ON THE PERFECTION OF A HUMMINGBIRD'S NEST

Prior to the Utah portion of my summer trip to the West, I visited friends Janice and Jim in their West Seattle home overlooking Elliott Bay.  There I was shown my first hummingbird nest.

The nest was tiny, about the size of an English walnut shell.  Cup shaped, it was camouflaged on the outside with bits of lichen.  It was made expandable through the use of downy-like plant material held together with spider webs. The nest was still on the branch on which it had been found.

I've always appreciated the camera's ability to take things so small as to be nearly impossible to see and to blow them up to a point where the details are discernible.  Holding this remarkable "home" in the palm of my hand was even better.  I scrutinized, admired and enjoyed this bit of perfection.  I could only wonder at spider webs as building materials!  It was at once astounding and thrilling.

As I examined the cherished treasure, I recognized the aesthetic of the hummingbird in the creation and care Janice and Jim are bringing to the building of their new home.  Both reflect order, coherence and unity, what "beautiful" looks like--and feels like.

When these needs are met, the soul feels at home in the world.  And it was so.

Comments

[M]

I just read your most recent posts and see that they go from soup (cabbage) to nuts (English walnuts), a complete feast for the reader. Lovely pictures and observations.

[Bethene LeMahieu]

Sensei and Sensibility is another way of giving myself permission to write about all manner of things--from soup to nuts! I hadn't thought of the latter, however. I appreciate your pointing it out!
Bethene