A Pentecost of Finches

A.M.
Yellow flames flutter
about the feeder:
A Pentecost of finches.

-Robert Siegel


I think I have a new favorite collective noun - Pentecost of finches.  Into my commonplace it goes! 

The picture shows eggs laid by a new couple that just moved back into our fern on the porch.  They are house finches and return every year to choose a fresh fern to make their home.  I am in the middle of a bunch of adventures, so my blogging will slow down for the next month or so.

First, of course, we have the eggs.  This is a most important adventure to the dd8.  Next, I am busy preparing for the upcoming CLUSA conference.  I can't wait to see so many old friends from all over and also to meet some new friends that I've met online.  My three sessions this year are - "Multi-Age Homeschool Immersion Group", "The Mason Paradigm:  An Introductory Session", and "The Well-Balanced Mind:  The Imagination Factor".  This, while lots of work, is so much fun for me!

We just returned from my firstborn's graduation from Hillsdale.  I won't go on about how strange it is to see that little boy all grown up and done with college.  Bittersweet, indeed.  But, we are excited to see what is next for him.  Maybe I'll write later about the adventures we had in Hillsdale.


with Marilyn and Jack Kelly (grandma and grandpa)
with the fam, sans one bro
Which brings me to son #2's latest adventure.  Yesterday I dropped him off up on Lake Shetek.  By himself.  With a canoe. No phone reception. He will spend the next week traveling down the Des Moines river. It's part of his summa English thesis in which he'll be writing some river literature, emphasizing issues of conservancy. He has been working for the National Park Service on the Mississippi.  Now, I truly do think this is a very cool project.  But my mother's heart is concerned and I didn't sleep last night.  The Des Moines runs right through our town and has been a part of Jack's life, including the time he fell through the ice at around age 10 and his brother pulled him out.  I always told him he'd write about it some day.  I asked him what writers influenced this whole idea.  He said that early on, Fabre and Dillard loomed large.  But John Graves and his river experiences and writing have more recently made an impression.
me - "you know this is crazy, right?"

getting ready

me trying to help...the term "camper mom" was used...

there he goes


Finally, I hope to share an announcement soon about a new, local endeavor for high school students and the full life.   Coming soon...

From joy to joy,
Nancy



12 comments:

  1. BethanyMay 16, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    My guy is just little, but my heart aches already for when my turn comes to send him off on his adventures!

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    1. Nancy KellyMay 22, 2012 at 9:34 AM

      I hear you, Bethany! But how exciting to think of the adventures that will unique to him - the possibilities! Thanks for stopping by.

      From joy to joy,
      Nancy

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  2. Bonnie BuckinghamMay 16, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    Keep us informed on that river adventure and writing!
    Congrats on the first college graduate!
    It is a bit unsettling to think the time has gone by quickly. Then weddings , yes plural, and so on.... but I do think I am older than you!!
    I'm jealous you are working on your workshops! I will start after next week. ( the end to the school year and my grading!) Love that poem.

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  3. GailMay 16, 2012 at 7:13 PM

    My daughter graduated from Hillsdale two years ago. It rained that day so it was in the gym. :-( Looks like you may have had a nice commencement outside? How was Roger Scruton's speech? I heard him speak a few years ago at Hillsdale. He was quite interesting.

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    1. Nancy KellyMay 22, 2012 at 9:36 AM

      Dear Gail,
      It drizzled a bit, but we remained outside. Roger Scruton's speech was solid and succinct. We enjoyed exploring the town of Hillsdale!

      From joy to joy,
      Nancy

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  4. amy in peruMay 18, 2012 at 9:46 PM

    i think this is super cool... for YOUR kids. i'm a little unsettled at the thought it might someday occur to one of my kids to do such a thing. :) but hopefully if it does, i'll be as cool as you.

    i got to see those finches in person when i was at your house, make sure to say hi to them for me.

    i will be (have been) praying for your prep :)

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    1. Nancy KellyMay 22, 2012 at 9:37 AM

      And this coming from a woman raising her brood IN PERU! Nothing will phase you after all your adventures there, I think.

      Thank you for your prayers - I can't wait to see you again!

      From joy to joy,
      Nancy

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  5. walkingMay 20, 2012 at 4:31 PM

    What an awesome way to spend one's summer!!!!!

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    1. Nancy KellyMay 22, 2012 at 9:39 AM

      I think so, too, Tammy!

      From joy to joy,
      Nancy

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  6. Bonnie BuckinghamMay 22, 2012 at 8:20 AM

    Siegal is spelled Siegel. Just looking up some of his poetry books.
    http://www.robert-siegel.com/
    His novel Whalesong looks interesting.

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    1. Nancy KellyMay 22, 2012 at 9:38 AM

      Correction noted! I haven't read anything else by him yet. I can't believe I'll see you in 2 weeks!

      From joy to joy,
      Nancy

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  7. EllenMay 23, 2012 at 4:45 AM

    Nancy, "pentecost of finches" has now replaced "murder of crows" as my favorite collective noun. :-) I love the nest photo! Your second son's adventure reminds me of the _Hatchet_ novels by Gary Paulsen. I am amazed by his dedication, fortitude, creativity, courage, and spunk. Oh, for the days when I felt invincible!

    And YOU deserve huge kudos (as well as a high five, latte, pedicure, or whatever else floats your boat -- no pun intended, given his trip) for sending him off with love and confidence. And covered in prayer.

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