This morning I have been watching a family of cardinals eat on our deck.  As I watched, I remembered a very timely story, and decided to share it with you -- just in case you need to hear it today.

Years ago, my husband raised racing homers -- that's right, he raised pigeons and he raced them in a pigeon club.   The members would set their timers/traps and take the birds 200-300 miles away and then wait for them to return to the coop, removing the numbered racing band from their leg as they went through the trap returning to the coop -- but all that's another story!

On this day, we had put out a special treat for the pigeons - a special blend of seed.   A pigeon's t-bone steak.  We put it on the deck so we could watch the birds.  Most flew in, enjoyed the feast and returned to the coop.

but this one bird...........oh my!   He was young.  He sat on the roof  and watched his friends and family and other members of his tribe enjoy the feast.  He wanted to come down sooooooooooooooo bad.  You could just feel it.  But he was afraid.  I began to talk to him very quietly -- "Come on, you can do it.  Just fly down off the roof and taste what we have prepared for you."  Over and over again I coaxed him.  But he was not convinced.   Eventually he gave up on himself and flew back to the coop -- to familiar food -- the stuff he was used to eating. 

And today, I feel like that bird!!!   lol     I giggled to myself when I thought of that story this morning.  Of course, when the student is ready........... and oh I am ready to fly.  I just need to find my wings somehow.  and my courage.  I have certainly faced worse things in my life than writing a terrible article.   lol    Why is this so difficult for me?    Today's the day!