Experiencing Springtime

This spring, Colorado's weather has reminded me of an overtired toddler.

It knows it must surrender to the exhaustion at some point, but sporadic tantrums somehow help it feel alive and seen.

A few days ago, while the temperature had given way to some rest,

Gregg and I enjoyed an afternoon walk in the nearby open space.  

The creek burbled noisily as the birds called out to one another.

The crisp snap in the air was soothed by the warm sun on our skin.

We eagerly approached our "Halloween Tree", as I like to call it.

This gnarled tree, void of foliage, stands year after year, seemingly lifeless.

But something very special happens here.

It's not just that the tree has what appears to be a heart on its trunk.

It's bigger than that.

It's this fierce mama horned owl.

Every year or two, she returns to trust this old tree to protect her eggs, and then her owlets.

This tree is much more than a craggy, lifeless mass.

It is the fortress protecting helpless young as they begin their journey to become stealthy, efficient hunters.

A few years ago, Gregg and I were lucky enough to spy one of her owlets as it awoke from its afternoon snooze.  

Just look at that fluffy head!

I can't help but smile as I see this fuzzy owlet, peeking out atop a tree branded in love.

Mother Owl was through with our photo-snapping and decided it was time to depart, 

likely to find dinner for her hungry little ones.

And the life that had been so present you could feel it moments earlier settled peacefully into background music once again.

Experiencing Springtime

Love, live and create with intention,

Kristi