Even the Ugly Birds Have a Purpose…

Did you know the wingspan of some vultures is 6 feet!? Those are some big birds, let me tell ya.

And we should be honest, they’re not very pretty to look at, are they? Big bodies, eating dead things, ugly heads. But back to that eating thing… even ugly birds have a purpose. That might be my top #1 favorite thing about God’s genius in nature. These birds, as unpretty as they are, serve such a vital role in the ecosystem.

Everything plays a role in the survival of its species, of that animal kingdom, the circle of life. Maybe it’s kind of like human feet. They’re often thought of as gross, some people really don’t like them (of course, some weirdos really DO like them 😜) but as unattractive as they can sometimes be, it’s hard to deny their critical role in every day life. So for that reason, they’re quite beautiful. Same with buzzards, vultures, raccoons, scavengers of land, etc. That’s why I put in a special mention of raccoons in my children’s book Big and Small, God Made Them All.

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We don’t see them often, usually just at night, but raccoons serve the world well. Plus, I purposely left out mentioning possums because whenever I can make a separate note about them, I will. I love possums.

That there is a possum I met at Roos and Coos Farm in Plant City, Florida. Before I was there, and even more since then, I would love to have a possum as a companion. It’s not easy so the time and situation needs to be right but I just love them so much. They’re adorable in their own weird way and now I’m missing Rosanna! She will be missed.

Isn’t it cool that when nature needs something, there’s something already in place to meet the need? The circle of life, the wheel of fortune, and now you’re singing Elton John like I am, too.

Even the ugly birds have a purpose…

-Out of the Wilderness

Decisions, Decisions

Why is it that whenever one good thing comes along, another good thing is happening simultaneously? It’s like trying to eat chocolate and peanut butter at the same time!! Wait, actually that’s my favorite dessert. But you get my point? When it comes to living in real time where you can’t really be in two places at once, a decision is required. Is there going to be a secret third option? OK, there’s ALWAYS a secret third option but for the predicament I’m in, I haven’t thought through it enough to spark my mind into what that surprise option #3 will be.

So for now… I’ll try to be happy that at least I’m having to pick between two good things. It’s not like one of those “would you rather” questions where you have to pick one of two horrible scenarios. Both of the twinning events are fun and good, I just have to pick one and making decisions like this has never really been my strong suit. I’m sure I’ll overthink it for the next 100 hours and then end up doing something I’d never considered.

Do you have any wisdom to share? Any advice? Should I just flip a coin? Now that I’m typing it out for the first time, I’m thinking I should hold both options up to my theme for 2025: Pursue, Purpose, Person. Which of the two events is more aligned with this theme? I’ll be thinking on it until I hear what you have to say. Chime in below!

-Out of the Wilderness

LiMu Emu Has A Backstory… and It Might Be Sinister!

I typically don’t like prequels or backstories, that is unless they somehow move the plot along. And do they ever move the plot along? I think of the TV show “Lost” when sometimes an entire episode was dedicated to someone’s life before the plane crash. Just freaking show me how they get off the island so I can move on with my life!!!!!! Sorry, I’m getting irritated again. But now a story comes along and I think, “This. This is a backstory I can appreciate.” It’s from Liberty Mutual’s likable emu named LiMu Emu. Take a look…

Geez, Frank. Stop being such a realist! Frank tried standing in the way of LiMu Emu’s dreams… which became reality in 5 years. Wait… so he spent half of his life trying to make it in the biz? According to a quick Google search, emus live around 5 to 10 years in the wild, longer in captivity. Gosh, Hollywood is tough! I think it’s funny that Frank immediately recognized him even though I’m guessing emus basically all look the same. How did Frank know it was the same flightless bird? Must’ve been the aviators.

But is there something sinister about this story, information we don’t know about? Perhaps there will be another episode of LiMu Emu’s life before finding Doug. This commercial reveals he came from Emu Roost Ranch.

Is this ranch a safe haven for emus or is it more like a farm where emus are raised for consumption? I know, it’s dark… and I don’t mean dark meat! But it could shed more light on the reason for LiMu Emu leaving when he did. Perhaps it wasn’t about chasing a dream, it was more about leaving a nightmare. Getting out before it was too late. Was Frank a pessimist about Emu chasing his dream… or just hungry?

-Out of the Wilderness

The Jeep Wagoneer EV Commercial – The Dirty Song and More

Sometimes you just gotta get dirty, right? That’s the sentiment behind the Jeep commercial that starts off classy and clean. But then…mayhem… check it out.

The Music. The song setting the mood in the commercial is by an artist who goes by BVSIS. The song is perfectly called “Dirty.” Here’s the full track and check out more of his creative work on his YouTube channel @LoveSomeDance.

-Out of the Wilderness

I haven’t been in a gym in 4 years…

Something came over me about a week and a half ago. No it wasn’t bad egg nog or whatever flu is going around every winter. It was the notion that it was time to rejoin an official gym! That’s right. Me. Working out. With weights. And other people. Ben, the loner, rubbing shoulders with other like-minded people wanting to improve their health.

The side yard workouts I’d been doing were great– no crowds, good music, conveniently located. I’ll continue those, although less often, but as of last week, I’m back in Planet Fitness and I’ve participated in 4 workouts already since joining. I’ve been mesmerized by the the weights, the treadmills, the stationary bikes, the entire room dedicated to ropes, pull-up bars, and stretching. It’s crazy that the last time I was a member of a gym was during COVID, way back in 2020/21 in Nashville. Since then I’d been doing outdoor workouts, running, cycling, etc… but I’m excited to add weights back into my routine and find out if doing more anaerobic workouts can help improve results in triathlons I will sign up for in 2025.

Plus, if I want to keep up with my brother (won’t happen!) I need to be in a gym anyway. He’s always been strong mentally and physically so maybe this year I’ll catch up just a little bit…

-Out of the Wilderness