Flashes of Iridescence

Hi, everyone!

I hope you enjoy reading about a few things that stood out to me this month.

• The bluebirds have begun returning in force to my backyard. One pair moved back into the box outside my office window. I love spotting their "flash of iridescence" (Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Serviceberry, page 1). Their vivid colors bring on the spring vibes of renewal and rebirth. This month I traveled to Maryland to visit my brother and his family. Outside their main picture window was a tree where a male and female bluebird perched each day. I imagined the pair of birds from my own yard had sent word through the bird chain to this Maryland pair, asking them to show up and reveal themselves, reminding me of my intimate connection with the natural world.

• While I was in Maryland, we all went to the roller-skating rink. I don't think I've put on roller skates since I was in middle school. Honestly, I wasn't good at it then, and I can confirm that I still am not! What was thrilling and generally effortless for my niece took a bit more concentrated effort from the grown-ups. But my niece's ear-to-ear smile captured the power of play. We all felt accomplished, satisfied, and refreshed afterward. Adding in some childlike fun, letting our guards down for a bit, allowing happiness to take hold . . . so worth it. So needed. So contagious! (See my essay, "The Power of Play.")

• I think most of my life I've believed if we do good, we'll receive good in return. Unfortunately it doesn't always work out to an even exchange. We're often the recipients of other people's disregard, like the unkindness shown toward me by the driver of this pickup truck who parked me in at the airport. Thank goodness I'm physically able to climb through my car to get to the driver's seat! Sometimes people like this driver make me wonder why I bother trying to be nice. And, indeed, my initial thoughts toward him weren't too kind. Ultimately, though, my own actions and reactions are the only things in my control, and I do still believe being kind is the right thing, whether or not I receive it in return.

Thanks for reading. Here's to more playfulness and kindness in the month ahead!

—Melody 💟