March Thirteenth; Open Windows

I was finally able, just moments ago to pet one of the feral cats. BIG step forward here and lots of excitement on my end. The cat even seemed to really enjoy getting that scratch behind the ears.Now, will that same cat allow me to pet it later on after its belly is full? Only it knows. 

Growing up here in this house I can recall the time before air conditioning. That meant that when warm weather arrived all the windows were opened and we hoped for a breeze. The only other way to stir the air was the big, green box fan that mom would move to the room which needed it the most. At meal time that meant it was usually in the back doorway trying to pull out the heat from cooking.

 Even though now I do have central air in the house, I prefer the open windows as much and as long as possible. I love to listen to the sounds of the critters of the night and early morning. Crickets singing have been a lullaby of sorts for me for years. Since the time my grandmother told me as long as the crickets were singing there was nothing outside to worry about.

 I prefer that breeze that comes through over artificial cooling as well. It blows through, clearing out the mustiness of winter’s closed tight against the cold house. To me, maybe its the memories of that innocent childhood, but that breeze feels better, cleaner than the mechanically created. 

When I had the windows replaced in this room, I put blinds up on the windows facing the front of the house, but left the one facing the back yard without covering. I love being able to turn and watch anything, everything, nothing that may come along. When the time is right, I have hummingbird feeders that I will hang maybe two feet from one of those windows. I love watching and listening to them as they visit.

Then there is another consideration.

If we were to consider ourselves windows, would we be open or closed? Would we be accepting of new ideas, thoughts, concepts? Would we be open to seeing ourselves as others see us? Would we be willing to learn new things, about ourselves or about the world and happenings around us?

 Are we closed to the point that nothing about us is visible to those around us? Do we hold our thoughts and emotions captive behind those closures? Do we have the blinds closed, attempting to hide and protect who we are? Or possible fearful of secrets being exposed and the way others perceive and think of us change?

Are we open to reaching out to others in compassion and kindness?

Are we open to hearing not only the cries of the world, but its music as well?

Are we open to see not only our back yard, but the world around us? Through the means available to us.

Are we open to show the light, the laughter, the love and the heartache and pain?

Is your view of outside, clear and bright? Or is it clouded by dust, or any other manner of things covering the window preventing that clear, pure image?

How open are you? What do others see, when they see you?

A photo of the feral cats shot through the window.