I’ll soon have good news to deliver. Yes, a new birth. And I’m Pleased as Punch about it–couldn’t be Prouder.
And no, it is not THE BLUE BAR. Heh.
Been talking about that one for long enough. This is different, and oh, so much better.
The grey turtle-dove pair I’ve called my muse-birds have clearly been inspired while I was away. They used to flutter and beg and demand wholewheat grains and basmati rice, walking into our home if we were tardy in their service. The Biswas restaurant was at their beck and call (there was a lot of cooing and calling), morning, noon, and evening–with two very biddable waiters.
I’ve returned after a month of absence to find a nest in my jasmine plant, perched precariously on the corner of my high-floor balcony.
One of the pair is always in it–from what I see during shift change at about 6 pm– dad’s on all day, and mom does the night brooding.
All told, they never leave the eggs uncovered for more than a second. They’ve lost interest in my wheatgrains. They’re tame enough they let me approach within two feet, and stare at me in that tilted-head stare, considering.
‘Hello, I know I’m in your balcony, but this is my nest and you might watch but may not touch.’
I’ve learned from their consistency–they used to show up each morning looking to be fed, never missing a day. And I’m learning from their dedication now: they never stir, not even to eat.
As I sit and pore over editing THE BLUE BAR sequel, writing proposals for new ones, and read through yet another in preparation to edit, I know one thing for sure: I’ll never be as singleminded as a brooding dove, and that IS, and MUST BE my writing goal.
The rest of the world is noise.
My lessons from my muse pair of turtle doves:
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Tune out the naysayers, the traffic, the distractions. Don’t leave, don’t give up.
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Sit on your flimsy nest, un-afraid of storms, and nosy humans.
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Create new beginnings, see them through to the end. Watch them like a parent turtle dove till they fly the nest.
This weekend and beyond, I’m going to try and apply those lessons to my writing. The modern author life is so much about talking about writing and the writing life. My goal is to reduce that noise.
What about you? Have you ever have birds nest right outside your home? What lessons have you taken from life and always carry with you?
My lit crime novel, The Blue Bar is an AMAZON FIRST READ this December–download it for free if you’re an Amazon Prime Member. It is already available for preorders. Add it to Goodreads , enter the Goodreads Giveaway, or pre-order it to make my day.
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Thank you for sharing!!.. hope all goes well with the dove family and your family!.. I have witnessed births by a number of creatures over the years… it made me realize that such wonderful things happen and for me to not have a closed mind and blind eye and miss all the wonderful things that happen in nature… 🙂
Hope your path is paved with love and happiness and until we meet again..
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
Hi Damyanti – what a wonderful lesson to be learnt from these two dedicated parents to be … great post – here’s to The Blue Bar’s success too … a happy post – cheers Hilary
How Cool!!
It is, indeed!
Hi there, your book looks exciting. As a struggling author I just wondered how you managed to get an agent. I would be grateful for any advice X
Thank you. I queried to get my agent, and it is a long process these days. Here’s a comprehensive article on writing query letters: https://www.janefriedman.com/query-letters/
Thank you so much. That’s very good of you. I will check this out. All the best. ☺
That is a beautiful story. The grey turtle-dove pair and their eggs is a beautiful thing to see. We had a pair nesting under the roof of our front porch for many years. Then a couple of years ago a raven attacked the nest and put an end to it. I heard the commotion and ran outside but I came too late. It was a tragedy and a big loss for us. The front porch has been empty ever since.
Thomas, that’s such a lovely story with a heartbreaking ending. Hopefully you’ll find another nest at your front porch again soon.
This reminds me of when a pair of wrens nested in an old shoe on a beam in my back porch. They hatched at least 2 little birds. I saw them bringing bugs to feed them for a few weeks, until one day the whole family was gone.
Such a cool memory, Audrey. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Damyanti!
That is lovely. What a wonderful gift for you, to share their family with you.
It is. I’m overjoyed.
Enjoy the little birds when they hatch. Birds seem to grow up and fly off rather fast.
Actually, yes. I hope they make it. I know the hatchlings grow quite fast, and then cannot fit in the nest, which is a flimsy structure at the moment.
Amen. That advice is good in general, not just for writing. Best time of year (in my part of the world) for doing that. Thanks for the reminder!
yes, absolutely! It must be warm in Australia?
What a wonderful insight to have. I am hoping (so much) that the birds dedication and hard work is successful. As I hope for you.
I’m hoping the same. Thanks for the blessings, Sue.
I’ve single-minded about my writing for the last year and letting a lot of things go. Time’s winged chariot thunders in my direction . . .
Yes, that’s the greatest motivator.
I loved your insight!!
Thank you!