3/10/08

Connections


Connections between human beings and the winged ones are nothing new.. For thousands of years native peoples of the Americas have told stories about the common ground between us. Both humans and winged beings walk upright on two legs, the winged ones it is said carry our prayers to the creator on powerful wings, and in many cultures the raptors are thought to be messengers of the Great Spirit. Feathers of birds have been worn in a place of honor amongst many tribes for untold generations and some of these feathers are still worn in ceremonies by the descendents of these ancient warriors after hundreds of years. Through my lifetime I have been fortunate to learn from my elders the old ways of the people and to honor all the creatures who we share this great earth with. When my wife Stacey began her falconry apprenticeship several years ago I was more than happy to help her in her endeavors, from the countless days spent roaming the countryside, as she trapped her first wild bird, to the weeks of training and conditioning both the bird and herself for the hunt . I was honored to be included the first time she hunted the bird from her fist. Many years have passed since that first moment of her bonding with the winged warriors of the sky and I have witnessed the growth of her spiritual awareness and skills as a falconer. But one thing has remained unchanged throughout her journey, and that is her connection to the birds. In this photo I took of her and Abby, you can see the love and respect she has for these majestic hunters. I apologize for the picture I am not a photographer and have little talent in that department. But I am gifted with the ability to notice when someone is walking through life with a good heart and a true spirit… And I am proud to say she is all of that and more… Hawk

13 comments:

John Roberts said...

These are great shots of these beautiful birds! We have a lot of red tailed hawks where we live, and they're very impressive to watch.

b13 said...

What a fantastic way to spend life! Here, in NY, the most wild life I may see is a possum or a deer unless I go out of my way to look for it. You take wonderful photographs and I am glad I found both of your pages :)

Stacey Olson said...

John and b13, thanks for your wonderful comments. Yes they ARE beautiful birds. (but I am partial) and I know it is a wonderful way to spend life. I try to keep that first and formost in my mind at all times.:)
. Thanks for stopping by.

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

I love this picture of you. Mike "Hawk" says he's not a photographer, but he certainly captured a moment of great beauty, and not only do his words describe the respect and affection you hold for these animals, but his own shines through as well.

Stacey Olson said...

Thanks Lin, I am pretty partial to him also..

Dave Coulter said...

Awesome story, awesome lives!

Mary said...

If I may, I repeat Lin's comment.

This post is beautifully written, Stacey. He's a great photographer!

I love this blog. I can view over 100 songbirds at a time in my backyard but when a raptor arrives, we gasp in awe.

Stacey Olson said...

Yes Mary, you can repeat Lins words. I am very greatful to have such a wonderful man in my life to share my journey with, and to raise our children. With such guidance to follow they should grow to be wonderful men.. Thanks for your beautiful words

Anonymous said...

Okay, I read the words that Mike wrote beneath the photo of you and Abby called "Connections" and had to get out my kleenex. You two are something else.

Susan

Frederick Ingram said...

You guys are poets.

Anonymous said...

My God, this is a living photo. The absolute beauty of both bird and Stacey is breathless. It brought tears to my eyes. Both so proud and yet gentle. The look in both their eyes excludes all else but each other.

Stacey Olson said...

Thanks Dave,
***********
Hello Susan :-)
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Fridrix, thanks so much, Mike is the one that has a way with words, It takes me all day to write a post!
***************
Hello Robin, Thanks for your kind words and thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

This is a stunning photo. You caught the moment perfectly, it speaks to people, and that makes it absolutely perfect.

I totally agree that man and beast have connections...the intelligence reflected in the eyes of all the majestic bird pictured on this blog is unmistakable.