I was walking with my wife this week and I said to her, “Isn’t it weird how crows can be so small and yet make such a loud call?”
In the ensuing conversation I discovered — TO MY SHOCK — that my wife doesn’t particularly like crows. And, in fact, when I tried to point out other birds that are, in my opinion, the kinds of birds people tend to dislike more (like bluejays), she pointed out that “at least bluejays are pretty.”
Which made me curious about which birds you, my loyal readers, might like least.
So here’s a quick poll.
Meanwhile, in Japan, a scientist has created a device that warns crows in crow-language to stay away from human garbage. It’s sold out and on backorder for at least six months.
There’s your #BIRDFACT for the week! (Apologies to Krista for more Crow Knowledge TM)
Speaking of randomly choosing things
Every year my podcast buddies and I do “March Madness” but it’s completely related to pop culture events/people of the previous year, leading to ridiculous match ups and hilarious conversations. We leave the last matchup (and thus the ultimate winner) to our listeners, so you can still choose who the champion of this year’s bracket will be!
Check out The Haven Collective
My good friend and gifted pastor JR. Forasteros has a community of people trying something new. It’s called the Haven Collective.
The idea is to create a community passionate about spiritual growth and commitment to each other in a way that many church communities are wrestling to do well. There are options to meet locally (in a few places) or virtually (everywhere else), but it’s NOT “church as usual”… in other words, it’s not a sermon, music, etc. each week, but rather an emphasis on building a community where “sacred conversation” is taking place and the community is learning from *each other* not just a singular authority figure.
Also, the community has people from a lot of different spiritual backgrounds, so whatever space you’re in personally (Christian or not, theist or not) you’re welcome at Haven Collective.
Anyway, if you’re interested in trying it out, check out the link above (they’re just starting out so you may see some “placeholder” material on the website) for how to get involved.
Here are some of the Haven core values, which I think are very compelling:
If you have questions or aren’t sure how to connect best after looking at the site, let me know and I’ll connect you!
JAMES by Percival Everett
Hammock weather returned to Portland this week, and I got out there and started reading the amazing novel JAMES by Percival Everett. Percival was one of my profs in college, and I’ve loved his work ever since! JAMES is the story of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of “Jim” — Huck’s friend and companion who is an enslaved man on the run. Percival’s “retelling” is funny, painful, and beautiful. I think you’ll really enjoy it.
I bought my copy while I was traveling at The Little BOHO Bookshop! And yes, Diana, the owner, is glad to ship books to you! So check it out and tell her that Matt Mikalatos sent you. ;)
(And yes, she has my books in stock as well!)
Under the Chair
When Bruce was young he was a little smaller and could more easily get under the chairs in the living room. He’s a little cramped these days and has to lie flat and then scramble with his back legs to make the transition. He still does it occasionally, but he seems a little put out once he gets there and afterwards as well.
Look at the betrayal in his eye. Also note that it’s shedding season again, and he’s looking a little patchy. Every time he does a full body shake, the air is filled with a cloud of hair.
I hope you’re able to find a comfortable chair this week, and that if you’re losing hair it will be like Bruce and you’ll discover that plenty more grows in to take its place.
Peace to you!
Matt
All birds are equally God's creation. None of them to be dispised. And crows are the most intelligent of all birds, by the way. They even show empathy and care for animals other than crows. And give gifts to people who are kind to them.
Bluejays are by far the loudest, the earliest risers, and live right outside my window. But we got on the bad side of a murder of crows last year and they're smart enough to hold a grudge.