one with the birds.

"like so many robins, like so many hawks, like so many lovebirds, like so many stalks.  a little swallow will tell you, without using heart wrentching, misleading words.  when we are inhuman, we are one with the birds."

there isnt a whole lot else that i wanted to post today other than i am thinking about everyone that i miss and love back home these days...a lot.  i think i owe it to the time of year and how different it feels to be in another place but not be sharing the space that feels full of holiday cheer, overeating for no good reason and presents galore.  none of that will be happening here and im not entirely sad about it, but still there is that something.  i cant put my finger on it at this moment, but know that if i have cared to keep up with you at all since i have been here, i am and have been thinking about you in the last few weeks and will keep thinking about you and missing you for the next month or so. 

have i bothered to mention the hawks on this island?  never in my life have i seen so many birds overhead or gotten to know them as intimately as i do these birds now.  their japanese name calls them black something-or-others, but they are brown hawks and they dominate the sky here.  walking down by the harbor last week i stopped to count them quickly (just the ones that were in the harbor area mind you) and i quickly was at 25 before i could take another breath.  their shrill little screams are becoming something that i look forward to hearing their calls with great anticipation on my walks to school as they do a great job of blending into the buildings that they perch on when the sky is grey and with their little screetches i can find them easily.  its almost as if they are announcing themselves and letting the other birds and me know that "this is my spot, dont even think about coming over here".  i have watched families of hawks teaching their young to fly, hunt and swirl through the skies.  i have watched them dip, dive and soar through the naru skies and spent long thoughtful moments watching them brace themselves and lean into the wind with focus and strength.  it is truly amazing to get as close to these creatures as you can here.  one day when i am far from here and i hear the cry of a hawk, i will be transported back to this place and this time.  their presence here is adding to the richness of this experience and i feel so priviledged to be observing their lives.  i am convinced it is my karmic return for all of the people who are observing my life here. 

happy days everyone.  lots of love to each of you. 
mata ai masho