These images are of sweet Petunia and her three ducklings. Petunia had been on her nest for what seemed like a very long time. I tried to visit her every day and gave her food, staying with her while she finished it so that she would not have to worry about the predators. Petunia's nest was so beautiful! It was very well hidden and surrounded with a plethora of eclectic feathers - feathers she had gathered in the most precise and loving way in anticipation of her babies. And her babies are so very very precious! They are now three days old! Petunia is the most protective Mama Muscovy I have witnessed.
As I was editing and uploading my pictures to share with you and listening to my Pandora, an instrumental piece entitled "Prayer To The Four - Directions" came on. Haunting, beating, spiritual music that I had not heard before filled my office.
And then my heart. PRAYER TO THE FOUR.
Petunia.
Baby 1.
Baby 2.
Baby 3.
That makes four. And then, wanting to know the origin of "Prayer To The Four - Directions," I found this:
Prayer To The Four Directions
Chief Seattle
Great Spirit of Light, come to me out of the East with the power of the rising sun. Let there be light in my words, let there be light on my path that I walk. Let me remember always that you give the gift of a new day. And never let me be burdened with sorrow by not starting over again.
Great Spirit of Love, come to me with the power of the North. Make me courageous when the cold wind falls upon me. Give me strength and endurance for everything that is harsh, everything that hurts, everything that makes me squint. Let me move through life ready to take what comes from the north.
Great Life-Giving Spirit, I face the West, the direction of sundown. Let me remember everyday that the moment will come when my sun will go down. Never let me forget that I must fade into you. Give me a beautiful color, give me a great sky for setting, so that when it is my time to meet you, I can come with glory.
Great Spirit of Creation, send me the warm and soothing winds from the South. Comfort me and caress me when I am tired and cold. Unfold me like the gentle breezes that unfold the leaves on the trees. As you give to all the earth your warm, moving wind, give to me, so that I may grow close to you in warmth. Man did not create the web of life, he is but a strand in it. Whatever man does to the web, he does to himself.
I read that and just knew.
The music that was meant to be played was played. The prayer that was meant to be prayed was prayed.
If you would like, turn your volume up and listen ..... this is dedicated to Petunia and her babies and us all.
Love,
Kim
*edited to say that now the music is currently the last song that plays on my playlist if you would like to hear. :-)