Wind-Rider

"Wind-Rider" - mixed media on aquabord, 16" x 20".  Ready to frame, or can be leaned against the wall upon a shelf.  Available on Artfinder.

People come and go so quickly here... (Thanks, Dorothy!)  This week I had an amazing house guest, whose wisdom and experience with everything "woo woo" had me astounded and pondering.  I am so grateful for the time, however brief.  She also is an exceptional role model for how to age with a sense of adventure and excitement.  She runs circles around me mentally and with her activities.  I want to be more like her!

On our last morning together, as we sat around the kitchen table sharing our life stories, a huge flock of vultures descended upon the bank of the lake behind us.  At least a dozen on the ground and another bunch perched in a tree.  Ominous, large, silent.  I've written before about these fascinating birds and their totem meanings, and today's vulture visit seemed directed toward me personally.

These wind-riders are masters at energy conservation - soaring on warm air thermals without beating their wings.  One of their messages is personal energy management.  I've been spending a whole lot of personal energy this month as I race toward my departure date for Ireland.  These big beauties are telling me to conserve a little, look for easier ways, rest a bit and harness the energy of the wind and sun (sounds like a prescription for a little beach time, perhaps?)

Vultures also mean purification and new beginnings...moving on from people and things which weigh you down or do not bring you happiness.  I've been contemplating a slight adjustment of course in recent days.  Fine tuning some goals for next year and pondering better balance and bliss.  There is nothing quite like a flock of these beasties as a resounding validation of new directions.  It comes with a caution though - to think things through and to remain silent while contemplating.  These birds are among the most patient of all creatures.  My patience pocket is generally filled with lint.  So I must cultivate my inner vulture in the coming weeks.  If you see me sitting on the rooftop, peering down ominously at passersby, it is just part of my new patience meditation practice. :)

If you want to learn more about the majestic vulture, enjoy this "Creature Feature" from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.