Rain has fallen the last few days at the rabbit patch-and everywhere around it. The sidewalks end a long ways from the rabbit patch and the yard is muddy. The floors in the old farmhouse are too. I am about convinced that I have swept up a good acre of rabbit patch soil in the decade I have lived here.
Cash is most uncivilized on these occasions and carries on til he is thoroughly soiled. Christopher Robin looks on with a superior attitude and takes great satisfaction at being a cat, when it rains on the rabbit patch.
Kyle gets off work early when it rains, as he is a landscaper. Christian plays his guitar or writes music. Lamps light up nooks and corners of the old house making it cozy and bright- and supper is served early -when it rains. It is no wonder that I love rain and that I do not feel gloomy as some are inclined to do.
Today, before the the rain started falling, I had an errand that required a walk across campus. There are several young magnolias that line the sidewalk. Magnolias are just pretty evergreens with thick waxy leaves in September-but a mockingbird sang in one of them today, and that made all the difference. It was as if he saw me coming and sat silently waiting for just the right moment to break in to his songs. He sang pure and sweet-so I stopped to listen. He mocked several birds and I forgot I was in a hurry, because of it. I could not see him, though I looked. He stopped rather abruptly, so I took a step away and he began a cheerful encore. I stopped and turned toward the tree. I listened to his early morning melody. It was obvious to me that he was bragging a bit but, I didn’t blame him. He sang because he could. He was doing what he was meant to do and on this Tuesday, I was glad he did.
When I remembered my mission, I thanked him and then hastened my steps towards the office. I reckon that coming across a mockingbird in a magnolia is a good thing. I began to think about how mockingbirds acquire their remarkable ability to imitate the songs of other birds. They must first listen-and listen well. It is a good practice, I thought and I ought to remember the lesson from the mockingbird on a Tuesday morning.
Rain started falling on my way back to the rabbit patch. It is falling now, still and it is way past supper. It is the original “water music” and listening to it is the best thing I know of for a restful sleep.
I will say goodnight to the world from the porch tonight. I will be glad for things like an early supper, little shining lights and a mockingbird singing in a young magnolia on a Tuesday morning-and the chance to sleep while rain is falling.
I love your story but the mockingbirds that dwell at our house are possessed! Their favorite past time is darting at our heads when we leave our house.
I don’t send a comment every day, but I truly try to keep up with your writings…..they are amazingly comforting to the soul and clear my mind of needless things.
I’ve never even been to your Rabbit Patch, but your words are such that I can picture lamps in the corners and a supper on the table. The old farmhouse sounds like a dream. Reminds me of the house my grandparents used to live in in Iowa. The same one my mom was born in. Thanks for rekindling such great memories for me.
I don’t think we get mocking birds here, but your post was lovely and makes me appreciate the things that we can enjoy. We get a lot of pigeons and I’m not a fan, but my daughter makes a pigeon noise back at them when she hears it. The simple pleasures in life, as demonstrated by a two year old!
A lesson in mindfulness from a mockingbird…. Perfect.
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you are right-it was perfect for me. Thank you Bernadette!
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I love mockingbirds!
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I love your story but the mockingbirds that dwell at our house are possessed! Their favorite past time is darting at our heads when we leave our house.
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oh my! I wouldn’t like that-glad mine was friendly. Thank you for reading and commenting too-even though it may have been a sore subject!
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I enjoyed your outlook on things. You take the time to notice and appreciate the small things. Thank you
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Thank you-I really try to make it a habit-but that mockingbird sure did show me where to look yesterday!
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Every kind of weather has its beauty, doesn’t it? You have described the stillness that rain can bring perfectly.
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thank you-you are right that there is beauty in all things of nature.
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I love falling asleep while listening to the rain too!
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it is the most soothing lullaby-thank you!
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I don’t send a comment every day, but I truly try to keep up with your writings…..they are amazingly comforting to the soul and clear my mind of needless things.
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thank you-I am so happy to hear from you-If my writing does yu any good , then I am so happy!
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I’ve never even been to your Rabbit Patch, but your words are such that I can picture lamps in the corners and a supper on the table. The old farmhouse sounds like a dream. Reminds me of the house my grandparents used to live in in Iowa. The same one my mom was born in. Thanks for rekindling such great memories for me.
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Your words soothe the soul x
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music to my ears! thank you!
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I don’t think we get mocking birds here, but your post was lovely and makes me appreciate the things that we can enjoy. We get a lot of pigeons and I’m not a fan, but my daughter makes a pigeon noise back at them when she hears it. The simple pleasures in life, as demonstrated by a two year old!
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thank you! So sweet that your daughter talks to birds!
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She also does a very good chicken impression which has me in stitches every time. I’m not sure the birds reply but it is rather entertaining.
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how clever! I bet it is too cute!
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It is, she’s bonkers (in the best possible way!)
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