Saturday, July 16, 2022

Broody Behavoir

 

My husband began breeding Naragansett turkeys shortly after we moved to La Belle Farm and since then, I've learned a whole lot about the secret lives of turkeys.

We call this beautiful Naragansett turkey, Big Tom. This spring he became the proud papa of ten turkey chicks. He likes to strut around all day, gobbling and shaking his Waddle at anyone who passes by the farm.

And the proud mamas? Yes, we also have two turkey mamas. Apparently, all turkeys do better with at least two wives. Please, no judgements here. They're turkeys!

This spring the turkey hens sat on their eggs and didn't move.  It's an interesting time in the life of a turkey, because they look as if they're asleep for an entire month. They don't leave their nest, they don't move, and they don't eat. Their eyes are closed. I'm not allowed to disturb them or ask--hey, are you all right in that nest?!

This is because they're "brooding."

And then, one day, the eggs hatch and so begins a new season of baby chicks walking around the farm, enjoying the grass, eating bugs, and testing the patience of the mama hens with their baby bird antics.

Creative friends, I think we have a lot to learn by considering the lives of turkeys. This broody stage is something that we too go through just before new work is born (or hatched, as it were). We may look to the outside world as if we're procrastinating or blocked or just plain distracted. And even to ourselves, we may fear that we have lost our touch.

I would like you to reconsider this fallow period in your artistic life. Close your eyes, allow yourself to brood a while. Wait. Dream. Take long walks. Nap. Read. Think. Dream.

Then, one day, open your eyes and give birth to something brand new and amazing.

So, go ahead and be broody. 

And, as always, have fun.

Love,

Jamie




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