What fills you with hope as you go through your day? I know for me it’s often a beautiful, unexpected flower, an awe inspiring sunset or rainbow, or a flock of birds flying across a clear blue sky. For the Emily Dickinson lovers among us we would have read that ‘Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul’ Emilys love of nature inspired so many beautiful words and I often imagine her sat in a beautiful spot in the countryside, watching a bird as she wrote that poem that has touched so many.
When I moved to the Peak District their were 3 things that I was longing to see, an Owl, a Badger and a Hedgehog. I got to see my Owls, and loved nothing more than listening to the ‘twit twoos’ as I fell asleep at night, such an eerie yet also calming sound.
I did see a few Badgers but sadly only on the road as their life had ended rather abruptly. It seemed unlikely that on quiet country roads Mr Badger would decide to cross just at the wrong moment, but I guess it happens. Lastly I hoped to see a Hedgehog. I have a lovely photo of myself as a child crouched down next to a hedgehog as he enjoys a saucer of milk. Of course now we are told that milk isn’t good for them, but in my mums day it was the done thing. I think that might have been the last time I saw one, until yesterday.
At the moment I am living with Simon for a little while back in the City, and the morning walks are rather different to my walking through winding country roads with only sheep and cattle for company. Its a bit of a shock to the system but he does live next to a lovely big park so there is still beauty to be found, and to my total surprise and amazement I got to see my Hedgehog.
I had just started walking across a bridge with Jess (sadly with no camera to hand) and there he was ambling along in his spikey, wobbly, hedgehog way, sniffing at the ground with seemingly not a care in the world. I was as you can imagine filled with a childlike excitement and as I held on to Jess to avoid a spiky ‘dog vs hedgehog’ moment I was also filled with an overwhelming sense of hope.
Beauty can be found anywhere if we only take the time to look. Unexpected moments in life are often just around the corner, and Mother Nature so often has a way of lifting our sprits to keep us moving forward, even when we are not sure where we are heading.
I sat and watched for a good ten minutes as the cute little fellow eventually wobbled his way under a bush and began to bury himself under some leaves. Of course I rushed back for my camera and on returning could still hear him making himself comfortable but sadly he was too sleepy to pose for a photo.
So you see Hope is not only ‘the thing with feathers’ but also ‘with prickles’. I got the feeling that mother nature had saved that moment for a time when I would need it most. Hope can be found in so many places and at so many different times in our lives, but for me this week, Hope was a Hedgehog and my soul was lifted.
love Alison x
Through rose tinted glasses. 
What a lovely surprise . Isn’t nature wonderful? I’ve always been lifted by nature in difficult times, it is such a gentle and unexpected way to see the world in a different way. xo
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It certainly is Laura. I have come to love the natural sights around me in a totally different way as I have got older. It was a lovely moment and was just gutted that I didnt have my camera to hand but isnt that just the way it goes. Maybe I will see him again, I will certainly be on the lookout.x
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How awesome! What funny little cute creatures they are – I’d love to see one.
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They are really cute Joni. I cant believe that its so long since Ive seen one and wished I had the photo of me to pop on the blog from when I was younger but I didnt have it to hand. Maybe Ill include it once ive found it. I bet they are wandering along quite often but you just have to be in the right place at the right time. x
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Inspiring post, Alison. Crazy photo of the two owls. Trust you are doing well?
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Thanks Len. I was so thrilled to see the ‘Little Owls’, they were just down the road and I took quite a few photos of them. There was some romance going on between them in the photo I think but I didnt get to see any young ones. Ive got a bit of time for reflection at the moment which is probably a good thing but not easy. Im sure that sadly there are a lot of casualties in relationships out there due to the restictions and difficulties of the last few months . I appreciate your thoughts.
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Beautiful post Alison. I think our eyes are more open when our world, inner or outer, has been a bit disturbed from our status quo…nature and natural things seem even more wonderful when we are not exactly sure where we are going. Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks Gary. I smiled when you were talking about Hope the other day as I was already planning this post. I found the same thing when my mum passed away and the world around me suddenly took on a much more vived appearance for a while. I am thankful for Hope.
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I miss my father every day too.
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Im sure you do. its a tough one.
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Beautiful and inspiring post, Allison. I love the owls and hedgehog. Nature never disappoints. Last night, we were sitting on our patio and saw a hummingbird perch on our neighbor’s tree branch. That little bird sat for almost five minutes and we’ve never seen a hummingbird be still for so long. It was one of those awe-inspiring moments. Thank you for the reminder, too, that hope can be found anywhere, anytime if our eyes are open to it. Take good care of you. xo
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Thankyou Lauren. Yes it certainly can be found anywhere even when we are not looking for it. In fact those times are the best xx. I would love to see a hummingbird.
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Alison, I’ve always loved “hope is the thing with feathers”. This morning I have been feeling especially down. Your hedgehog moment has lifted my spirits no end. Thanks. 🙂
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That is so lovely to hear :). Im sorry your feeling down and hope life picks you up soon. You have just lifted my spirits too with your lovely comment. Thankyou.
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I love hedgehogs. My first and last time seeing one was when I was 11 I think, or just a little bit over. I would love to observe a hedgehog again.
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They are so cute Liz and i was so pleased to see it. I think i was probably around 11 when i last saw one.
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Another beautiful post, Alison. I also think Mother Nature is an amazing way to boost one up. I love that your list involves an Owl, A Badger and a Hedgehog. Any wild animal is a pleasure to come across – alive and well.
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Thanks Lisa, yes nature certainly helps me. I just need to see my active badger, and would love to watch them in action one day. Hopefully I will.
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