Birds of a Feather

I believe we are all born with wings. But it seems as we grow up, we forget how to use them. And so we tuck them away, often to nearly invisible as we navigate the day to day from the earth, our feet leading us step by step along our path. But, there comes a time in our life, when we heed the whispers of our souls, follow our hearts desires, live our lives guided by our passion, our creativity, our courage when we feel our wings begin to unfurl, no longer able to remain hidden, denied.

We look around and begin to notice we are not alone. There are others among us whose feathers are revealing themselves as well. We can’t help but recognize one another. Ah ha, my sister. I see you. And then without effort, almost unknowingly, not unlike an instinct, we flock together. We feel it in our bones; the unspoken security and safety in numbers.

Our wings become visible, useful, necessary as we need more than our legs to carry us. Our wings enable us to reach the highest highs of our potential, to glide on the wind that has been given to us, to come in and land steady and sure on our two feet, touching down on the earth, keeping us grounded. But only as long as we need it and then, it’s back up again in effortless soaring. Together we fly up and down, in and out, weaving our beauty through the sky in an intricate quilt of love. Of goodness. Of sisterhood.

 Share your thoughts on soaring. When all things are possible, what do you see? Have you captured images from your bird’s eye view?

 

 The amazing Kelly Rae Roberts has offered a copy of her latest book of pure inspiration Taking Flight as our giveaway today. Leave your comment her to be included.

 Congrats to Shalet of Peculiar Momma. She is the winner of lovely Friends association bracelet.

Comments

[Courtney]

I feel like I am just now reaching the point in which I am ready to spread my wings....and fly.

[Katy]

http://flickr.com/photos/29536663@N04/3121063848/

Bird's point of view..

[Kathleen O.]

A year-and-a-half as a guardian of this little fellow...am finally feeling like I'm soaring into motherhood. Not without the gracious and graceful support of my community of friends. I'm reminded of a story a dear friend of mine loved to tell about supporting one another. When geese fly together in a V-formation, they take turns doing the hard job of leading the flock...when the lead goose gets tired, it falls back to the easier position at the end of the V, where the current from the flapping wings makes it easier to fly. Another goose steps up (or flies up, I guess) to lead the flock until it grows weary...How necessary to not only be a member of a flock that supports one another, but to acknowledge it for its beauty.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3017461746/

[chris]

I need to use my wings today. I am the only thing stopping me from soaring high.

Thanks for the reminder. Exactly what I needed as the countdown to family's arrival comes to a close.

[Elizabeth Harper]

I took this photograph in Washington DC in March of this year and think it speaks perfectly to a nation of people re-energizing and taking flight.


http://www.giftsofthejourney.com/Elizabeth_Harper-Gifts_of_the_Journey/Blog/Entries/2008/11/4_The_Final_Approach.html

[Marina]

I have always known that I had wings but for some reason they like to stay tucked in close. This past year they are slowly revealing themselves. It feels wonderful!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthandskye/3116760200/

[Charlane]

what gorgeous words and sentiment! I need to remember that I have wings that will take me all the places dreams reside.

[rachelzana]

I've been so blessed to be able to fly in so many different directions at so many different times in my life.

[Hay]

For now, I'm content to watch others fly. Knowing my time will come someday.

[abbey]

Wow! That post was very touching!!!!!
I LOVE the words!! thank you!!

here is my little one... wishing she had wings to keep up with the birds!! :)
http://www.photoblog.com/abbeyh13/2008/11/29/simple-pleasures.html

[liz]

Beautiful post...so truthful. Sometimes dreams are so powerful that they remind you to fly and spread your wings. Recently my dreams have been reminding me to soar.

[Carrie]

Ah, my wings are cold and covered in snow today!

[Sherry]

We all have a desire to fly, but so much can keep us from trying our wings. Good inspiration.

[shelli]

Beautiful words.

[Kelly]

first... you are amazing... second....... i see the feathers........and i am astounded by most... thank you for reminding me.

[Tracie]

What a wonderful prize to win!

[ELK]

when I began taking my camera with me ALWAYS and grabbing random shots
I felt air born...this every day site captured on a normal morning school run:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammymom/3053132693/

[mika]

beautiful inspiring words :)

[Traci]

another awesome giveaway! :)

[CarrieJ]

I have found a sister for sure this year. Little did I know the girl across the street would become my shutterbuddy!
I had Kelly Rae's book in my cart on Overstock, and it is sold out! I would love to win one!!

[Liz//Tipping Point Photo]

What a lovely post. I have been trying to preen my feathers and spread my wings this year, so this is especially pertinent and inspirational.
I have tried to use my camera--this year and throughout my life--to empower women to see their own beauty, both on the surface and within their souls. My hope is that once they see what I see, they'll have the confidence--and in some cases, the chutzpah--to go out and take the world by storm, spread their own wings, and fly fly fly!
I hope it works.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/2723764392/in/set-72157606498798828/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/2723764260/in/set-72157606498798828/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3036818330/in/set-72157606498798828/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tippingpointphoto/3003322473/in/set-72157608679186016/

[t does wool]

lovely post,really.

[cara]

I love this post and her website. Would love to see her book.

[Elaine]

I try to use my new-found wings a little bit everyday & I'm growing in confidence and strength. Sometimes I do feel like I'm soaring. If I'm making any progress, it's because I'm taking flying lessons from some very inspirational Shutter Sisters and their friends who create art here & on their own blogs.

[Sheri]

i need to take flight, baby.

[Melissa Muirhead]

Soaring is what I intend to do in 2009. I know that what I am meant to do is to have my own business, be the best mummy I can be and to grow as an artist. However I keep getting scared and think I need the security of going back into the corporate world (which I hated before I left). So to me, to soar means to believe in what I am meant to be and be that and do what I am supposed to do while on this earth. I have been eying up Kelly Rae's book for weeks now so I was so excited to see this opportunity to participate in a giveaway.

[Wanda]

Not exactly birds, but this is what I would imagine flying free to feel like:

http://whatwouldwandado.blogspot.com/2008/12/amazing-video-and-give-away-continues.html

[Wendy]

I just added "practice soaring" to my 2009 New Year's Resolutions... Thanks for the inspiration!

[shiny]

well at this time of year it's always inspiring to dream big and create new goals. I'm actually going to a workshop next week about this very thing so thanks for the message! x

[malissa]

most days still searching for my wings. your words are beautiful.

[sandy]

Beautiful post... it is true... one has to walk before one flies. believe.

[Dale Anne]

This year was the start of trying new things for me, 2009 is the expansion of that idea and exhibiting my work in more places!!!
Would LOVE this book!!!

[Chris P]

I am hoping to find my wings again and learn to soar all over. Tough year, but I plan to use my art to bring me back to normal this year.

[paulak]

I love Kelly Rae's work and her blog - She has such a gentle soul.
I would love to have her book. She is an inspiration for us all to take flight.

[Terri Brush]

So much inspiration here! Kellys book sounds wonderful!. Pick ME!!..

[Sue G]

Wow beautiful post!! Reading your wonderful words makes me feel like it IS possible to feel my wings!!!! Look out 2009 I'm gonna FLY!!!!Thanks for your great blogs!!!

[Robin]

Lovely post, I especially love to watch the ravens and the hawks sore high above. Always reminds me of how connected all things are... and inspires me to soar toooooooooo!

[rowena]

That imagery really resonates with me. I have been painting a series called Flying Girl. Flying Girl has been on many adventures, has occasionally been lost, or tired, or confused... but she has always learned something new that took her to the next level, and she's always had the strength to get there.

[michelle andre]

I am thrilled to say that after a hell of a year, I have found my wings again. I am soaring to places I never dreamed possible...really.

If I'm not too late, I'd love to be considered for Kelly's book.

My heart soars along with this day's entry! Thanks, Tracey!

[carlanda]

What a beautiful post! I do know I have wings, and this is the year I need to unfurl them and soar! love Kelly Rae's work! thank you.

[Lisa Spiegel]

What a beautiful, thoughtful post...thank you!

[christine]

yes, I keep hearing of this book, think its a sign!

[shebaduhkitty]

stuggling to soar creativly, could use a boost. too much ice on my wings

[Alison]

Wow, you are guys are so generous giving away this book!

[whitney]

When all things are possible I remind myself to stay open and receive rather than pursue any one path. Since I've approached photography as a practice, I can remain open to images that appear in everyday life. Then the soaring comes when I find commonalities in all the surprises I captured. Art making flows when we work from our intuition and let spirit guide us.

[Jenny Messerle]

I am thankful for many things that motivate me to soar among my dreams: other people’s creations and artists who share their experiences of how they did it, their insecurities, and their hopes that pushed them to want to soar. I am also thankful for my husband who allows is my grounding rock in life and allows me to do whatever I want and is always there when I am tired of soaring among my dreams and just want to rest with him on the ground looking up at the beautiful sky of clouds and stars and hopes and wishes and possibilities. Thank you for your blog and this contest that encouraged so many to take time to write about their thoughts on soaring. Have a lovely week! Jenny messerle@hotmail.com

[WhenIGrowUpCoach]

In 2008, I continued classes for my life coach certification, started my coaching practice, got engaged, and got married. 2009 is when I get to spread my wings as a certified life coach and a wife. I'm not sure how 2009 can be better than 2008, but the possibilities seem so limitless I can't wait to find out......"Taking Flight" would be such a gift in starting 2009 out right!

[Judy]

Thank you for a wonderful giveaway.. My wings are in there somewhere.. I'm hoping they emerge once we thaw out from this winter. Kidding aside.. I see myself soaring a bit higher this year as I set out to accomplish some goals.. Time for "taking flight" .... thank you

[Cristina]

Thanks for the opportunity to win Kelly's book. It looks fabulous!

[Kat]

My soul is in the sky. ~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream