The nests of spring have sprung up. Invariably, I come upon a nest as I clear and trim in the yard.
Once in a while, I have inadvertently pulled down a nest along with a large branch; in the past, my younger daughter brought these to elementary school to share with her class.
Now, I place these in large glass cloches for display along with painted, speckled eggs and other natural treasures like pine cones or portions of a paper wasp nest.
I also made chocolate nests this year for a dinner party by combining brown rice krisps, mini marshmellows, and melted milk or white chocolate until completely coated.
Divide into colorful paper cupcake liners and allow to cool and harden.
Chocolate nests are perfect for nestling small jelly beans or
Belgian chocolate eggs sent across the Atlantic by dear friends.
I was able to celebrate the season with edible decor in line with nature.
You can view real nest activity and learn more about nests and birds at NestWatch.
I often enjoy watching and listening to the wide variety birds that also call NOLD home, working side-by-side as neighbors on this small acre and caring for family and home and land.
Thus, I have several birdhouses strategically placed in the yard along with a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
So, as you nest this weekend and celebrate Mother's Day, I do hope you think of nests broadly. I plan to ponder the well being of the natural world as well as humankind which made me think of this poem, sent out as good thoughts to all my dear readers:
Along with a nest of straw and a chocolate chick,
A Prayer Among Friends
John Daniel
Among other wonders of our lives, we
are alive
with one another, we walk here
in the light of this unlikely world
that isn't ours for long.
May we spend generously
the time we are given.
May we enact our responsibilities
as thoroughly as we enjoy
our pleasures. May we see with clarity,
may we seek a vision
that serves all beings, may we honor
the mystery surpassing our sight,
and may we hold in our hands
the gift of good work
and bear it forth whole, as we
were borne forth by a power we praise
to this one Earth, this homeland of all we love.
with one another, we walk here
in the light of this unlikely world
that isn't ours for long.
May we spend generously
the time we are given.
May we enact our responsibilities
as thoroughly as we enjoy
our pleasures. May we see with clarity,
may we seek a vision
that serves all beings, may we honor
the mystery surpassing our sight,
and may we hold in our hands
the gift of good work
and bear it forth whole, as we
were borne forth by a power we praise
to this one Earth, this homeland of all we love.
