The Decorated Tree

  No, this is not a tale about a Christmas Tree and not even one about the so called Halloween Tree or any other holiday tree.  This is about a tree decorated by Mother Nature and is most likely the prettiest of all decorated trees.  It seems that Mother Nature has talent that far outweighs anything that we, as humans, could ever imagine.  The beauty that she sprinkles in our gardens, in the woods, along the marshes and on the hillsides is beyond compare in my humble opinion. This is all for our enjoyment if we just take the time to really see things instead of passing them by.  

  Out back in one of the orange trees, something fluttering in the breeze caught my eye.  Of course, I had to investigate so off I trotted to the citrus trees.  Hung up on one of the branches was a small feather. While the feather was a very pale gray, it sort of glimmered in the sunshine. Obviously, a bird had been preening itself among the branches.  The feather had become entangled on a tiny thorn and dangled like a precious ornament.  Ahh, yes, Mother Nature was out decorating her trees!

  I looked at the feather and was tempted to snatch it from the thorn. Then I thought "Why?  Why take this delicate ornament and ruin the moment?"  My hand dropped and I just stared at the soft fluttering.  The grayness seemed to stand out more when the wind would still and then the feather would return to its brilliance with each puff of breeze.  I was almost mesmerized by a simple lost feather.  

  There is a saying "When angels are near, feathers appear."  What a happy thought!  Perhaps my guardian angel was nearby protecting me from some unseen danger or just there to ease any misguided thoughts. There is also the thought that different color feathers represent different things.  A gray feather is said to be a call to peace within.  That I understand. While in the garden, I am at peace.  It is amazing how a simple thing such as a feather can bring calmness.  I left the garden smiling, the tiny feather continued to flutter in the breeze, and Mother Nature had succeeded in her goal.