Bluebirds symbolize happiness and inspire songs. When I hear their melancholic warble, a Portuguese word comes to mind...saudade:(so dodge ee) meaning a yearning for something that is lost, that you can't reach. Bluebirds know about loss, is that why their song is so haunting?

In 1977, Lawrence Zeleny, Bluebird champion, had an article published in Time,
"Song of Hope for the Bluebirds", spotlighting the crisis these birds were experiencing,
when extremes in weather and manmade intrusions hit them hard. Bluebirds needed nest-boxes and the trails of hope were built. Andre Dion says eloquently in his book, "The Return of the Bluebird", Let the tempest rage:its plaything rebelled; Bluebird would conquer."

Here at home in the Huachuca Mountains, Bluebirds sing and nest-boxes abound. All of us can take inspiration from these beautiful birds. We can get through life's challenges if we come together, work together and value all the beauty that surrounds us.

This is my meditation. My bluebird meditation...Walk upon the Mother, keep your hope, spirit, and courage of convictions beating in your heart. Shine your light, speak your truth.

Saving the best for last, Emily Dickinson's poem:

“Hope is the thing of feathers
that perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops — at all.

And sweetest in the Gale— is heard
And sore must be the storm,
That could abash the little Bird,

That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest sea
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.”