Owls Archives - Cathy Baker

A List of 25 Things I’m Loving Right Now

by Cathy Baker | Ideas, Writing | 0 comments

Life has been a whirlwind in recent months and I don’t see the winds dying down for awhile. So I do what I do…make lists.

I hope some of these things I’m loving right now will resonate with you and perhaps even prompt you to consider your own surroundings along with the many blessings tucked in between your days.

Spacious places. Psalm 18:19 is my go-to verse with this next move. “He brought me out into a spacious place…”
DW Home Hand-Poured Candles. Vanilla Bean, to be specific. I purchased every last one TJ Maxx carried – to the tune of 35.00+ worth. Yes, they’re that delicious.
Poetry. I love to read it …and write it.
My church. It’s a church that loves well, no matter what.
My great-grandparent’s bible. Its underlined scripture hints at the legacy they would leave behind.
Peppermint Snow. Dee Dee Parker’s Christmas novella that’s sure to be a best-seller one day!
Exchange Coffee. My local coffee shop makes the best lavender lattes, hands down.
Pride & Prejudice, A&E version with Colin Firth. And only this version. Swoon-worthy.
The original scent of Downy softener. It reminds me of my grandmother’s laundry days.
A charm bracelet with each of my grandchildren’s names forged on a separate heart. {They are my heart.}
Vintage VW vans. Because everybody has a little hippie in them!
My well-loved cookbooks.
Blogging. Absolutely. Love. It.
Soft breezes on scorching hot days. A reminder that refreshment can rise even on the driest of days.
Owls. Maybe it’s a throwback to the ’70s but I love them.
Tiny houses. {Especially as an Airbnb on our future property!}
Chickens and goats and rabbits, oh my!
Pastures & ponies. These two ‘p’s’ equal a third: Peaceful.
My bible. I’ve had it since 1991. Its pages paper-thin and lovingly marked.
White walls, chalkboards, and Mason jars decor. {Does that count for 3?}
Girl gatherings. It’s been a while since I’ve hosted one of these but once we get moved preparest thou!
Chenille blankets. Vintage chenille blankets. Soft, warm, and plush comfort. {Especially on snowy days.}
The way my grandchildren smile when we first see them. {Be still my heart.}
Music. The gift of music meanders its way through the soul like nothing else.
Rainy days when I don’t have to be anywhere. Showers falling, coffee in hand, and a good book. {Exhale.}

Do any of the above items trigger your own love-fest? I’d love to read 25 things you love, so if you decide to do the same on your blog please let me know. Even if you decide not to publicly share your list, I encourage you to make it anyway.

It will do the soul good. Very good.

Did I happen to mention the cupcakes at Exchange Coffee? Okay, that makes 26.

The Fragrance of Love: Poetry, Mary Oliver, and Owls

by Cathy Baker | Faith | 6 comments

by Cathy Baker

I LOVE poetry, Mary Oliver, and yes, owls.

So imagine my delight when all three loves were realized in one particular poem.

Whether you’re a lover of poetry or not, I encourage you to read Mary Oliver’s poem slowly. Simply find one line that you enjoy, one description that makes you smile.

Little Owl Who Lives in the Orchards

by Mary Oliver

His beak could open a bottle,

and his eyes—when he lifts their soft lids—

go on reading something

just beyond your shoulder—

Blake, maybe,

or the Book of Revelation.

Never mind that he eats only

the black-smocked crickets,

and dragonflies if they happen

to be out late over the ponds, and of course

the occasional festal mouse.

Never mind that he is only a memo

from the offices of fear—

it’s not size but surge that tells us

when we’re in touch with something real,

and when I hear him in the orchard

fluttering

down the little aluminum

ladder of his scream—

when I see his wings open, like two black ferns,

a flurry of palpitations

as cold as sleet

rackets across the marshlands

of my heart,

like a wild spring day.

Somewhere in the universe,

in the gallery of important things,

the babyish owl, ruffled and rakish,

sits on its pedestal.

Dear, dark dapple of plush!

A message, reads the label,

from the mysterious conglomerate:

Oblivion and Co.

The hooked head stares

from its blouse of dark, feathery lace.

It could be a valentine.

In tomorrow’s post, I’m sharing an opportunity to win a little something that might help you in making your own notes of observation for poetry, prose, and life.

But for now, I’d love to know the word or line that resonated with you most today!