First of all, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful support you gave me in my reentrance into the Blogosphere. My last post had the largest participation of any post that’s appeared on my blog, ever.
Why did that happen?
I prefer to think of it as the old Birds of a Feather adage.
(Image Credit: AlicePopkorn/Flickr.com)
You know. We flock together.
No, I’m not talking about the Pelican, although we’ll get to him in a moment.
See, I think this goes far beyond people who are drawn to others who have similar interests.
If you’ve ever watched a flock of birds in the sky, there’s no doubt you’ve noticed they usually fly in some kind of formation. Rare is the bird that flies alone.
It’s interesting that flocks of birds may differ in size, occur in different species and seasons, yet it is customary that flocks have special names such as a raft of ducks, a charm of finches or a horde of ravens.
It seems that birds flock together for many reasons. They congregate to forage, to protect, for camaraderie, to produce and raise a family, for warmth and aerodynamics.
Wouldn’t you say that as writers, we can relate to all of the above?
We forage together for craft and publishing information. We protect and look out for one another. We form a close alliance with other writers. We nurture our creativity when we produce our books. And we would never consider leaving one of our fellow writers out in the cold.
Yet, we are also aerodynamic. We assemble in groups and organizations that allow us to sense a change in wind patterns that enable us to make changes in our life or in the publishing world. We flock together, thus we gain the support to weather any change within current conditions.
When we gather together, we use our energy in a more efficient way. It becomes an act of survival, thus none of us are left flailing, floating aimlessly alone. Perhaps if we adopt the custom of naming our own specie of flock, we could call ourselves a gaggle of wanas!
I kind of like that, don’t you?
So again, thank you for all your support. Y’all gave me a huge lift and an immense feeling that I am not flying solo. I’m truly a member soaring in formation along with the flock.
Because Birds of a Feather. You know. We flock together!
Really.
Now about the Pelican.
Jennette Marie Powell related the short version of a rhyme that her grandfather used to say that I thought was apropos. “A strange old bird is the pelican. His beak can hold more than his bellycan.”
Well, I sure received a belly full of suggestions. Some were rather inventive. Who knew a Pelican could be so popular. Although, I have to say there were a few of you that were leery of him. While some thought it would be a good idea to wear a hat, others found him to be professorial. And that of course had an influence on your recommendation for his name.
Yet, in taking into consideration everyone’s suggestions, be it here on my blog or on Facebook, the name that was submitted most was, believe it or not, “Murphy.”
It looks like I now have an Irish Pelican named Murphy!
And you know what? I think it’s a good fit. I like it!
Oh, by the way. Let me reassure you that Murphy and I had a chat. And he has promised to be on his best behavior and has agreed to act like a perfect gentleman. Since he and I just met, I have no choice but to take his word on this. But if you should notice him getting out of line, please let me know. What can I say? I now share this blog with a bird! Who would’ve thought?
So what do you think? Has your life, like my blog, gone to the birds? Do you prefer to fly alone or would you rather soar with the flock? If you were to compare yourself to a bird, what kind of bird would you most likely be? What is your latest project that you are trying to gain liftoff?
I want you to know, you guys really Rock!
Cheers everyone! Thank you so much for all your support and wonderful comments!
Karen
I’m so glad you’re glad to be back, Karen. My feathers missed you!
I’m gorging on words and images. Finishing up dangling WIPs, Exploring a strange new world, and an interspecies romance (no ,not woman and pelican; Vulcan and human).
New novels for my double series being drafted in July and November, and lots of editing between.
Revamping several rooms of the house that no longer suit our needs as well as they could. Having a garden. Eating more produce. Moving, laughing, and connecting more….
I’m sure there’s more…..but I think sleep should be on the list somewhere, too….
Shan Jeniah Burton recently posted..Creative Accomplishment: ROW80 Update 4/27/14
Dia dhuit Shan! Glad to be back. Yes, sleep should definitely be on that list. I don’t see it though. lol. Wow, are you ever a busy bird! And Moving, laughing and connecting more is always a good thing. So happy you made time to fly by! Thank you so much girl! 🙂
I like the analogy, Karen! I’m a solo bird like an eagle however I’ve been learning in the last few years about the value of congregating with those of like mind! 🙂
Hi Yvette! I’m glad you like it. Yes, I can see that you fly like an eagle. Wait, isn’t there a song with that title? lol. Yes, you’ve been flying or flitting all over the place lately. Your walls are looking good girl. And we put great value on you! Keep flying with the flock Yvette! Thank you! 🙂
What a nice image, Karen. Writers assemble in flocks because we share common interests, we need to protect each other, and need those aerodynamics to really fly. Sometimes I need to fly solo though. Too many birds tend to lead to a lot of squawking sometimes. I need quiet.
And Murphy is an excellent choice if I might say so myself.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Patricia recently posted..The Race Car Driver Within
Go raibh maith agat Patricia! I understand solo. I think we all do plenty of solo. Lol, squawking birds! Patricia, you crack me up! Listen, it’s nice sometimes to fly in formation, catch a little tail wind, fly with the flock. It’s a beautiful thing. Even Murphy says so. Thanks girl! 🙂
So glad your re-entry to the blogging world was a huge success, and happy to be introduced to Murphy! I love pelicans, as they frequent where I live – be it the low glide over water, or the high glide in the sky, they always look like they’re having fun, and pretty smug about it, too! Me, I like to focus on the fringe dweller birds, and I suspect that’s where I am most comfortable. Part of a flock, but not in the thick of things. Thank you, Karen, for all your love and support – I’d say whatever you have received says something about how much you give. xox
Alarna Rose Gray recently posted..Happytown
Aw…’Go raibh maith a gat’ Alarna! It’s a bit of the Irish Gaelic coming out of me. Murphy’s influence as you can see. It was a success in large part because of your support girl. So glad we have our love of Pelicans in common. They are truly a unique bird. They are indigenous to the area I live in. You have to be comfortable within the parameters that works for you girl. Nothing wrong with a fringe dweller. I am partial to them myself. So we are in good company! Keep flying Alarna! ((Hugs!)) 🙂
Karen, there’s a song called Murphy broke the Pledge. It might give some insight. hehehe Then again, maybe not. A tip o’ the hat to both you and the handsome Mr. Murphy.
prudencemacleod recently posted..Crazy Weather and Writing Madness
Shlàinte Prudence! You are on a roll girl! Thank you so much! And yes, I will have to check that song out. Yet, as you may know, can you ever truly trust an Irishman? 🙂
It’s good to have you back, Karen! Very cool thoughts on comparing writers to birds. And I love, love, love the name Murphy, be it for a bird, male, or Ms. Brown…I mean a female. 🙂
I can’t think of any bird I’d like to be. In Michigan, I know I wouldn’t want to be a mourning (morning?) dove. They’re on the approved hunting list. :/ If I were to choose any bird, it would have to be based entirely on its beauty … a cardinal or a snowy owl.
Kristy K. James recently posted..My Writing Process (Diana Made Me Do It!)
Top o’ the morning to you Kristy! ‘Conas atá tú’? Whoops, I can see that Murphy has influenced my speech with a bit of the Gaelic my friend. I love that you love the name Murphy! It was the most suggested name and it seems to be a good fit. Now about your bird type. With all the snow you’ve had I can certainly see you as a snowy owl. They’re a gorgeous bird. You would represent them well Kristy. And I appreciate all your support. You and others have helped me to get off the ground again. Thank you so much! 🙂
I’m so happy you had such a grand welcoming back into the blogosphere, Karen. That’s got to be a wonderful feeling, knowing you’ve got support, that people have your back. I have to admit, I’ve been solo for most of my life, in my writing and in the real world. I guess I would be a hawk or maybe even a hummingbird – flitting from place to place, thing to thing. Me in a nutshell.
It’s been difficult for me to find a group of supportive people (aka other writers) on or offline in the past, but I’m so glad I found you and Kelly. And on the same day! It was a good day. 🙂 I’m trying to put myself out there online and be supportive of others, because the process of writing is lonely enough, ya know?
I think Murphy is a wonderful name, and as I’m partial to anything Irish (my last name used to be O’Byrne…) it’s all right with me. Welcome, Murphy! 🙂
Right now I’m working on my next novel, and I have to tell you, it’s slow going. Rough seas. Lots of self-doubt and general sucky angst about my capabilities as a writer. I know we all have them, and I love all your memes and the photos you share because they do help me try to find a more positive head space. That’s key, I know. Getting rid of the inner jerk.
You are a bright shining light here and wherever I see you online (and hopefully someday we could meet since we don’t live too far apart) and I just want to thank you for that. Thank you for being you.
Boy, I didn’t plan to purge all that here – but you asked! 😉 Be careful what questions you pose, eh? lol
Kelly Byrne recently posted..Don’t Kill That Fly!
Dia dhuit Kelly! Thank you. You must be a hummingbird because you are certainly not a hawk girl. You have got to join the flock my friend. Let’s fly together and I’ll introduce you to a bunch of awesome peeps. Because, you are not alone. You can be a part of the gaggle of Wanas. Just sayin’. It looks like we have a lot in common. My grandmother was an O’Brien, which is close enough for me. Why did you drop the ‘O’? And please feel free to purge at any time. It makes me happy to know that I’ve encouraged you. Isn’t that what being part of a flock is all about? ((Hugs!)) 🙂
Thank you, Karen! We dropped the O a while ago, I believe somewhere around Ellis Island.
I’m working on reaching out more. It’s not a natural thing for me to do as I’ve “done it my own damn self” for so long, sometimes it’s hard. Thank you for opening your doors and arms to me. You really are a lovely soul. 🙂
Kelly Byrne recently posted..Don’t Kill That Fly!
Kelly, I understand more than you think my friend. I just feel fortunate that I found a bunch of cool writers that are super supportive and not out strictly to promote just themselves. So even it you’re used to being a lone ranger, it’s nice sometimes to hang with peeps that have your back. YKWIM? Anywho, thank you so much for the awesome compliment. The door’s always open. I’m here for you O’Byrne! 🙂
I love the name Murphy! In the future, you can invoke Murphy’s Law when things go wrong, LOL. Fab post, Karen; I think your analogy is very apt. I like the idea of belonging to a flock, gaggle, whatever. Happy flight!
K.B. Owen recently posted..What a Lady Sleuth Needs: clues, corset…and dessert!
‘Conas atá tú’ Kathy? So glad you like the name. Murphy seems to fit the ol’ boy. And yes, I am well acquainted with Murphy’s law. Let’s hope we don’t have to invoke it, eh? Thank you so much girl. A gaggle just seemed to fit the Wanas. Let’s fly together, shall we? 🙂
Being married to an Irish-American, I am partial to Irish gentlemen, but I also know the Irish can get a bit rowdy. So I’m glad Murphy has promised to behave. Just keep him away from the Guinness and he should be fine. 😉
I don’t think I would still be writing without the support/camaraderie of our gaggle. Writing is a lonely affair (well, if you don’t count the people in our heads), and others who do not write really don’t quite understand what it’s like. So Thank You, Lord, for the WANAS!!!
Kassandra Lamb recently posted..Break Out the Bubbly!!
I am with you one hundred percent Kassandra! I too am partial to Irish gentlemen since I married one myself. And you are absolutely right. They can get a bit rowdy. Although we could stand a bit of perking up around here, wouldn’t you say? I’ll have to watch him with the Guinness, though I hear his preference is Murphy’s stout my friend as he hails from county Cork. So glad we are part of a wonderful flock. Yes, ‘go raibh maith a gat’ for the gaggle of Wanas! 🙂
Hi Karen (and Murphy)!
Love the analogy. It really fits. I love flying solo, but I still need my flock (or gaggle). Can’t wait to hear directly from Murphy.
Suzanne Vince recently posted..Is Heaven For Real?
Hi Suzanne! Great to see you! Murphy says, “Dia dhuit.” See what Julia started this morning? Now he’s begun to speak Gaelic. Thank you so much. Yes, we really do need our flock even though it’s nice to fly solo sometimes. Remember, we are a gaggle of Wanas! 🙂
Hello, Murphy!! Great post, Karen. For the past few months I’ve really been into birds. I think the camera on my phone groans every time I take another photo of a bird! I like that birds, like us, have the opportunity to flock together. 🙂
Coleen Patrick recently posted..Whittling the World Down to a More Manageable Size
Murphy has asked me to send his greetings to you Coleen. You take the most amazing pictures girl. You and the camera have a great relationship. Keep taking those pics and let’s keep flocking together! Thanks Coleen. 🙂
I LOVE Murphy!
I tend to think of myself and my cohorts as otters. Did you know that otters link “arms” when they rest so they don’t float away from each other? I love that idea. The idea that if we stick close, even in our less active state, we’ll continue to have support.
Something tells me that my otter friend and your pelican could get along. They could bond over their love of fish. 🙂
Amber recently posted..Building a Dream Out of Books!
Oh cool Amber! I’m liking Murphy too. I LOVE otters. We used to go to Monterey Bay in northern California. They have a huge otter population because of the Aquarium and wildlife re-habitation program. They are so adorable. And yes, lets do bond over fish! Thanks for the interesting information girl. ((Hugs)) 🙂
Sometimes it’s good tobe with the flock, sometimes you gotta soar alone… the good thing is, you can return to the flock anytime! I found the rest of that poem on Wikipedia. I’ll send it when I get home from work – it’ s funny! (And Murphy is a cute and appropriate name)
Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..Two Tips for Stress Management
Top o the mornin’ to Murphy. Project of the year: stand up from a backbend. Finish novel draft and get it to an editor.
Fun post–May you be lifted on the wings of pelicans.
Murphy has asked me to tell you, “Go raibh maith a gat Julia. Shlàinte!” Whatever that means. lol. I can see that we are going to have a little language barrier here. As a Yoga Jedi Master, you have an interesting project Julia. May the force be with you! And yes, get that novel draft ready girl. You can do it. We are flying along with you! 🙂
I hear ya Jennette! We all have our challenges and sometimes we just need to soar alone. Although I don’t think it’s quite as fun. Good to know we can rejoin the flock at any time. And yes, please do send over the rest of the poem. I’d love to see it. Thank you so much Jennette! Take care and have a good week! And get some sleep. 🙂
Karen, here’s the rest of the poem! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixon_Lanier_Merritt
I remember my grandpa saying it:
A funny old bird is a pelican.
His beak can hold more than his bellican.
He can hold in his beak,
Food for a week
But I don’t know how the hellican!
LOL!
Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..Two Tips for Stress Management
Yes, LOL! Thank you so much Jennette for taking the time to find it and dropping by! That’s so cool! I really appreciate this. ((Hugs!))