Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Spring "Cleaning"

We've been watching this robin in action for the past two weeks. She built her nest atop our garage lights, beneath the overhang. She made sure it was the right location, painstakingly carried each piece to build her foundation, and hoped against hope that it made the safest home for her eggs.

Soon we'll hear her babies chirping and watch mama bird feed them worms while squawking at any intruders. And before long the baby birds will be strong enough they'll fly off on their own.

Despite my city having the rainiest season on record (ugh), SPRING will always represent NEW BEGINNINGS and CLEANING HOUSE to me. Personally, it means sweeping out the negative energy in my life, whether it be things or people. Reassessing where and how I spend my time. Joining or quitting activities and evaluating how to feel more healthy.


For my characters, it means having them evaluate, change and grow in my novels. As a reader, I appreciate that growth too.


Do you or your characters "clean house"?

15 comments:

Stina said...

I love both bird houses, especially the second one.

I wish Maddie and Daniel would come over and clean my house. But since they're fictious characters (shhh, don't tell them that), they would probably do the same pathetic job as me. ;)

Kelly Polark said...

My forest is popping with bright green right now and I'm loving it. Coincidentally I decided to do yet another revision on my ms...

Little Ms J said...

How cool! We have birds that nest in the tree outside my bedroom window. I can't see them, but they dive bomb my dogs when they have babies and screech like little banshees while I'm trying to sleep. Somehow yours seem cooler.

Maddy said...

My "cleaning" usually happens in New Years, but it's still essential (no matter what time of year) to touch base with yourself and see where you stand :)

Unknown said...

You sound like me when spring arrives. I mean business, I want the house clean so I can feel the clean and positive energy. I live for that.

Lindsay said...

I like getting focused in Spring. It may just be being focused on finishing these edits, but I'm trying. lol.

Matthew MacNish said...

Spring used to be about rebirth and starting over for me. Now that I moved down south it's really only about dreading summer.

Lourie said...

I love that you mention cleaning up our own negative behaviors. I need to do this. As for my characters, well since I am still not writing they are nameless and faceless. As for my real life characters...they need some butt kicking. ;) Spring is coming and will stay!!!

Pamela Gold said...

Robins are the most beautiful of birds. Spring cleaning for me is getting in those areas left behind during Winter. To new beginnings (just like our Twitter toast weeks ago)!

Trisha said...

Birdies = so cute!! :)

For us here, it's autumn. And I love rain. can't help myself!

SharleneT said...

Not as much as I would like to, but do clear out several bags of unused items -- then, I get distracted...

Kirsty Girl said...

Cute!

LisaDay said...

I was hoping our robins would make a nest outside my son's room this year but so far not. My house needs a good spring clean. Volunteers anyone?

LisaDay

Tina L. Hook said...

I did suddenly make plans to declutter my closet. I suppose that is connected to the change in season. Makes sense.

I waver a bit on exactly when in the story I want to allow my characters to clean house and figure things out. I like to let the you-know-what hit the fan first.

India Drummond said...

I have a character who cleans when she's nervous or upset. I wish I was more like that myself!