Weekly Notes: Black Flies and Tyrant Flycatchers
Mindful living meets stream of consciousness.
And just like that, its the season where everything wants to bite me. Welts up and down my arms, and one lone bump where an enterprising black fly found a hole in my Croc and settled in for a private dining experience. My Andy would say thats what I get for wearing such an abomination on my feet…
I asked Google, “Is it true only female black flies drink blood,” which returned a “yes it’s true,” of course. I already knew the answer. But maybe recent studies have shown that biting insects are becoming more equal opportunity. But alas, no, it’s still just the ladies that bite. Nutrients for developing eggs and whatnot. But honestly, if I were a black fly with no intention of reproducing, I might still fly around and bite people if I were in a bad mood. People who deserve it of course.
It was a beautiful day in the park though, despite the fact that I was a walking buffet. The mountains came out to dry off and sunbathe after days spent shrouded in clouds. (When the mountains are hiding, my park ranger husband likes to tell visitors that he sent them out for a cleaning.)
Why am I writing about black flies? Because I told my readers I would start writing more regularly, and that’s the first thing that comes to mind as I sit here scratching my arms.
And why does my writing sound caffeine induced? Because I’m following a quasi stream-of-consciousness style, wherein I try to just write, not thinking too much about the perfect structure, perfect segue, perfectly woven themes…I’m throwing perfect out the window. Or at least I’m trying. When it comes to my own work, I’m an overthinking perfectionist, which is a HUGE creativity killer. And I have a novel to write about a badass Pictish woman and a pivotal yet little discussed battle in Scottish history. So I can’t afford to keep chasing off my creativity.
When I left social media a couple weeks ago in favor of a simpler writing platform (at least for a while), one of my goals was to free my mind up to live in the present more, to slow down and see whats around me. Not just see it, but experience it.
It takes practice. But it’s worth it. When I notice how alive our woods have become, I focus on how the vibrant green leaves FEEL to my senses. I let the slow to-and-fro of gently windblown treetops mesmerize me. I try to track birds as they flit about. My current favorite is the Eastern Wood Pewees, little flycatchers who have taken a shine to the woods around the house. Cute as a button with their bobbing tails and persistent whistling calls. They are from a family of birds known as Tyrant Flycatchers, a term I’ve just learned and instantly loved.
Why are they tyrants? Turns out they are fiercely territorial, so the adorable whistling is actually a “don’t you DARE cross this line” to all the other little tyrants flitting about. I wonder how many spicy little skirmishes happen on any given day around the house if someone cute as a button crosses someone else cute as a button.
I would guess that this stream of consciousness style would get a bit tiring to keep up with. Mental whiplash. So I should probably have mercy on you and not dive too deep. But it’s good practice, and it will be good for those times when I want to write but don’t have the clarity of mind to focus on a smooth narrative.
I’ll leave you for now, because I fancy some mac n’ cheese. My husband, basking in the glow of his beloved Liverpool F.C.’s season, is off to kick the ball around with his sons, followed by pizza slices at the beach. While they have their quality time, I have my writing time. And a cheap, “indulgent,” boxed macaroni-and-cheese-and-peas dinner that I look forward to even though yes, I know I can make it from scratch …
Life is short. We’re allowed to enjoy crappy dinners sometimes if we want to. Bon appétit.
Thanks for reading!
Lilly
There you are! My perfectionist friend, this was perfect!
I can't even describe how this piece made me feel.
I love it! and of course I can relate to those pesky black flies...and the lovely birds in our backyard - we had a scarlet tanager recently, so exciting! Loads of chickadees, finches, sparrows, the cute as a button titmouse, Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal, and Mr. and Mrs. Mallard Duck (my husband calls them Gertrude and Heathcliffe)...your beautiful writing always leaves me feeling peaceful. And who doesn't love a good bowl of mac n cheese!! Yum!