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Some people believe that the first bird that you see (or notice) in the new year tells you what kind of year you are going to have. Most likely one bird won't be enough to encompass the whole year's energy (you contain multitudes!) but it's still fun; and for me is a fun touch point to come back to as I move through the year.
This chickadee is not the first bird I saw this year - I actually haven't seen a chickadee yet this year, although I did see quite a few at the end of December, but it's my favorite bird so I wanted to start the year off with a chickadee illustration.
If a chickadee was the first bird you saw this year, it may portend a year of resourcefulness, bravery, and friendships. (Also cuteness. Maybe not an official part of chickadee symbolism, but come on...the cuteness of these little friends is off the charts.)
What are some other bird messengers for the new year?
Crows - Intelligence and mystery
Cardinals - Long been associated with messages from departed loved ones, so perhaps a loved one will be with you throughout the year
Jays - Intelligence, communication, adaptability
Sparrows - Joy, resilience, simplicity
Owls- wisdom, mystery, and knowledge
Of course, most important is how YOU see any particular bird. We are the most important resource when it comes to what any particular thing means in our lives, so whatever meaning you feel makes sense is probably the right one for you (unless it's overly negative in which case exploring alternate symbolism might be beneficial to add some balance).
Don't want to wait around on a bird to show up to tell you about your year? Choose one! Pick a bird (or animal or plant) that symbolizes an energy or quality that you'd like to bring with you on your journey through this new year.
And as we are bombarded with messages encouraging us to “new year new me”, remember that you are awesome just the way you are. If you do have goals or things you would like to achieve or bring about in the new year, remember how and when you get there is part of the wonder and the joy.
Your pace is perfect.
Wishing you a year full of joy and meaning, peace and hope .
PS. I’d love to hear more about what animal messenger you saw or chose - let me know!
What was mine? I heard a hummingbird at the same time I saw a crow land in a nearby tree so I'll be traveling with both of them this year!
Chickadee reference photo is by Pamela Weston and used by permission via Wildlife Reference Photos.
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Photos and sketches of the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman, Montana. There was a large section of well maintained graves from the Victorian and Edwardian Era.
Photos and pen and ink sketches from my roadtrip to visit family in Montana.
Some sketches and photos from my walks this week. It's been really sunny and warm here in Seattle- so everyone is out enjoying it before the rain sets back in!
