I have never seen a bald eagle in person before. Not once in my 29 years... though this week, I saw 3 different bald eagles in 3 different places! each time it was so close I could see the white of the head and tail! they were each huge, majestic, everything people say they are. I felt giddy and excited at the sight of these special creatures. I also felt incredibly hopeful for the species. If I saw 3 in one week, in the area that I live... could this mean they are making a successful comeback?
To see 3 of the 70,000 birds left, made me feel special. Priveleged. Blessed.
That aside, I have this belief that when you see a creature a number of times in a short period of time that you are seeing it for a reason. It is not unusual for me to google animal symbolism from time to time depending on the animal and how often it appears to me.
The picture above is the best I could get all week of my sightings. Not bad!
The bald eagle symbolizes perception... Not allowing the illusion of limitation to ground us in our flight. Just some of this great bird's meaning include opportunity, protection, skill, focus, determination, and inspiration.
This all ties in to what I am striving for. Not only as an artist, but also as a mother. The guiding word I have chosen for myself this year is Perseverence. The word chosen as part of something called the "wordhop 2012".
" Choosing a word to lead you through your year became a trend in blogging several years ago when Ali Edwards began sharing her One Little Word journey through out the year. She found that it is a simple but powerful way to bring meaning to your life. Her one little word has now taken off and grown into a movement, a movement we are excited to take part in."
This group of artists who dub themselves the "flytribe" will create a collaborative piece of art and all proceeds will go to charity. Pretty cool huh!? I think so!
If you are an artist and want to participate visit the flytribe and claim your word.
What a wonderful word! When I first saw it I just wanted to copy yours ;) But we're going through some trials at the moment (nothing serious, just, y'know, *life*!) and it's sent my thinking in a new direction... I hope to post/participate soon!
What a gift to see those magnificent birds!
Posted by: Suki | 01/11/2012 at 08:08 AM
Ashlie, so glad you decided to hop along with us. I love the connection between the eagles, your word, and flying. Great word. I hope it brings you everything you need in 2012. Rae
Posted by: Rae Payne | 01/11/2012 at 08:14 PM
Great word~ and I love your eagle story! Hope your year is awesome!!!
Posted by: Mary Sterk | 01/11/2012 at 10:47 PM
Such a beautiful photo. Strength in solitude! Also love the idea of a guiding word for the year. I'll have to check out flytribe.
Posted by: jacquie | 01/12/2012 at 10:35 AM
Perseverance is such a strong and steadfast word. Your photo and text mingled together is beautiful!
Posted by: Mary | 01/12/2012 at 09:14 PM
Ashley- great word, and great post! How lucky are you to see 3 bald eagles!!! I have never even seen one in the wild!! I think that is an omen of great things to come in 2012!!
Posted by: Ursula | 01/13/2012 at 03:05 PM
This a wonderful story, Ashlie! That's an amazing image you managed to capture. Seems like your word chose you. Happy wishes and good luck to you!
Posted by: Jamie Burch | 01/13/2012 at 09:06 PM
i like your story of the eagles, what a blessing! Happy 2012
Posted by: Chelle | 01/14/2012 at 07:50 AM
I could sure use a little more PERSEVERANCE in my life, as well! Great word choice. Wishing you the best in 2012!
And congrats on the bald eagle sightings! Three in one week is special!
Posted by: Cindy Jones Lantier | 01/19/2012 at 11:24 PM
Oh thank you so much! Your right, we could ALL use perseverance. I wish you the best as well!
Posted by: ashlie blake | 01/20/2012 at 07:44 AM