Let There Be Peace on Earth…
and let it begin with me

Hello friends.

It’s October already?!

I’ve returned inside to the computer to write this to you, after having just come from my chicken coop. I have a sick hen, and I was giving her extra cuddles (wearing my comfy housecoat, holding her gently in my armpit as tiny ants crawled up my legs). I spoke gently to her and gave her head some strokes, hoping to encourage her to eat some bugs, find some grains and grass and leaves, and drink her water. She’s new to our flock and has 2 other Barred Rock hatch mates, and 2 other hens (a Laced Wyandotte and an Ameraucana) that came along as a surprise gift from my brother on Labor Day. That’s how blessings arrive, not always when one expects them, right? We had to alter the coop some for this blessing, but we’ve acclimated now. ((sigh))

All 5 hens are juveniles and cute as can be, as they bop around and flap their wings and run clumsily in excitement as they grow and discover life away from their start at the feed store. They were off to a “cooped-up-beginning” because when they were chosen, we didn’t see that they had Fowl Pox; but upon inspection I saw the little scabs on 3 of their faces, took a photo and good ole Google told me what was up, and what to do. Nothing.

It would have been necessary to separate the new girls from the old girls and Mr. Walter anyway, as they were sick. But now, nearly 5 weeks later, things are settling in nicely and they are co-mingling (more like always running way from the others) in the large yard and I am “letting them” find their way as chickens do. Again, I’m “letting them”, and not futilely micromanaging. 

Now, the scabs are gone, they are a little bigger, and it’s time to be free-range chickens in my fenced yard. Well, on most days, except when I’m away from the home, as predators like to “go for them when I’m not looking”. Yes, I’ve learned my lesson, and I now am protectively resolute and “let” the hens complain miserably when they don’t get to go play in the big yard.

I am finding my own way too these days, learning a lot about the “let them theory”. The author and more Mel Robbins inspired me. I digress.

So, that’s that. Happy letting!

P.S. I am very busy “letting myself” focus on the upcoming concert for next January. I’ve got a lot to do. If you think of me, just say a prayer that I “let myself” focus.

Fondly,

Rachel