The little hutch and two hens are sitting out in the freezing weather. Lessons from nature abound in the scene like the arrival of juncos from Canada. All winter tiny visitors enjoy what to them is like a Florida vacation to us. Mild climate! Our Canadian guests are quite grateful to be here which reminds me of the power of gratitude.  

I am grateful for the cold I say and grateful for the challenge each day of living. I am grateful there is something beautiful and powerful at work in this world even if it is difficult to describe in words (as often as I try).

When we speak what we are grateful for (even if our words do not exactly correspond with our feelings) our brains see a different reality according to neuroscientists. When you blow up in your mind what you are thankful for THAT becomes your reality. If you focus on what is wrong, what makes you angry or what inspires hate or fear, THAT becomes your reality. We can choose, the scientists say.

Perhaps the universe sifting America like wheat will prove to the world once and for all that BOTH these realities exist. Not just the worldview we learned in school or the one we see on TV. And, considering the rate at which the universe dismisses my assumptions about reality, there are probable multiple realities beyond my imagination just waiting for me to explore! Hence the Copper Chronicles. Life is more than caring for hens, mothers, and myself. And surviving. Clearly there is much more!

Two hens in a tiny hutch on a cold day. What possible happiness is there to find? I stuffed the hutch with heaping amounts of warm straw this fall and happily discovered the nest is flooded with white downy feathers. Layer upon layer, as they spend more and more time inside. It’s a royal arrangement for my two beautiful hens!

I can’t take credit for this of course. But I am thankful there’s no hen rebellion, picketing and rage. No hens threatening to burn my house down because of the inhospitable environment of winter. Humanity can learn a lot from nature, mom says.  

Lesson from hens: Nature provides nice nests!