Garden Music

“In a broader sense, the rhythms of nature, large and small - the sounds of wind and water, the sounds of birds and insects - must inevitably find their analogues in music.”

George Crumb

A garden isn't complete until it is filled with music. In daylight hours, nothing beats the effects of birdsong to heal a troubled soul. Go ahead- Turn up the volume and hit  the play button. In less than 60 seconds, stress shall fly away on gossamer wings. 

Larger, less nimble birds can't get a good foothold on feeders dancing in the wind.  Larger brutish neighbors that generally will make one attempt, then fly away embarrassed at their own clumsiness.  The agile finch are quite happy not to have to fight for the right to feed.

To these songstresses, Nyger seed is an addictive pleasure. So much so- the chorus line waiting slightly off screen- has not one vacant inch for one more bird to queue up in.

It was expensive- learning to keep feeding station full without requiring us to take out an extra mortgage. You will find the type of feeder shown, where grain-like seeds are pulled one bite at a time from the grip of tiny screen holes is the most economical way to keep these birds singing for their supper.

Writing is not much more than silent singing in a two dimensional format. One of the issues which confronts a writer as we start a project is to identify whom we are writing for. Is the scope aimed at a specific or general audienc? If we have to choose whom to please, are we writing for an editor or for ourself?  Does the genre where (if we are very lucky) our piece is produced dictate we project a crisp staccato of most non-fiction? Do we need words that lilt with country air? Must we jolt awake a reader with provocation?

Birds have it so much easier.