A Catch-up Post

Much time has passed since I last written. Not only have I gone away to college, it is almost time for me to return home for Winter Break!

It is impossible to mention all that has occurred since my last post, since these last four or five months have held more opportunities and new experiences than seemed possible before coming to St. John's University. I have learned much through my classes (and am forgetting just as much, it seems), gained a sense of home and community in my dorm and on campus, gone to five amazing shows in the city, and most importantly--met so many wonderful people here!

I cannot express how excited I am to continue with school next semester. However, at the moment, I am really looking forward to being at home with my family for Christmas and the Winter Break.

Hopefully, I will be more diligent with my postings in the future than I have been this year. If this wish does not come to fruition, however, and I do not post within the next week or so, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

God Bless!

A most unfortunate post (alla Snicket)

Like phone bills, haircuts, and tahini sauce, things are rarely as they seem. This is one of those unexpected and surprisingly miserable blogs which, most unfortunately, can be frequently found on the internet. Don’t let the pleasant pictures and ambiance fool you-it would be wise to leave this page as soon as possible.

Although this blog does provide some small pleasantries—a word which here means, a rare laugh or smile—it more frequently results in such disagreeable experiences as weeping, hair pulling, insomnia, and worst of all—boredom.

I will continue to persevere through my blogging, but you—dear reader—should exit this website as quickly as possible, delete from memory the fact of ever reading this horrible post, and try to enjoy the rest of this, Very Fine Day.

With all due respect,

Etc

Wordie

Hello all,

I was inspired by my sister's blog and especially her post about Wordie.
I found that the website is just as addicting as she promised...so beware if you click the link above. (The text in my creation is from Sirach 39:13-14. )

Graduation!

Last Saturday I graduated from high school!
This is an exciting time for me. I feel like my graduation was special not only because of the importance of the event, but also because everyone I love was there to see me graduate and celebrate with me. I was able to receive my diploma from my principal, teacher, guidance counselor, friend, and mother. The party afterwards was wonderful and it was so fun to celebrate with all those who are special to me.

God Bless,
♥
Mandy

Warbler Walk

I had a spectacular birding day in the Central Park today! It was the most incredible collection of warblers and migrating birds that I have ever seen at once. I saw eight species of warblers (including non-wood warblers, such as yellowthroats and waterthrushes) and other beautiful spring birds as well (such as a tanager and orioles). The birds were so breathtaking that I walked approximately thirty yards in as many minutes. When I turned home, I was amazed to find that I had backtracked through my complete half hour walk in three minutes!

~

As I arrived at the North Woods, I stepped out of the city rush and into the quiet, cool expanse of the Ravine. Within thirty seconds I had morphed from a hurried New Yorker into an excited, slightly hyperventilating, crazed birder. I saw a gorgeously decorated Black-throated Green Warbler and two male Black-throated Blues in under a minute. A group of school kids ran past the baseball field, unaffected by the calming influence of the vernal castle which is the North Woods. I heard them yelling to each other, “What’s she staring at?” and I smiled at their questions as I gazed, spell-bound, through my binoculars. If only they knew the beauty which they were running past.

Here is my list of birds seen today. I have omitted the more common birds, such as House Sparrows and Robins. Please excuse my prejudice (and “lister” tendencies).

Listed in order of appearance (the stared birds are lifers):

Black-throated Green Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Ovenbird
*Northern Waterthrush
Veery (also heard singing ethereally)
*Magnolia Warbler
*Possible Nashville Warbler (unidentified due to inexperience with species and lack of skill and good ol’ Peterson’s)
Black and White Warbler
Baltimore Oriole
Female Scarlet/Summer Tanager (I was deeply regretting leaving Peterson’s behind at this time!)

Not only did I have a wonderful walk today (with two IDed life birds!), I also learned several ID tips and gained some new experiences. I never before noticed the lovely spot of rufous which rests on the female Common Yellowthroat’s olive crown, heard the beauteous Veery’s song, or recognized the difference between a Northern and Louisiana Waterthrush (I am still figuring this one out). I am thankful for these experiences, but most of all, I value the calming effects that spring and a good walk have on me; the quiet excitement that warblers emanate; and the beauty of all birds, who radiate their gift of loveliness without receiving anything in return except a contented smile.

Eight Years

Though I just posted tonight, I decided to put this topic on a separate post, since it covers a completely different topic.

Today is the eighth anniversary of my sister's and my baptism into the Catholic Church. We had grown up in a Catholic/Jewish home, but we weren't very religious in either sect. When I turned ten, my mom decided she wanted to join the Catholic Church and my sister and I began to go to religious education classes. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to join (I have always disliked change, as most people probably do). However, as I learned about Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, I became excited to come into the Church. That Easter Vigil, my mom had the "grand slam" (baptism, first communion, and Confirmation). It was wonderful to see her receive the sacraments for the first time and I eagerly waited for my turn. On May 6, my sister Hannah and I were baptized and received our first communion. As I knelt with my family after my baptism, I knew that I was in the right place, exactly where God wanted me. Today, I remember my special day and thank God for that beautiful time in my life and my spiritual journey which I have shared with Him these eight years.

God Bless,

Mandy

Odds and Ends

Happy Spring!
I have several things which I would like to share with you. They're all rather non sequitur, so stay with me.

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day! I know this isn't the most interesting news, but it was so spectacular that it's difficult for me to refrain from sharing. After my schoolwork, I was able to spend most of the day outside with my family and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Corey. Poor Corey has chewed up his last ball, so he is now using a stick that is much too long for him. He looked so comical that I decided to post a picture.

I am now doing a Cornell citizen science project that is new for me. It is called NestWatch and involves monitoring birds nests in the Spring season. I have one nest, a Blue Jay's. She is still in the egg laying phase and there are two beautiful little eggs so far. I will keep a close eye on the nest, visiting about once a week on average to monitor for any signs of neglect, cowbirds, etc. This is a really wonderful project; I'm learning a lot about the nesting process and enjoying my time with the birds. If you are interested in this project, I'd encourage you to check out the website to learn more about it!

The spring birds are back! Last week the Baltimore Orioles came back, along with a Blue Headed Vireo, a male Rose Breasted Grosbeak (one of my favorites!), and a Black and White Warbler. Yesterday, the first Eastern Kingbirds could be heard making a racket in the yard. It's actually a bit odd to see them this early in the season; I usually don't see them till June or July.

Well, this is enough babblings for one post. Thanks for visiting my blog!
God bless,
Mandy

My Stock Photo Escapade

Recently, after reading a NY Times article, I decided to try becoming a photographer for a couple of stock photo sites. I have joined two places, but have only uploaded photos to one site as of now, www.bigstockphoto.com. (If you would like to see my uploaded photos, click the link on the sidebar, under my profile.)

So far, it has been a slightly frustrating experience. About half of my photos have been rejected: either from quality issues or problems with the composition, subject, etc. Many have been denied because they are not usable for stock. I usually take pictures for myself, not with other people in mind. I compose my photos to be interesting or to draw the eye towards certain parts of the picture. Unfortunately, Stock photos aren't supposed to be artistic; instead, they should be useful and attractive to as many possible buyers as possible. This (and other factors, of course) has left me with a 50% approval rating and no sales. Due to some "technical difficulties" I now have a 35.48% approval rating.

Thus, I am somewhat disappointed, though not completely surprised. I am not expecting to make a living off photography, but hope to get at least one sale in my "stock photo career." Though I have a low rating and no sales, I have learned about the industry, picked up some advice from professionals, and affirmed my love for photography. In these ways, I consider my little stock photo escapade a success.

Spring Days

Spring is here again in NY and I have been enjoying it immensely. This is one of my favorite times of year. I love the beautiful bulbs in the garden and the thrill of watching perennials pop out from the thawing soil. Most of all, I love waiting for the return of “my spring birds.” First the sweet, whistley song of the Goldfinches can be heard, then the adorable Kinglets flutter through the new foliage, and finally I feel the excitement which warblers instill in all who watch.

I was out walking yesterday, impatiently surveying the progress of my garden and searching for new bird nests. I found four, but unfortunately they were old and inactive, sporting the lichen and moss of last year’s harvest. I saw several pairs of birds excitedly searching for new nesting material, but nowhere was there an active nest.

I gave up my search and decided to spend some time catching up on my photography instead. My favorite subjects are back. It could be considered boring to some, but for an amateur photographer, the beauty and most importantly, stillness, of flowers are intoxicatingly perfect for the click of the camera. Taking pictures of moving objects (such as birds) can be extremely frustrating. I was relaxing on a soft bush which had yet to poke out any new growth and taking pictures of some lovely yellow daffodils. I was enjoying the warm spring air and excited calls of the House Sparrows, just breathing in the freshness of spring. I was also attempting to get the “perfect” picture of the flowers, which was proving to be difficult considering the height and angle of the plants. I leaned farther down on my soft, leafy pillow, managing to get some passable photos with which I was pleased. But, alas! these moments never last. I felt something crawling on my arm and realized that my verdant cushion was also an ant hill.

Some Enchanted Evening

This past Wednesday, my Mom and I continued our annual event of Woodcocking. At a local park American Woodcocks can be seen doing their mating display at dusk. This consists of the male making its insect-like call in all directions. He then flies into the air after several minutes of his serenade and lands in the field again to repeat the process.

After a hurried gathering of binoculars, our trusty Peterson field guide, and a flashlight, we jumped into the car and were off. This is my favorite kind of bird trip. Spontaneous, impulsive, last minute. We pulled up to the park and it was still too light out for Woodcocks. This was fortunate because it gave us the chance to see the first Hermit Thrush of the year. It was becoming dark but, we were able to ID the little beauty by its rusty tail and subtle spots, just visible in the dimming light. Immediately after the Thrush, we heard the buzzing call of a Woodcock. We walked quickly, following the noise until we saw it. He was sitting on the outskirts of the field, up against the safety of bushes and saplings. We shined the flashlight in his direction and he was strangely undisturbed. The Woodcock bounced his funny little dance, turning quickly at 90 degree angles to make sure every being in the area head his pronouncement. After several minutes he flew directly up into the air and changed his tune to his musical flight call. We watched his routine for about half an hour until we lost track of him and his music.

"Some enchanted evening, when you find your true love,
When you hear her call you across a crowded room,
Then fly to her side and make her your own...."

Only a Bud (as of yet)

Hello and welcome to my blog! This is my very first post, so I am only beginning to learn my way around here myself. Thank you so much for visiting!

For a long time I declared that I would not get a blog. I would not surrender to the popular trend. Why should I write down my thoughts in a public setting instead of a private journal? Is it to get attention, to be noticed, to feel interesting and acknowledged? Or is it simply to enjoy sharing thoughts with friends and other bloggers? After much thought and deliberation I finally decided to sign up for a blog. It was inevitable. Every time I thought of something relatively interesting and original, the idea of a blog popped up in my thoughts. Each time I want to comment on my sister's blog I'd sigh at my lack of this popular, but useful (and fun) tool. So, here I am. I'm one of "them" now. The bloggers.

One of the reasons I deliberated whether or not to get a blog was my eclectic and unusual interests. I am a Catholic, interested in historical clothing and sewing, and birding, photography, and the environment. It seems that blogs usually concentrate on one main topic. However, I couldn't choose between my interests so I decided on them all. Hopefully, this is not objectionable to most people. Fortunately, I don't have much to worry about, considering most people who read this are related to me.

I do want to touch on my blog name before I sign off for today. The name, "A Rose in Bloom" was taken from the title of one of my favorite novels by Louisa May Alcott. I also used Sirach 39:13-14, one of my favorite passages.

"Listen, my faithful children: open up your petals, like roses planted near running waters; Send up the sweet odor of incense, break forth in blossoms like the lily. Send up the sweet odor of your hymn of praise; bless the Lord for all he has done!"

I love these verses; they inspire me to be like a "rose near a running waters" every time I read them. I have chosen them as part of my blog name because they are what I try (not very well most of the time) to live out every day.

Thank you for visiting and God bless you!
~Mandy