There’s something about the beautiful snowy egrets that populate our wetlands this time of year. I love all birds, but these herons are especially elegant and serene—and completely present in their watery environment— my theme for this week’s card for my 52 Cards Project.

All in all, it’s been a much needed quiet week. I spent a good amount of time hanging out my friends and family outdoors—but also like the snowy egret, I enjoyed solitude—reading and and working in my sketchbook.

It was a good week.

P.S. I did a little geeking out on egrets for this week’s card. I did not know that snowy egrets barely survived extinction in the Victorian era when they were hunted down for their plumes for hats. Fortunately, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1915 protected them and they are no longer endangered and can be found near almost any kind of water at low altitudes around the world, but mostly in North, Central and South America.

I could go on. They live for up to 22 years! AND they hold rich symbolic and spiritual significance for cultures around the world…repeatedly conjuring wisdom, protection, grace, tranquility, focus, determination…presence.

More, please!