mango drinks with our meal.

Lastly we watched a video together. A day well spent.

Nobody should be left alone to feel Blumpy.

I am grateful for time with my friend.
I am grateful we had good adventures.
I am grateful for my first live bird baby of the year.
I am grateful Daffy was cuddly tonight.
I am grateful that tomorrow I can pick up my old car and begin the sale process.
I am grateful the weather was perfect today.
I am grateful I figured out how my windshield washers work on the new car...or did I?
I am grateful for the love of God.

GratefulJoy

Remembering Palley Cat

This was my cat over 20 years ago. I loved that cat.
One day he just walked in the door and decided to stay.
Since I couldn't find an owner I decided to keep him.
I had never had a cat before and thought this was a girl cat.
I named (her) Polly...then the vet asked why I named a boy cat "Polly"?
His name changed to "Palley" (short for Pal plus "alley cat").
Palley loved ping pong balls and would come to me whenever I called his name.
I was just thinking of him and will always remember him as the perfect cat.

Today I spent pretty much all of the day and evening resting in bed.
My last couple of weeks were very tiring and I needed to catch up on rest.
What I wanted to do was scotch-guard my car seats, clean the living room, vacuum my rugs, wash my dishes, throw away junk mail, finish my laundry, and then spend the evening with friends. Ha!

Right now I am grateful I could rest today.
I am grateful the mechanic fixed my old car so that I can now sell it.
I am grateful for a good time with a friend last night at dinner.
I am grateful for phone chats with a couple of friends today.
I am grateful for clean sheets on my bed.

GratefulJoy

Photo of Pixie that I did NOT take

I did not take this fabulous photo. A professional photographer in the L.A. area took it of Pixie, one of Treasure bird's babies, who belongs to a nice couple there. Isn't Pixie gorgeous!

My friend and I went to eat Thai food tonight. Very nice.
We were going to work on my bird room this morning but I wasn't feeling up to it then. Maybe next weekend (I hope).

I am grateful for time with friends.
I am grateful my old car is getting fixed and I will be able to sell it.
I am grateful for air conditioned rooms.
I am grateful for cold water.
I am grateful for hot water.
I am grateful I lived this day.

GratefulJoy

Another day of easy joy

My bird Dooby loves the manzanita play gym...but he has already chewed up the bottom part that was decorative. Dooby complains loudly when it's time for him to come down from here.

Today I needed rest! I was able to have a nap and felt much better by evening time.
Got a few errands accomplished. Resolved some questions regarding dash signals for the new car (a.k.a. Ruby Caroline).

It's so easy to be full of joy when something wonderful happens - such as getting a new car - but much harder when in pain and times are tough. The euphoria of new car will wear off and I need to be able to maintain joy when I remember all the other things in life that I need to accomplish and get through.

Right now, with "easy joy", I am grateful:
For some rest this afternoon.
For answered questions.
For the kind people I encountered today.
For my shower.
For working A.C. in my car.
For the anti-theft device on my car that I didn't know was there.
For pleasant weather today.
For a visit to the horse race track with my friend yesterday (never been)...
....don't worry, I'm not a gambler.

GratefulJoy

Been busy busy busy...

Today's picture (for me it is still Tuesday) we see Franchesco and Shasta enjoying today's shower. They like getting all wet and then shaking water all over the place just like dogs do.

Today was so very busy! I am exhausted.
There is a lot to do when one gets a new car: Update insurance, get seat covers, get misc. accessories, tint windows (necessary in Southern California when parking outside all the time), get the right sun visor for the windshield, share all excitement with neighbors and friends, etc.

Tomorrow (Wed. for me) is another busy day. I have plans to spend the afternoon with a friend.

I am grateful for today's accomplishments.
I am grateful for the rest I am about to have.

GratefulJoy

Feeling like I am loved by God

This picture shows Shasta and Franchesco taking turns chewing up a "birdie bagel" toy. It's a nontoxic cardboard thing for birds to play with and chew. Without this sort of chew toy a parrot will eat the household furniture.

Today was both frustrating and blessed, mostly blessed.
I couldn't get my brain or body moving until evening. It was almost like being paralyzed and it isn't fun.

The good news it that when I finally did get up I was blessed with many phone calls from friends wanting to know how my car negotiations went. I had no idea my friends were so emotionally invested in my transportation needs! Honestly made me feel cared for. Plus I was able to share the story of how God is providing the next vehicle for me. It IS a good story!!

Then another friend invited me to visit her in Tennessee at some point, maybe during a holiday. The holidays are difficult for single adults because we don't seem to fit in anywhere. With my parents both deceased I often flounder around Thanksgiving and Christmas and feel really low. If I have a plan and a place set up in advance then I don't have these anxieties. Now I look forward to the holiday season already since I have a wonderful invitation. Last year wasn't bad either because I was looking forward to seeing my sister and her kids in NYC.

It's easy to feel that God might not love me as much as others because He seems to provide better for them than for me. The truth, however, is that God just provides Differently for us all. "Equal", "Fair", "even"....these ideas are a myth and only cause broken relationships. I am happiest when I look to the face of God directly without comparisons.

This evening I felt overwhelmingly loved. All the calls and prayers of friends gave me MORE than my fair share of love. A new reliable vehicle to use is amazing provision from God. I also have Hope (that's a good word!) that I can unscramble the clutter of my life.

I am grateful for my friends. I am very much loved.
I am grateful for God's provision, even if I don't see it until the last moment.
I am grateful for answered prayers.
I am grateful for a trip to look forward to and plan.
I am grateful I had food in my freezer for dinner.
I am grateful Zoey bird was sweet today and didn't bite me.
(she is a good bird, she was just in a bad temper the other day)
I am grateful for my parking space at home.

GratefulJoy

Leasing a Toyota

This picture of Zoey was taken by her previous owner named Eve. I am mighty grateful to Eve for letting Zoey live with me. I am also grateful to Eve for training Zoey from a young age to wear the harness....something my current birds will not tolerate. And, today I am even more grateful for the prayer and testimonies of God doing amazing things in her life. Eve helped me see more clearly today that God is bigger than my needs.

I am pretty sure I will be leasing a new Toyota on a pretty amazing lease deal. I need a miracle for my current old Mazda since it isn't worth anything as long as it is stalled. Nobody seems to know how to obtain a new or used ECU for a 1994 manual transmission Mazda Protege'. So if any of you have one of these things in your attic then let me know a.s.a.p.!

It was a long afternoon and evening at the auto dealership today. I feel happy I made up my mind about what to do and I feel I had favor with God and man. I won't be driving my new leased car until next week because my auto insurance is closed on Sundays and I need to get good coverage (full coverage) as part of the lease agreement.

I am still renting a storage unit which is beyond my means, though it has helped keep me sane for the past year. Time for me to root through it and sort and discard and file and all the other things needed in order for me to stop needing it. Since I live in partial "brain fog" I need God to give me wisdom and clarity to face this mountain of storage. I've come to believe that NEEDING God is a good place. It reminds me that my life is more about God than about me and my limitations.

With the new Toyota I am probably going to be paranoid about spills and dirt and scratches for the first few months. Maybe I should put plastic wrap all over the inside and out? I think I could perhaps come up with something more attractive than that if I thought about it.

I am grateful for the new car to use.
I am grateful I got a really good bargain price.
I am grateful I had a good salesman.
I am grateful I stood my ground with the the not so great finance guy.
I am grateful that God has a solution for my old car sale.
I am grateful God will help me make all of my lease payments either on time or early.
I am grateful I am now at home, since I am so very exhausted.

GratefulJoy

Hope revisited

This photo is one of my Pacific Parrotlet babies learning to eat seeds and pellets, fruits and raisins. Although this baby is long gone to it's new home, I have hope of more Parrotlet babies since Gloria has four tiny eggs.

Today I allowed myself to dream. I was born a dreamer. Prayer with friends the past few days has reminded me to revisit that part of me....it is part of what makes me like my Heavenly Father. Dreaming helps me remember that God is able to do all things in my life even when I am tiny and insignificant and lacking.

All this dreaming and hoping brings me a joy in my spirit and lightness of being. I hope I can hang onto this hope, it is nourishment and life.

Today I dared to research cars online that are far out of my income bracket (that is pretty much all new cars, and most used ones also). It was freeing. I may even test drive a new Toyota Prius or a Ford Escape Hybrid. I love their greeniness.

If God gave me the car I've been driving since January 1994 then He can do it again. I don't know how, but He CAN! I look forward to seeing how God will provide for the next car. If Jesus can tell his apostles to go get a fish and use the coin found in it's mouth to pay their taxes...my stuff is doable too.

It would be dangerous if I were prone to irresponsibility to be such a dreamer. The ironic fact is that I am shockingly frugal and financially responsible. I would rather starve than be late paying a bill. So I am reminded to think bigger now than my little income and bigger than my little life. God seems to smile on me when He and I dream together.

I am grateful for the hope of this day.
I am grateful for friends who bless me and encourage me to be me.
I am grateful for my friend Eve who shared so many amazing "God" stories with me about how God provided her with cars over the years.
I am grateful I feel empowered by Joy.
I am grateful God is BIG.
I am grateful God is also in the small stuff with me.
I am grateful for this blog too.

GratefulJoy

A hard day to dream

When Marty was a baby I enjoyed every moment of his development. When he began to love toys I fell in love with him all over again.

Today was difficult. It was too hot. Zoey was moody and bit me.
My car is still in the shop and the mechanic cannot find the part to repair it (ECU). I know I need a new car but I am too practical to start test driving when I am in the sort of debt I am currently under. I just felt sad.

A phone chat with my Joyful friend helped me remember who God made me to be: A Dreamer and Visionary.
Dream Big! Dream Bold!
Inside I wrestle with my the super responsible me that always wants to pay bills early and have all my ducks in a row. Is it irresponsible to trust God when what I need is beyond my income? The question for me isn't the "trust" it's the purchase.

I am grateful for my Joyful friend who gave me a reminder to look with fresh eyes at my circumstances and needs.
I am grateful for lemon jello.
I am grateful for the new car to come (from God)

GratefulJoy

A hot day and a blessed evening

Here we have (again) Zoey and Daffy in the shower. I need to get more creative with my picture taking.

It was another sweltering day in Lemon Grove. I worried about my birds and heat stroke and did all I could to offer them cold water (ice water) keep it as breezie as possible. They all made it through another day, though I am not certain the eggs are not cooked.

This evening (Tues) I shared a meal with friends who are doing the "Thrive" work shop. The idea is to sort of reboot our lives by retraining our brains. It's based on God being God and relationship with Him and His people being the key to healing and healthy emotions.

My Joyful friend made another scrumptious and nutritious dinner for us complete with homemade chocolate pudding with organic chocolate. All I can say about that is:
"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm."

I am much appreciative of my friends Alin and Wendy driving far out of their way to take me to Joyful's place...and then home again.

I am grateful also for the frozen food given to me by another sweet friend.

I am grateful we had good fellowship and made progress in the Thrive thing.

I am grateful I got to be part of something good that God is doing.

I am grateful Gloria has a fourth egg and is still caring for 3 foster eggs.

I am grateful for cuddles with Daffy tonight.

I am grateful for Nutriberries - my bird's favorite snack food.

I am grateful for Deep Olive green (the color).

GratefulJoy

Car towed today

Here is a photo of Daffy and Zoey looking out my bathroom window after their shower today (Monday). Zoey is getting better at respecting Daffy's boundaries and Daffy is being less of a scaredy-cat.

This afternoon I finally got my car towed to a mechanic.
I have not yet discussed a plan with them about repairs, so, I hope it is an easy and cheap one

If I were better with auto mechanic stuff myself then I would just keep repairing this old car until it fell into dust. Since I am not so gifted, I am exploring new car options. I will need a miracle to get to that new car even if it is the cheapest one on the lot. Good thing I believe in miracles then.

Today I am grateful for my blender.
I am grateful Treasure laid another egg.
I am grateful Gloria is sitting her eggs well, and also some of Treasure's eggs.
I am grateful for a phone call from a friend and an offer for a drive somewhere.
I am grateful for DVD movies.
I am grateful I have some clean clothes to wear.
I am grateful for refreshing showers.
I am grateful for my bed.

GratefulJoy

Playing "musical eggs"

This picture shows three baby Pacific Parrotlets in my kitchen nearly five years ago. I raised their mommy and daddy...and one of them is Gloria, now sitting on 3 eggs of her own (plus 3 of Treasure's eggs).

Today I threw out one of Treasure's seven eggs. It was an egg I had tried to repair with nail polish...but it was obvious it had not survived. As eggs in Treasure and Berry's nest continue to be damaged I am faced with the dilemma of what to do to rescue the eggs and babies inside? I took a little action.

I removed three of the six (remaining good eggs) and placed them in my second Painted Conure pair's nest box in hope that they would foster the eggs and babies. However, after a while it was clear that they didn't want the job.
So, I placed the three eggs in Gloria's nest box along side her two eggs.
It's like playing "musical chairs" with these eggs...

I checked this evening again in Gloria's box and see there are now 3 Pacific Parrotlet eggs (Gloria's) and the three Painted Conure eggs (Treasure's) all being
warmed by little parrotlet bodies. The Conure eggs are twice the size of the Parrotlet eggs but Gloria and Wally are sitting on them anyway. I do hope this works.

The three eggs left in Treasure and Berry's box are a gamble too. Treasure has potential to lay another egg or so and it is possible she will be a great mother to any hatched babies. She raised many babies perfectly, except last year all of the babies were killed in the nest box. This year's damaged eggs are a grim reminder of the need to pray for these little potential birds. I think Berry and Treasure have a chase in the box issue that damages the eggs. I've caught them in this flurry and saw that the eggs were tossed all over the place as a result.

Tomorrow I may be able to finally have my Mazda towed to the mechanic shop. Will be nice to have freedom of mobility again soon.

Right now I am grateful for Gloria and her three eggs.
I am grateful Gloria is nesting her eggs and seems to be incubating Treasure's 3 also.
I am grateful I found Zoey safe after I fell asleep with her in the bathroom window...and awoke several hours later to find her on top of Dooby's cage under a sheet.
I am grateful for frozen dinners.
I am grateful for the phone call today from my friend in Tennessee.
I am grateful for first hand experience of God's love for me.

GratefulJoy

Easy Joy

On a hot day like today I enjoy revisiting Alaska via my photos from last year's trip. My photos were not award winning, but I enjoy the memories.

Yesterday was a particularly joyful day. Joy comes to me most easily when I am with beloved friends. Even easier when beloved friends and I share a fun moment or the like. I was able to connect.

I grew up in a home where it was odd for a day to go by where someone didn't show up unexpectedly at the door. Usually friends and family were coming and going all day long. In Southern California the unexpected drop-in hasn't caught on so much. When I show up unannounced at someone's door here they stare at me from the doorway with a puzzled look and usually ask "why are you here?"

My Joyful friend brought by something I needed and also a surprise gift from another friend. Yes, I love surprises...I love gifts...I love it when friends surprise me with gifts. When Joyful arrived she was too tired to walk up my stairs, so, we sat at the foot of my steps and each had a piece of dried ginger root. Dried ginger root is cool and refreshing...for a few seconds, then becomes a wild blaze. Fortunately Joyful had an apple to chase down the ginger. We were thanking God for fresh apples.


Next another friend picked me up and we had dinner at a new Thai restaurant and ate amazing fresh spring rolls with a great friend. We followed it with some really well prepared Pad Thai. Our conversation was primarily: "Oh, doesn't that look good?", "Mmmmm", "Oh my goodness, this is delicious!", and "I could eat this every day", and "These spring rolls are so much better than the last place."
Not the stuff of novels, but our tongues and tummies were too happy to be eloquent.

After our dinner we noticed a huge ocean mural painted in an obscure place next to the parking lot. It was a real surprise to find something so like that in this hidden nook. After we enjoyed the painting we ran some errands. Even errands are fun when the experience is shared with a friend.

After I got home I discovered that Treasure now has 7 eggs in her nest box. My pacific parrotlet named Gloria has one egg in her's. Ah, just what I prayed for.

Joy is easy for me when I am in community (as it was meant to be).
Joy is a challenge when I am isolated or faced with questions I have no answer to.

I am grateful for yesterday with it's many blessings.
I am grateful I have managed to find the nicest people in the world as friends.
I am grateful for Thai restaurants.
I am grateful for new parrot eggs.
I am grateful for easy joy.
I am grateful for joy that comes with decided effort also.

GratefulJoy

Hot, sticky, blind, and grateful

In this photo we see my friend Joanne watching TV while Daffy sits on her shoulder. I took the picture several years back, but I like looking at it still. Reminds me of happy stuff.

Today it is hot in my apartment. The building is designed in a way that lets the temperature get about 15 degrees hotter in my place than outside. If it is 87 outside then it is nearly 100 inside. Sweltering.

Much of the afternoon was spent in bed with the window A.C. on. My eyes are not focusing today so I am not up to doing anything requiring good vision. It's not an eye issue, it's a neurological issue that flares up when my immune system is stressed. I learn to compensate and realize it will be alright soon enough.

I am grateful right now because (I had let my prescription drug insurance lapse and I thought I was in a pickle since I am out of some necessary things....but,) I made a phone call (hour long hold time) which gave me the fantastic news that I am still covered for August. Now I need only to figure out how to pick up these things while my car is down. My pharmacy is about a 10 minute drive from here. It will work out.

I am grateful for my bedroom and the Air Conditioner there.
I am grateful I have experience that lets me know I will see better tomorrow or the next day.
I am grateful I have prescription drug insurance for the month.
I am grateful I have a good doctor and medications that make my life bearable.
I am grateful I have friends that love me.
I am grateful for creative ideas and adventures.
I am grateful I am still learning how to be a better ME even at middle age.

GratefulJoy

House arrest, but not for long

This photo shows Isabella, Philippine Blue Nape Parrot, playing with a tupperware toy. The funny thing about owning parrots is that you must give them something to do. It's like having a toddler or preschooler forever.

Today:
My car is still out of service and in my parking spot. I suppose that is the most ideal place for a stalled car to sit....unless one's car breaks down while driving onto an auto mechanic's lot.

The good news is that my new Premium AAA auto club membership will kick in next week and I will have a free tow to a well recommended mechanic. My current "standard" AAA covered only 7 miles of towing, while premium covers up to 100 miles of towing. The mechanic I need is 13.6 miles from my place. The upgrade makes sense for a mere $20 per year. If AAA knew how I touted the praises of their auto club I think they would give me some sort of commission. Did you know members get discounts all over the place that are in no way auto related? Plus, free maps and directions!
Membership covers you no matter in who's car you sit. It's golden.

Well I need to wait until next week for this upgraded towing because I cannot afford the non AAA tow and there is a 7 day wait for it to kick in. That's OK because I will not die in a week without a car. I have bread and cheese and oatmeal and veggies and plenty of bird food for now. I have no fresh fruit, which I will miss and so will the birds during the week. Though I wouldn't deem it impossible for me to get to a grocery store without my car in the next few days.

What I am grateful for right now is that I have a plan. That plan is to go to a specific mechanic and let them fix the car. That sounds absurdly simple, how is that a plan? It's a "plan" for me because I was trying to find a way to fix it myself and get the part online at a discount. That idea would have been cheaper but I take the risk of making errors or finding the task too big for my britches.
I feels great to have made this wise choice.
God will even provide a way to pay the bill.

In a couple of days a friend of mine is taking me out for Thai food at a restaurant I have not yet tried. I will get out of the house then and eat something scrumptious all while visiting with a wonderful person. All good!

Treasure and Berry have not destroyed any more of their eggs. Good.
Not sure the eggs with nail polish will develop right, but I am praying.

Gloria has not yet laid any eggs but she and Wally are nesting in their box a lot. I expect eggs from them soon. They had two baby boys a couple of years ago but none else. I am excited for the tiny Kermit the frog birdies to come (keeping faith here).

My neighbors who were borrowing my car have a new car now and don't need mine anymore. Good thing too. The sad news for me is that their garage is busy holding their new car and no longer a possiblity for me. I suppose I will figure out something to remedy my storage rental situation before long...have too...can't afford the thing.

One of my baby bird buyers is diappointed in me because I have not sent him his bird's DNA gender certificate yet. It's been over 10 months and he believes I am slacking on the job. Truthfully, I just don't know where I put the thing. I know the bird is a boy because I logged it on my computer when I got the test results. The certificate proof is somewhere in the debris of my life. I hate disappointing anyone. I am not malicious and I don't do it on purpose. I simply am not all here. If I were able to be punctual and neat and efficient then I would be employed and not living in this rental in Lemon Grove. I do need prayer, however, because I want to give what I owe to this man and also other people who have waited a couple of years already for beaded jewelry which I have not completed.

My challenge is myself. That fine balance between being good to my body and mind and also meeting all obligations. If you knew me well you would know that as a perfectionist this is very hard.

A friend quoted me a verse the other day that said:
"Perfect is the enemy of Good."

Perfect is a myth (unless you are God) anyhow. I've wasted a lot of good energy on things I never completed because I saw I could not make them perfect. Right now I am turning a new page on my life. From now on it's "this is good enough."
That sounds absurd to me...I am not the "good enough" type, but, I need to learn.

I am grateful for AAA auto club.
I am grateful for a chosen mechanic.
I am grateful I have food in my house.
I am grateful I have a friend who will get me out on Thursday.
I am grateful for Treasure and Berry and their five eggs.
I am grateful Daffy met the neighbors little girl today.
I am grateful I am learning new skills (such as moderation).
I am grateful for the provision of God.
I am grateful we are all unique and wonderfully made.

GratefulJoy

Joy found me today

This photo shows one of my Pacific Parrotlet babies (a few years ago) at about three weeks old. He is just learning to perch on a finger and is really wobbly. Obviously not ready to fly yet.

Still stranded in Lemon Grove, but it wasn't a bad day.
I walked half a mile to Taco Bell for a $2 dinner and then home again.
I visited a local music shop and got a free violin lesson, very cool. Always wanted to play the violin; I am now one lesson into violinism. Not sure if there will ever be a second violin lesson. I'm not a prodigy.

Did I mention I saw a Coyote outside my front door early this week? That's a first here. To me that is just below seeing a bear or mountain lion. Makes me feel alive.

Treasure has five eggs as of this evening. Keep praying for the eggies so they don't get scrambled.

I had a lot of joy today. Just the gift of joy...nothing special happened, I just had joy. God's gift to me. Thanks God!

I am grateful for today.
I am grateful for my one violin lesson.
I am grateful Gloria (parrotlet) is going to make eggs soon.
I am grateful Treasure has five eggs.
I am grateful I was able to walk a mile today.
I am grateful dinner was only two dollars.
I am grateful I got outside.
I am grateful joy found me.
I am grateful for continued hope that I will figure out a way to fix my car.
I am grateful for the faith that God will provide me a nice new car when the time is right for that as well.

GratefulJoy

Still stranded in Lemon Grove, but grateful

This picture shows my Pacific Parrotlet named Gloria as she destroys my table cloth. Right now Gloria and her sweetie Wally are about to lay eggs...Gloria is "with egg", egg-nant...

I am grateful that after more than two years of no eggs or babies Gloria and Wally are ready to try again. The parrotlets are not financially valuable, but they are absolutely marvelous little birds to raise. They look like little Kermit the frogs.

I am grateful Treasure hasn't totally destroyed her four eggs. I'm not sure how much hope to hold for the two eggs I have repaired with nail polish, but I suppose anything is possible, eh?

My Mazda is still marooned in my parking spot. This is frustrating because I hate feeling trapped. Even if I don't want to go somewhere...I like to know that I could if I wanted to. And, I just spent money on the car! Another opportunity for God to show Himself as my provider I suppose. That's hard for a do-it-myself type like me.

At this moment I am grateful I have eggs and more eggs on the way (not chicken eggs).
I am grateful for my Joyful friend and the many blessings that come with that friendship.
I am grateful for angel hair pasta.
I am grateful I found my kitchen sink and did some of my dishes.
I am grateful for the hope I have that I will get my car running again.
I am grateful God has a new car for me, even if I have absolutely no idea how that will happen.

GratefulJoy

Rowdy in the nest box

This is a picture of my four Painted Conure babies from 2006. Daffy watches in the background.

Treasure and Berry - my pair of Painted Conures who have produced babies in the past - have four eggs in their nest box and will soon have five. These little eggs need a load of prayer just to survive egg-hood...I've already put finger nail polish on two of the eggs because they are damaged.

Tonight I heard a racket coming from Treasure and Berry's nest box and I took a peek inside. The two of them were running circles in there and had buried their four eggs with pine shavings so that I had to rummage around to find them. Had I not intervened, I doubt the birds would have been able to find the eggs after their romp. Or, all of the eggs would have been smashed.

I am glad I was able to calm the birds down and settle them on top of the eggs again. This is a predicament though. Remember, I found all of Treasure and Berry's babies dead last year after hatching...a grim discover which I pray never happens again.

On another note, I had planned to do something about my broken car today. Unfortunately, I am not sure what "something" would be. So instead I called AAA auto club to see if my new membership card will soon arrive. It felt as if I were doing something anyway.

Perhaps while I sleep tonight I will have an inspired dream that will show me the path to follow for automobile health? Other people have dreams with significance, I believe I could have dreams that mean something too. So far I don't have that gift of dreams I hear of.

Right now I am grateful the birds are all asleep with full tummies.
I am grateful for the shower I am about to take.
I am grateful for the hope I have that my car glitch will be fixable without major expense.

GratefulJoy

Things that ARE

My neighbor took this photo of a rose which was on his potted rose bush. Very pretty!

I am tired and it is very early in the morning, though I want to take time to express my gratitude for small accomplishments tonight (Monday night).
I bought and installed a new door bell.
I bought a quart of oil for my car and put it in the car already.
I found a new nightie for $3 (all cotton).
I loaned my car to neighbors so they could go to the store.
I had a nice chat with another neighbor.
I gave a bit of attention to each of my birds, particularly Dooby.
I had dinner.
I filled my car with gasoline.
I located my car fire extinguisher (always be prepared).

While many other things go undone, I want to be glad for the things that ARE more so than the things that ARE NOT.

GratefulJoy

A day of restoration

This photo is of my Plumhead Parrot named Houdini.
He came to me with a funky right eye and a birth defect that left him with only one half of his tail. Houdini is lopsided, but loved.

Sunday was a day of restoration for me.
I made it to the bird club picnic - even though I got there after the food was already gone - and was able to donate some nice stuff to the raffle table and play some games. Saw some friends there I hadn't seen for a while. Brought Zoey with me on her bird harness....only bird there on a leash. One couple said she was a lot like a small terrier.

After the picnic I was happy. I had given some nice things away that clears some of my space and blesses someone else. Good fellowship and some laughter. And, Zoey was very well behaved considering she hasn't been socialized all that much.

Next Zoey and I drove to my friends' place and made an emergency water stop on the way. My car A.C. is broken and Zoey was panting from the heat. After waking my Joyful friend from her nap to borrow her kitchen sink, Zoey and I made our way to Alin and Wendy's place where I kidnapped Wendy for a little adventure.

This was the weekend of the U.S. Sand Castle Competition at Imperial Beach. I've never seen it. We drove south to the beach...but the tide had taken away all of the sand sculptures a couple hours before. Aw, well, we got to walk in the sand along the beach anyway. It was Zoey's first visit to the beach.

Traffic was horrible on the way out of the beach so we decided to wait it out at a little Thai restaurant. I thought we would order out since I had a bird with me...but the restaurant said Zoey would be OK inside. We had my favorites: Chicken Satay and Tom Ka Soup. Wendy and I feasted while Zoey rested cuddled under my chin the whole time, she was exhausted.

Perfect timing for traffic. We sailed our way home without any traffic congestion. The evening was an impromptu 3 hour vacation. I am very grateful for my friend and the refreshing time we shared.

Today I was tired but happy. A little bit of blessings carries me a long way.
I am grateful I have friends.
I am grateful I have birds.
I am grateful I live near the Ocean.
I am grateful for refreshment of my soul.

GratefulJoy

Wipe Out...

Today's photo shows two female Plum Head Parakeets and a male Cockatiel having a shower in my bathroom. Waldo has since gone to live with neighbors, since I was allergic to him, and the two Plum Heads, Jelly and Baby Girl, are still here with me. I hear my birds mention Waldo nearly every day still.

The last couple of days I have been wiped out.
I don't mean just tired....I mean run-over, deflated, brain-dead, hard to breath because the gravity is too heavy sort of tired. Very frustrating, very frustrating indeed.

It really isn't that much comfort when friends tell me not to feel badly about my lack of productivity because this is beyond my control. You see, I still need to live life. Life includes bills and meals and baths and deadlines and postage stamps and all the rest of it. It isn't going to happen FOR me, I need to get my own stuff done. On days such as yesterday and today I neither bathed nor brushed my teeth.
Gross!!!!

Last night A bright ray of sunshine showed up at my door in the evening with tacos. An unexpected visit from my Joyful friend, and not a moment too soon. My house was too messy to find chairs and a table, so we picniced (had a picnic) on my bed. Afterward we played with Zoey bird a bit. We smiled and chatted. It was a gift to me from God.

Today didn't hold such a gift and I still need to make something to eat for the potluck thing tomorrow. And it would be good for everyone if I showered too.
I need God above to help me down here. I admit that I am powerless and need a "greater power" to fix this life of mine. Actually I've been saying that for a long while...so, where is God? I know He is with me but I don't see all that I need around me or in me (energy, clarity, stuff like that).

I was thinking about Joy as I lay in bed this afternoon. How do I get to joy when I am having a really terrible, very bad, no-good day?

I will be grateful right now, even if today was a wipe-out and tomorrow is hanging by a thread.

I am grateful for the surprise visit from my Joyful friend.
I am grateful Treasure has two eggs in the nest box.
I am a little sad that Picasso and Missie's eggs are all duds...
but, I love these two birds just the same and I am grateful to have them.
I am grateful I had grapes in my fridge today.
I am grateful I had crackers and cheese to eat tonight.
I am grateful I somehow manage to feed and water my birds no matter how awful I feel.

Hey, you two fans out there, if you think of me, would you please say a prayer that I perk up? I need some supernatural intervention to get this life rolling again.

GratefulJoy

Introspective turn of thought

This is a picture of an Albino budgie (parakeet) which I raised and sold many years ago. I took the photo using a digital camera with no view finder or gauges...resulting in not a terrific photo...but, that camera only cost $30.

How did I get interested in birds? That question comes up a lot.
I've always been fascinated by animals. As a child I would fantasise about turning my bedroom (not really "my" bedroom with 11 siblings) into a jungle complete with dirt, trees and monkeys. However ridiculously impractical that idea was, it was the mind of a child going beyond the possible as only a child's mind can go.

Forty years later I am a little shocked that my childhood dream has taken shape somewhat in the form of a bird room in my apartment. Birds are exceedingly messy. I think that if I watered my carpet a complete garden would bloom.

It started with Budgies. I had a roommate many years back who had a budgie parakeet named "Baby". Baby was so funny! He was obsessed with bells. He loved to ring bells, throw bells, cuddle with bells, sleep with bells. And he talked a lot, which surprised me since I thought only the big parrots talk.
I thank/curse my roommate Amy for introducing me to pet birds. Eventually she and I both wound up with more than just one.


My first bird was my Meyers parrot named Dooby.
Every night I tell him he is my "big bird" and that I love him.
Once I was hooked on hookbills, I wanted to try to raise them.
So I bred Budgies, not too hard to do, to learn how it works.

The babies were like Tribbles (Trekkies out there?), warm fuzzy things that sit in your hand and give that warm happy feeling. Down-side of budgies is they are not worth what they cost to raise. So, although I loved the budgies, I was losing money. There was also the fact that they shed feathers a lot and I am slightly allergic to them.

The budgies ended up in other homes and I moved on to other small parrots. Almost all of my birds are happy accidents that just landed (pun) in my lap. I either won them in raffles or they were given to me.

Contrary to what it looks like from my photos, I produce very few baby birds. None at all last year and only 4 the year before. It's not a profitable venture.
First my birds are pets, and, if they happen to make a baby now and then it is a bonus.

I am full-up on birds now. There is no room in my space or my day to take care of and fully nurture any new birds (except the future babies, if any).
Relative to other "bird people" I have few birds. Perhaps if I were more energetic or owned a home it would be different? Don't know.

One blessing the birds offer me is companionship. They talk to me and are surprisingly good at letting their wants and needs be known. They fill a void where children should be at this phase in my life. I would rather have human children, but God knows best.

I suppose from this blog and some other angles it looks like birds are my all-consuming passion. Actually, I think of myself as more of an artist since that is my college background and natural aptitude. But even before that I feel I am a child of God. As such I wear many hats: missionary, counselor, helper, giver, and whatever else God tosses in my path to take up.

Right now I am thankful that I am a child of God, safe in His care.
I am grateful for many experiences in life that teach me and enrich my soul.
I am grateful for the creativity that wells up inside me and spills over whether I want it to or not.
I am grateful that God is pleased with me no matter how scattered or diverse my life may be.
I am grateful.

GratefulJoy

Win-Win car sharing

Here is a photo of my bird Dooby enjoying the big new play perch I won at the bird club on Monday. Right now Dooby is on that perch again...except he is shouting at me to come and pick him up, or give him treats...I don't know which.

I am sharing my old car right now with some new neighbors who are without. Their truck died and they are two working parents.

It isn't much of a sacrifice for me to share my old Mazda with them since I don't drive much and the car is 17 years old (and looks it). It is a blessing when I can give. I was born to give. I wish I had more to give.

It turns out that my neighbors don't use all of their garage right now, so they may be blessing me in return by letting put my storage temporarily in that garage. I am currently renting a storage unit I can in no way afford. So, this share/trade thing will be a win-win.

I am grateful for my old car.
I am grateful for the future use of a garage for storage.
I am grateful for many other blessings which my brain just cannot
articulate right now.

GratefulJoy

An evening fit for a bird-nerd

Here we see Shasta and Franchesco enjoying a refreshing shower on a hot summer day.

Tonight I had a bird club meeting and it was particularly informative. We had a guest speaker from out of state that has expertise in animal behavior...and human behavior. I learned that I am a bit impatient with my parrots. I learned that I need to enrich my bird environment and activity options. I learned loads of other things as well...

After the speaker we had our usual pot-luck and raffle table. In addition to a meal I did not slave over, I was blessed with some spectacular raffle table prizes. I won the online workshop that our guest speaker does each year for parrot owners. Since there is a 2 year waiting list for this workshop I think I really scored! I also won a new table top manzanita birdie play gym. This play gym is far nicer than the older one I have which is missing some key elements now that many beaks have had at it.

When it is daylight I will try to take a photo of my new improved play gym.

I am grateful for the blessings of today.
I am grateful for solid parrot information.
I am grateful for the evening meal.
I am grateful for the swanky prizes I won in the raffle.
I am grateful for the good fellowship with other bird-nerds.

GratefulJoy

Today came and went

Marty became very good at playing on a bird gym...and he loved his toys.

Today I was sad that I missed the parade (which I was supposed to be in with a bird). In fact, I have not seen a human face all day (except for television). I have found that having joy does not mean that I will not feel sad.

In the evening I watched TV and played with beads (which means I was experimenting with colors and stitches for the beaded jewelry that I make).

The day came and it went even faster.
I choose to be grateful that I lived today.

I am grateful my birds are all healthy.
I am grateful for cold drinks.
I am grateful for things hoped for.

GratefulJoy

Missing the parade

This is baby Marty a few days after his first attempt at the play gym. He still needed the occasional rescue, but he was getting the hang of it.

I am supposed to take a bird to Pine Valley at 7 am to be part of a parade there. I can tell already that it isn't going to happen (my attendance, parade will go on). While I know in my head that I shouldn't feel bad about needing to rest...I still am quite disappointed with myself. After all, I still need to LIVE. Missing fun events has the effect of leaving me feel old and outside of life.

This is when I need gratitude the most, and it is the most difficult to find.

Here I go:
I am grateful...
I am grateful...
I am grateful for a cool breeze today. San Diego had some of the finest weather in the country this past week. For this I am indeed grateful.

I am grateful my friend is back from a seminar thing in Illinois. I missed her.

I am grateful for my printer (all-in-one). The days of running to get a Xerox copy somewhere are gone.

I am grateful for digital photography. I can take photos to my heart's content and it doesn't cost me a dime, so long as I send and store them on computer/online. Film and negatives and printing are very different these days.

I am grateful I did not overdraw my checking account this month. It was a close one.

I am grateful I have good credit.

There! I really am grateful for these things.
Am I more joyful now?
Maybe a little bit.

I am grateful to my God for unending love. I can live with pain, I can live with struggle....but I cannot live without love. Fortunately God showers me with love abundantly.

GratefulJoy

Grateful for things hoped for

This picture shows Marty's first attempt with a play gym. It took him a few more weeks before he figured it out.

A friend of mine called to ask for prayer today. I love to pray with friends over the phone. It's one of my "callings."

Picasso and Missie have six eggs in their nest box, though I'm doubtful any of them are fertile. Perhaps the newer ones could be and it just doesn't show up yet when I examine the eggs. Please say a prayer for Picasso and Missie to figure it all out. There is no evening course for birdie sex-ed at the community college.

Treasure is getting poofy, which makes me think she might lay eggs. Last year She and Berry killed their babies in the nest box (which was shocking) so they also need much prayer. In the animal kingdom there are many things that seem shocking when looking through human eyes. It could well be that Treasure and Berry knew that something wasn't right with the babies and did what they are programed to do. I pray for wisdom for myself to give them everything they need to be comfortable here and continue with healthy well nurtured babies.

I am grateful for my friend known as "Joyful" and the blessed phone conversation we had together yesterday. She is like a healing balm to my soul.

I am grateful for the exceptionally cool weather this summer. My electric bills are manageable when I don't turn on the air conditioner.

I am grateful for the hope I have in God. I am trusting God to get me through some difficult things physically, financially, and emotionally.

I am grateful that my life is not valued by my resume' but rather, my heart.

GratefulJoy

Recovering from laundry

Here is a photo of Amazon Parrots Shasta and Franchesco with their baby boy named Marty. Marty loved to hang out the nest box door and watch Mom and Dad, he thought everything was great and funny. Marty (poking out of the wooden box hole) was about 11 weeks old in this picture. Baby birds grow really fast but still need a lot of parental attention for a long time after they are fully grown. Marty was born in 2008. I want more Marty-ish baby birds.

Today I was grateful I didn't have big plans for my day. I needed to rest my back from last night's major laundry duty, takes a whole 24 hours for me to recover. I am feeling much better right now and hope that tomorrow I will be able to actually accomplish something.

Last night I found the cutest 2 minute video of a Senegal parrot doing about 20 tricks. So impressive! Now I want to teach some of my birds to do those same things. I wonder if I have the patience to do this? I wonder if my birds are up to it? I tried today to get my Meyers named Scooby-Dooby to do a somersault....he wasn't enthused.

Here is the link if you want to check out that Senegal online:
(copy and paste to address bar)
http://www.urlesque.com/2010/07/23/20-parrot-tricks-in-2-minutes/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl7|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.urlesque.com%2F2010%2F07%2F23%2F20-parrot-tricks-in-2-minutes%2F

I just tried copying and pasting the above http link and it took me to the right place. Hope it works for you also.

I am grateful for clean sheets.
I am grateful for smart birds.
I am grateful for new friends.
I am grateful I found a new check book ledger at home.

GratefulJoy