Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The bluebird of happiness

Trying not to feel too overwhelmed at work and not succeeding very well this morning, but I do have one load off my mind. I’ve admitted that I’m unable to find the perfect cottage in Maine to suit my husband. I think that’s what’s been nagging at me and bringing me down lately. Not that I haven’t been through much much more stress than this, but for some reason at this point in my life, it seems overwhelming.

I was just about to put a deposit on something too, but didn’t have a wonderful feeling about it, so I let it go. It was on Mount Desert Island ~ and it was close to a set of carriage roads like my husband wanted. But there was just something about it that I didn’t really like.

So enough of that for now. Something I do like is taking it easy in the backyard on a Saturday after a morning of housekeeping and gardening. And what I especially like is being able to get close enough to the bluebird box.


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Here, the female is bringing food to her babies. Bluebirds are shy. Please note that she stayed at this spot for 15 minutes scoping me out.

15 minutes.


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And then she looked like she was going to take off, but landed about 6 inches away, the little scamp.

She then proceeded to stay in this spot for another 15 minutes.


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Luckily, I had plenty of time to burn.

It’s a beautiful commodity when you work all week.

And then, she started getting all kinds of, oh I don’t know – huffy.


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And then she looked like this.


Badda Bing.


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Badda Boom.


And with a slight swish of her tail, the little sucker finally took off towards the box.


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I wasn’t fast enough. Of course.


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But then she posed for a moment for me.

: : :

I want to thank everyone who has sent personal e-mails and suggestions for vacation property along the coast of Maine. I was really surprised and touched. I’m still looking, though. But I’m taking my time about it.

It will come.

Thanks for stopping by today. Hope your day is a good one ~

123 Signature

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good things come to those who wait. You WILL find the perfect vacation spot. Husbands can be... oh, I don't know... demanding I guess you could say. Bleh.

Nancy Grossi ~ Churned In Cali ~ The Wife of a Dairyman said...

All I could say is, always trust your gut instinct. I did the same thing when looking into a vacation rental for the summer in Lake Tahoe.....the first one was beautiful but something just didn't feel right about it. I'm sure your perfect rental will come along soon:)

LivewithFlair said...

I love that little bird! My photography of birds is becoming dangerous indeed. I snapped a photo of brand new baby Northern Cardinals, and I thought the mama bird was going to peck out my eyeballs. I think keeping my distance is better: http://livewithflair.blogspot.com/2011/05/desperate-and-dependent.html

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful photos, I just love the bluebirds.

Reena said...

Sometimes it is difficult to find the right place. My husband and I spend zillion of hours sometimes planning our trips. It can be ridiculous but in the end, it usually is all worth it. Sometimes the fun is in the planning. But then, sometimes it can be a real pain, or maybe it is that I'm a real pain to him in the planning. Snort! Whatever, hoping you find that place. It'll come!
Wish I had some bluebirds in my backyard! Great photos and words!

DaisyJo said...

I love bluebird! One of my favorites. You've captured her personality so well haha

DaisyJo said...

Actually this brings to mind a story of bluebirds that I witnessed in my back yard a few years back. --Makes me love them even more. Too long for a comment I might just have to blog about it.
Thanks for jogging my memory! :)

Gone Country said...

Sorry to hear you haven't found the perfect vacation spot. Hopefully, you'll find one soon!

Love the shots of the bluebird. We have a couple of Carolina wrens that are quite shy as well and extremely cautious before entering the nest. Good thing you had some time on your hands!

A New England Life said...

Do you usually have Bluebirds? Your husband must have bought them meal worms I assume. We had them last year and had hoped they would come back to nest again, but no such luck.

Sorry to hear you can't find the right place in Maine : (

beth said...

love the bluebird shots....and here's a hug for feeling overwhelmed if you'll return the favor. i had some of that husband overwhelmingness myself this week...

xo

JaneK said...

oh goodness.... I love that angry bluebird shot.... it certainly rivals the famous one by that name... and you got one with a worm in the mouth.... those are GREAT!

ditto what someone else said... trust your gut on the vacation thing.....

GailO said...

It is early yet and I am a firm believer in serendipity...there's a place for you that is great I'm sure..

Yesterday I saw a bluebird on my back deck for the first time in the 30 some years I have lived here! It was gone by the time I got my camera but what a thrill just to have one in my yard:)

spindrift,maine said...

Way will open, Kate. Maybe your bluebird was trying to give you a view of letting yourself take all the time you need. I loved that fierce puffing out she did to get the courage to fly home. My grandson used to practice fierce faces when he was two or three--somehow she makes me think of him!

Low Tide High Style said...

I know you will find the perfect spot in Maine, so take your time. And as someone who has tried to capture the bluebirds in my own yard, I know they don't sit still for long most of the time. Your pictures are wonderful as always!

Kat :)

Caroline said...

wow...you totally amaze me with these shots...and I always love the commentary that goes with it!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting those pictures. I also love the commentry. The way in which she got all 'huffy' was fantastic! Good luck with the property hunting, and thanks for making me smile :-)

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

LOL... good shots after all! ....

You know that famous shot of the Mad little blue bird... you've come close!...

Good luck with your vaca search, I look forward to the pictures! And if you don't have a good feeling about it, best to walk away. You did good.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Take your time, the right one will come along. Your patience with that bird shows you are capable of sitting back and letting it happen - and I know it will. Best wishes.

Marcie said...

Oh..I love Mt. Desert Island and those carriage roads!! I hope you find yourself the right cottage. Gorgeous images!!!

Lili said...

Your instincts are there for a reason and I totally understand how you feel about that place. It's so hard to find vacation rentals around here, it's almost like you have to be here to find them! Can be so frustrating. Like photography I guess it's best to be patient while waiting for something to turn up, as it usually always does. You sure did capture some great shots of that bluebird. Good luck Kate! xo ~Lili

Daryl said...

I am betting she was afraid you would follow her to her nest, I am thinking she isnt the brightest bulb, and steal her babies ... OR she heard PW is going to have a contest featuring bluebirds so she wanted to be sure you had the best possible shot ... OR ....

Carolynn Anctil said...

Beautiful shots of her. That's certainly a healthy breakfast she's serving her little ones.

Good luck on your search for the 'perfect' vacation spot. Do remember that it's meant to be about relaxation.....I've a feeling that, as long as you have your camera & your guy (and maybe George?) with you, wherever you end up will be just right.

Jan's camera said...

Hi, you got a great shot at the end. So nice of her to pose. Thanks for the bluebird adventure.

Bluebird49 said...

Not only do you have great pictures and posts, Kate--your commenters arer so funny and sweet, too! That says a lot about what kind of friend and person you are, I believe--and just from the fact that you take the time to write me when I comment tells me a lot about you. You don't have to do it, yet you take the time to.

I love the "fluffed, mad bluebird" picture! She looked like she could have killed you if she could have made herself large enough!

I know you'll find the right place to vaccation. I've never had vaacation to plan. One day..one day, maybe I'll have a rich uncle I don't know about yet.

Show-Me Sooz said...

I had to laugh at the "huffy" bluebird. What a great shot!

Hilary said...

What a wonderful set of photos, Kate. So sweet of the bluebird to pose for you.

I sure hope you find the perfect place. No doubt you'll make it so.

Show-Me Sooz said...

P.S. I wonder whether you have the indigo bunting in Maryland? They are my favorite here in southwest Missouri.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Indigo_Bunting/id

mrs mediocrity said...

That is too funny. I love her huff.
I swear, they are the shyest birds, I have been trying to get pics of ours for over a week, I finally got a few decent ones by hiding in the bushes.
It's worth it though, they are so beautiful.
Thanks for the smile.

Mary said...

Omigosh Kate, how wonderful!!! I count myself very lucky to see bluebirds once in a while at the neighborhood park. To have them in your yard must be so sweet! Beautiful pics!
xoxo

Kerri Farley said...

Oh Kate - these are SUPER!

forgetmenot said...

What a cute little guy, and who wouldn't be happy with that "tasty" morsel hanging from your mouth!! Your textured pictures are lovely--such fun to "mess around" with the background. Good luck on your continued search for a place in Maine--such a lovely place to spend the summers. Mickie :)

Unknown said...

swoon.