A Special Day

Today , July 5th , 2025 , is an extraordinary day... not for its pomp , nor huge events , but for its elegant simplicity . Looking out my back door , I saw a tiny Song Sparrow hop halfway up my steps , then cut through the iron railings to a storage bin . The bin's lid had collected water from our significant three-day rainstorm . At first , the bird hopped on for a few genteel sips , to satisfy its thirst . Realizing perhaps that the slight angle allowed a greater depth of water along one edge , it ventured in for a quick bath , wings fluttering to spread the cleansing coolness . After flying back to the ground , to peck among the pebbles , it must have decided the new shaded "pool" was an opportunity not to be missed ! A second bath ensued ...longer and more thorough than the first . Having satisfied a need in an unexpected gift , the bird flew up into the ripening Choke Cherry tree to dry off and have a quick snack . It is the discovery of these small blessings that brings such peace : the bees in my lavender plants...the little porch garden and its gifts of herbs and tiny tomatoes...the kindness of good friends , a son's genuine caring and an adoring cat with a huge personality , sassiness and much wisdom. My life now is small , simple and brings much contentment ...and I am most thankful !