Fowl Lessons

I went on a trip back in July to the west coast of Florida, not for vacation, but for work purposes.

It was one of those things when a command from the Ivory Tower (the offices of our illustrious leader) that I should go since I'd had training on a particular piece of equipment, and that more training would be provided.

I was sore over this. I absolutlely don't like traveling for the gub'ment. It involves MUCH paperwork and authorization. And on a 2 week trip some 7 years ago, my lupus got really bad and I spent some time in the hospital afterwards.

This Oldgirl don't like business travel AT ALL...

I didn't say no to my boss. She is deftly afraid of the King. I would've hated for her to have to go down to the Ivory Tower and bow and say "That Oldgirl said 'Ya'll can go sit on a tack! She ain't going NOWHERE."

I just went. Free trip away from the laboratory.

I'd been there before. The conference was taking place at a resort on the beach. Nothing swanky, but a resort, no less.

I decided to make a vacation out of it. Well, vacation after the day's lectures and trainings.

For I knew the way to the beach...

I was familiar with the sway of a palm tree.



I knew about the selling of sea shells by the sea shore...



And I knew how to appreciate a good sunset.

I also knew of how to sway the hearts of seagulls.

One of my favorite things to do after our sessions let out was to go down to the beach and feed the sea gulls. I'd bought a couple packages of the cheesy goldfish to snack on during the session...

The birds seem to like them. I was by far the most popular Oldgirl on the beach, for sure.

And I make sure whenever I have an occasion to provide sustenance to birds, I do so.

For it is a lofty reminder of Matthew 6:25-26 (CEV)

"I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds?"

I, LadyLee, am worth more than a bird. I have worth.

I also captured some really nice flight shots of the birds.

I REALLY love this one. This is by far the best photo I have ever taken.


I was tossing crackers high in the air, over my head. My specialist "Wang" ran across the sand towards me, arms flailing, hollering to the top of his lungs, "Stop it LadyLee! Stop that! They're gonna sheet in your head! THERE'RE GONNA SHEET IN YOUR HEAD!!!!"





I laughed at him. Whatever. They didn't "sheet" in my head. LOL





A young girl yelled "Mommie, Mommie, the birds are following the lady! They're following the lady!"

"No dear," she said. "They are following her because she is feeding them."



Yes, I was feeding them. I had something they wanted.

They were only around because of what they could get from me, only because of what I had to offer.

Not because they loved me.

Not because they wanted the best for me.

Not because they had any concern for my hurt, my pains and my tears...

None of that.

Only because of what they wanted something from me.

I thought about this as I marched up and down the beach, a flock of seagulls marching in step behind me.

Life is about motive and agenda...

Business and pleasure go hand in hand, but people and motives... well, you have to examine those closely. It is more difficult than the obvious desires of mere fowl. More complicated than a solitary walk on the beach.

Even more strenous and complicated to discern and display honesty and sincerity concerning my own motives and agendas... which I am well practiced in.

And with that, I think I am taking it too deep. Let's keep this about business, pleasure, beautiful beaches, and birds who simply adore me...

But... It's funny what you learn from leading hungry birds along a sandy beach...