Here at The Equine Connection we have been enjoying some precious new life!
The Wild Chicken hatched another brood! This time she has brought six chicks into the world. I was able to find her nest when she was sitting on the eggs – in Chunky and Spicys’ shelter. Once her babies were chirping, she got her family walking. I love listening to the chicks chirping away and watching them follow their mother around the property. I think Mama camps out somewhere new each night. I have only found her night time safe place once – in the small hay barn. Mama hen is an excellent mother. She demonstrates how to scratch for food, and how to take shelter when needed. She is also fiercely protective. The chicks are now well over a month old and she has only lost one to a predator – I imagine a hawk. Each day we count and cheer when there are still five.
Our other source of joy is Milwaukie (named after the power tool by Christiaan), or Millie as Zabrina and I call her. She is a black kitten, and has been with us since she was eight weeks old. She is a cuddler, and does not like to be alone. Zaza and Hektor are excellent uncles. They play with her, and clean her, and keep her safe. She is so alive and curious. Her days are spent discovering the abilities of her body, and by watching everything around her. Watching her reminds me how fascinating every part of life is.
The garden too is full of new life – another zucchini, another nasturtium flower, another leaf of kale… It is a delight to make these discoveries each day!
This Spring we watched as Alfred and his mate parented their new baby great horned owl. We watched the Little One grow from a fluff ball into a majestic owl. They were often in the rafters of the covered arena, all three. An incredible sight. Alfred and I had a deal that the chickens and cats were off limits and thus not legitimate prey for him and his family. Instead, I asked him to reduce the marmot population…
To witness new life connects me with a sense of the miraculous – anything is possible. It creates an increased feeling of hope for whatever I am focused on. These feelings of awe and hope are food for my soul. What feeds your soul?