October 21, 2026
Morning Reflections
Be Someone’s Sunshine…
What an incredibly beautiful, windy morning on the Venice Pier!
The wind was so strong I could barely stand, but the sky was absolutely magnificent. Dark clouds stretched across the ocean, creating a dramatic backdrop for another unforgettable morning with my feathered friends.
The birds were waiting to greet me at the end of the pier. Some were perched along the railing, holding on against the powerful wind, while others were on the ground sheltered from the wind.
And guess who returned? Romeo!
I hadn’t seen my handsome boy in a while. He’s always chasing the ladies, so I imagine he’s been keeping himself quite busy! But there he was, looking as handsome as ever. He comes when I call his name, and sometimes he even recognizes me before I call. What a beautiful feeling!
Crybaby made sure I noticed her, and Pegleg was practically suspended in the air, floating against the wind like a kite!
Honey Girl, of course, made her usual entrance from behind. Even the rain couldn’t keep her away!
One of my favorite things about rainy days is watching the pigeons take their little showers. They lean sideways, stretch their wings toward the sky, and let the raindrops wash over them. It’s the sweetest sight! And then there are the ones who clearly aren’t fans of the rain. Just like us, they all have their own personalities.
I also spent time admiring a beautiful little pigeon with the most magnificent feathers. I’ve named her Duchess. She’s becoming bolder and coming closer every day. Hopefully, she’ll be landing on my hand soon!
But today brought something else.
During my morning visit, I noticed a little pigeon sitting off by herself. She wasn’t eating much, and her feet were tangled in string. I had to leave for work, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her.
So, I went back in the afternoon.
By then, the rain had arrived. I found her, gently wrapped her in a soft turquoise towel, and took her to Bruce in Palos Verdes, where she could receive the care she needed.
She stayed quietly tucked inside her towel during the drive. I hope she felt a little safer, finally out of the rain.
I named her Sunshine.
And how fitting that today’s message was:
“You can’t stop the rain, but you can always be someone’s sunshine.”
We can’t always change the circumstances around us. We can’t stop the wind, the storms, or the difficult moments. But we can choose kindness. We can notice someone who needs help. We can make a difference, even in the smallest life.
Today, I am grateful for Romeo’s return, Duchess’s growing trust, Honey Girl’s familiar greeting, the birds dancing in the wind, and the opportunity to help little Sunshine.
Every day these beautiful creatures teach me something about love, resilience, patience, and being present.
Grateful for another beautiful day. Grateful for these beautiful birds. And grateful for the opportunity to be someone’s sunshine.
Capturing beauty, sharing light.
—April
