Bird Talk
One of the reasons I’m not
too crazy about winter is that
I miss talking to the birds.
I can hear them yapping outside the window as
I work at my computer, but I can’t yap back.
How could I? — The window is closed, and there’s this plastic film taped over it to keep the cold from filtering in.
And when we get strong winds and freezing temperatures — which is what we’ve been getting much too often this year — I keep the bamboo shade rolled down and the curtains shut tight; there’s no way I can strike up a conversation.
So when I step out the door and there’s a bunch of sparrows sitting in the tree that’s right in front of my balcony, I stop and chirp my little heart out. I like the way the birds stare at me, tilting their heads to one side and then to the other, and I always wonder: Am I making any sense to them, or is it total gibberish?
If I’m walking on the street and I see or hear a crow and there’s no one in sight, I caw. It’s annoying to have to restrain myself from cawing just because there are people around.
At home, when I’m on my balcony or in the yard or even when I’m walking in the lane, I don’t care what the neighbours think… I CAW CAW CAW!
But I try not to caw too often — I’m not THAT deranged.
Anyway, if you want to hear what I sound like when I
talk to birds, here’s a little slide show video I made.
It’s the first in a series of “Giggle Tips” videos I’ll be putting up on YouTube. As a Giggle Coach, I want to get as many people giggling
as I can.
I intend to conquer the World… one giggle at a time. 
P.S.: The video is on YouTube, but for some strange reason, I can’t put it on my site; here’s the Google Video version instead.
Ed says:
I tried to talk my kids into moving to Florida yesterday. I have defended the changing seasons of New England my whole life. But besides the cold doing my body NO good now, yes, I agree, it is not just the dearth of hot sun that leads to sad Season Affective Disorder, but the birds. Hearing their songs, seeing flowers, feeling a breeze. Without them, it even sounds gray.
January 25, 2009 at 10:48 am
MuddLavoie says:
Hey Ed!
You were supposed to start giggling, not gagging. LOL
Or maybe you didn’t watch the video and missed my great bird impersonations, eh?
But I must say I understand you quite well. I’m working towards making enough money — or finding a plan — to have the best of both worlds: summer in the city, winter on the beach.
Aloha!
xoxo
January 25, 2009 at 11:02 am
Sheryl Loch says:
I could just picture you walking down the street ‘pacawing’ at crows. LOL!
I have Humming birds year round outside my kitchen window. I talk to them all the time (they are all named hummy). I just love those little guys!
The pigeons and crows I am not near as nice to since they bully all the little birds. The roadrunners I try to scare off. Roadrunners look cool but, are mean.
Just reminded me, I better go throw out my juicer pulp so they can all breakfast.
Thanx for the giggle!
January 25, 2009 at 11:05 am
MuddLavoie says:
Hiya Sheryl!
Awww… thanks for helping me picture YOU and your close encounters of the bird kind.
We never used to have crows in the city up to about 20 years ago. But now we even have skunks and raccoons. Bizarre.
Roadrunners — cool!!
Hugs
xoxo
P.S.: You get 250 Giggle Points for giggling. Congratulations!
January 25, 2009 at 11:11 am
Ed says:
No, sorry, you just reminded me I want out of the cocoon more! Love your creative video mon amie, your chirp, which came by way of tweet, got through indeed!
January 25, 2009 at 3:01 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Well my darling Ed, I’m glad you’re not TOO gloomy. Remember… summer’s coming… Jazz Festival!
The video is my first experience with Camtasia. I’m sure I’ll be having lots of fun with this new toy in weeks and months to come.
Viva Tweet!
xoxo
January 25, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Marilyn Robertson says:
Yes, I talk to birds..but my imitation is not nearly as good as yours! A good giggle picturing you walking down the street cawing!
January 25, 2009 at 7:35 pm
MuddLavoie says:
And so I end this beautiful day by giving ma belle amie Marilyn 250 Giggle Points for giggling.
Life is sweet, uh oh yeah,
sweet and funny — Haha hahappy go lucky me!
Peace & Love & Rock’n'Roll xoxo
January 25, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Donald B. Dousharm says:
Well let’s see, We have two doves that spend most of the spring and summer on the tree next door to us. They have been around a couple of years now. I don’t know what the life span of a dove is but I like to think that it is the same two. Lately we have had a visitor that likes to sleep on the wood frame of my garden fence. He is a huge opossum and he has been there every night for the past 3 weeks. I tried to take a picture of him but got a reflection through the window.
I have a request!!!!
Please teach me to coo like a dove so we can talk to our visitors when they show up, thanks! I can’t wait for the spring…
January 26, 2009 at 4:58 am
MuddLavoie says:
Hi Donald!
What a sweet story about the doves — did you give them names?
And your request reminded me that I speak another bird language: pigeon. I forgot about that. Darn!
Pidgeon cooing isn’t as nice as the dove’s, but it should do. If ever I “upgrade” my video, I’ll be sure to add it.
Hugs and love
xoxo
January 26, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Vincent AKA Ton fils AKA ya son says:
hehe…je viens de voir et entendre ton Talk to the birds…j ai bien aimé la petite animation qui venait avec le tout…lache pas Mom
LOVE XXX
January 28, 2009 at 9:33 am
MuddLavoie says:
Hey Vinnie Baby!
Tu t’es bien identifié cette fois-ci…
Toujours contente de trouver un p’tit mot de toi, dear son.
LOVE
Bird Mom of Alcatraz
xoxo
January 28, 2009 at 10:41 am
Robin Easton says:
You are an absolute delight!! I LOVED your talk to birds video. We must have sprouted from the same bastch. I too talk to birds. You do a GREAT job of it too. Excellent sounds. And I just LOVE your spontaneity and willingness to LIVE!!!! You are a real gem in the world! Never let anyone stop you. The world needs people like more than they yet know!!
February 1, 2009 at 3:05 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Hi Robin!
It is indeed an honour to have someone called “Robin” drop by and leave such a nice comment regarding my bird talk
I’m so glad we connected on BlogLog — you’re a genuine free spirit and an amazing inspiration.
Hey everybody… click on her link and get to know my new friend. And if you want to get a real BIG giggle, watch her video on Desert Rolling http://twurl.cc/er8
Come back soon, Robin!
xoxo
February 2, 2009 at 5:28 am
Mike says:
Sorry I dont talk to birds. I talk to cats. They can be smart sometimes, but so friggin dumb too. Why are people depressed during winter. The East coast is one of the only place where there is actually 4 seasons in a year and people seem to no give a damn… Sorry it had to end up here, needed to write some thoughts. Much love
February 5, 2009 at 4:21 am
MuddLavoie says:
Yeah Mike, but cats are used to being talked to.
Just like dogs.
But the birds are always there, no matter what weather.
And they sing for us, too.
So talking to birds is a nice way of showing gratitude.
And in return, that show of gratitude brings you even
MORE happiness.
Ain’t life fun?
As for your question about why people are depressed in winter, I can think of many reasons – from lacking sunlight, to being very old, to being a single working mom with young kids to walk to school or daycare, to suffering from arthritis, to just plain being cranky because you have other problems and the snowstorm was the last straw.
I try to help out in any way I can: lend a hand, say a few kind words, be funny, or simply smile. But you can’t save the world… especially when it’s -40C and the neighbour’s car won’t start.
The only thing you can do is not let
other people’s negativity get to you.
And, of course, DANCE!
Peace & Love
xoxo
February 10, 2009 at 10:57 pm