Crop Walk 2009

I don't get to post about special releases as often as I'd like. Some of my favorites are very private, and it would be disrespectful to reveal the details of them. But I feel so very blessed to be able to meet the people I meet and watch the doves minister to them through their feathered beauty and symbolism. I fee so blessed, in fact, that it often brings tears to my eyes. So today, as I was reading, I came across such a special quote that exudes a compassion and understanding for the thankful emotions that sometimes overwhelm me in my "job."

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.”~Washington Irving

Speaking of special moments in my work: Crop Walk 2009 took place in Caldwell, Idaho this year, near West Valley Medical Center. A Breath of Heaven Doves were there to fly for them as a kick off to the walk. So many of the same compassionate and loving faces were there that have been since we've been a part of the event. And there were some special new ones, as well. They were all people from local Lutheran churches, gathered together to raise funds to take care of the hungry. This is one of my favorite charitable events to release the doves at. I believe they were our first charity, in fact, for whom our hearts were tugged to serve. May this event bring much relief to many in need this year, as in all years prior, and those in the future! Amen.

St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration

This upcoming weekend is the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration. This is one of our premier releases each year. It's the entire experience we rejoice in: The masses of amazing women celebrating femininity and fitness together -- and the high energy that eminates from the city of Boise for blocks as we all gather there! It's quite the experience, and our birds surely feel the positive excitement as they soar with their own strong wings, to soar for us!

Because of the rainy weather last year, we chose to cancel the release. It was raining cats and dogs! Those wonderful women still had a very fun, memorable year! However, this year, the weather forecast looks stunningly gorgeous and A Breath of Heaven Doves, both the feathered and the human-type, are ready to CELEBRATE!

The race will take place in downtown Boise, right at City Hall, bright and early this Saturday morning, September 26, 2009.

Winter Flights

As Winter continues to stroll along with frosty breath and sleepy flora, it is also a slower time for our A Breath of Heaven Doves' birds.

In the loft, there is not much courting to speak of. The very libido of the birds seems to become dormant, and they exist alongside one another more one big familial group. They aren't quite as active, they aren't quite as vocal, and they aren't quite as amorous as they are in the other three seasons of the year. As though, in unison with Mother Nature, they realize that all of God's creatures need periods of time where there is mainly solace and peace and much rest. Despite the heat lamps in each loft, the birds don't seem to seek them, not yearning for the boost of warmth I surely would. They have more-than-adequate shelter, they have good food, they have fresh water. With our stewardship, they are sufficiently and wonderfully made by their God; perfect and self-contained to provide comfort for themselves. For the most part, their instincts seem to make it clear that this is not the ideal time to raise their young. And so they wait -- for warmer weather and longer days of light.

Despite the sorts of winter weather many may believe is unfriendly and unwelcome where our doves are concerned, that very weather, I think, is something they continue to find joy in. No, we do not take them on releases in that inclement weather. They are under our protection in those ways (see previous posts regarding ethics). And yes, surely there are days when the cold and gloom might affect moods, even for those beautiful birds.

However, they clearly enjoy many types of weather, even in the winter.

On a sunny day, when their lofts are opened up for free flight, they often drift out of the lofts to glide around our property in a multitude of circles.

When there is a strong breeze, they clearly find joy in "riding the wind" like an invisible roller coaster as they circle our acreage -- climbing up, up, up against the gentle forces,... and then turning to shoot across the sky, riding the tail-wind as a collective group, almost as though there are rails below them. Never do they seem to collide! They dance like a well-rehearsed team, yet they fly with such freedom.

Oh, and when it snows! You may be challenged to find a more lovely sight than white doves coasting in large circles, gliding through drifting snowflakes. And as the snow pillows up on the ground, it seems to act as a sound barrier. The world becomes silent -- even the usual sounds from nearby roads are muffled. And in this miraculous set of circumstances, if you stand still ... and quietly... in the middle of the birds' flight pattern, you can hear the whisper of their collective wings -- it is like a long, intimate whisper: It is so much more audible with the blanket of white on the ground and the covering of clouds just above. The peace of experiencing this phenomenon is somewhat powerful, and as soothing as a perfectly-hot drink that warms a cool soul.

St. Luke's Hospice Bereavement Seminar

Saturday, November 8th brought us a "grey-skies" sort of day -- yet the vivid autumn leaves on the trees and other living landscapes made the day pop with color. One of the special events the day flowed with was a very special program St. Luke's Hospice lovingly put together for the families they've served in the last 6 months: A bereavement seminar.

Individuals who'd lost a loved one in recent months were led through workshops, activities, and therapeutic discussions to assist them in their grieving process. The day was concluded with the interactive white dove release by A Breath of Heaven Doves.

Following our specially-written reading, we invited loved ones, one at a time, to approach the microphone. There, Gail (of St. Luke's Hospice) would hand each person one of our individual release baskets, containing a single, snow white dove. The grieving person would say the name of the loved one they were honoring the memory of, and would then open the lid to release their special bird.

Once the individuals had their opportunity to participate in the release, 4 care-takers from St. Luke's Hospice each opened the lids of 4 white wicker trunks. From those trunks, 80 birds flowed into the sky like a graceful white river. The guests who were there seemed to richly embrace the memories of their loved ones with great love and affection as the birds winged their way into the heavens. They watched, with tears, and pointed to the skies, as the birds continued circling, the flock making certain each of their own was able to join up with them before heading home.

And then, there was a calming peace.

Castle Gardens

Nestled back along a white-fenced drive, off of Meridian Road in Kuna, stands a majestic castle! The dream-come-to-life Disney-esque structure blossomed from the vivid and fantastical imaginations of husband and wife, Jim & Ronna.

Castle Gardens has worded the dream-location's amenities beautifully:

"Step through time into the unique by-gone era of romance and chivalry to make this important event a magnificent memory. Pampering yourself on this special occasion is what it is all about.... Be King and Queen for a Day! From the moment you enter Castle Gardens, you know this is the ideal setting for one of the most memorable days of your life.

Once upon a time.....in an enchanted land, there was a place where wedding dreams and wishes came true every day. Today, such a place actually exists in Idaho at Castle Gardens. Castle Gardens can lead you to the wedding of your heart's desire. Here, romance has wings and imagination is unbounded. Here, all it takes is a dream ... Castle Gardens, where dreams and fairy tales do come true!

This is one of the most memorable times of your life, where the whole world stops and your magical moments begin. Castle Gardens offers a unique atmosphere of romance and beauty for your wedding. For this very special day, our event planners will handle the details so that the bride and the groom can celebrate this joyful occasion. At Castle Gardens we care as much about your wedding day as you do, and we will be here to do everything we can to make it perfect!
Where you are the King and Queen!"

If it is a fairytale-like wedding you've always dreamed of, this is the place for it to be fulfilled! And a professional white dove release by A Breath of Heaven Doves can top it off to make it exceptionally dreamy, etheareal, ... breathtaking!

The Dove Lady & Santa Clause are friends!

HO! HO! HO!
CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND SANTA IS BUSY PREPARING!

(That is how our good friend Santa's webpage begins.)

A Breath of Heaven Doves has yet another touch of magic in our feathers, in the form of a very jolly, special friend of ours named Santa Clause! How blessed are we to have spent time with him, joining Mr. Clause in some of his jaunts about the Treasure Valley. Mission? To spread sunshine and joy to all.

Want to know a really great, well-kept surprise of Santa's? Our friend -- your friend and mine, that is -- Santa Clause: The guy can DJ a Christmas party like a well-seasoned professional DJ and Emcee! That's because he is a finely tuned (get it? hahaha) professional DJ! Who knew? He keeps the Christmas parties rockin' and rollin' and full of massive amounts of fun. I guess the jolly guy is always full of amazing talents that thrill us all, young and young-at-heart!

Not surprising, however, is that his December schedule fills up rather quickly, so if Santa's the guy you need to take your party to that next level, be sure to plan ahead and book early. According to his website, Santa can visit homes, schools, offices (he loves to hand out the boss's sealed employee bonus checks!), and more! Santa can drop in on holiday parties (business or personal) for photos or to help hand out gifts. He loves visiting Senior Centers (for kids of all ages).

Santa's booking manager is Johnny D of Successful Celebrations. Please be sure to visit his website: SANTA CLAUSE for more information! Our great friends Johnny D and Santa Clause are sure to take fantastic care of you and make your Christmas event outstanding! And you can take that to the bank, 'cause A Breath of Heaven Doves knows all about the joy and smiles Santa brings to Boise, and beyond. What a guy, that Santa is, indeed!

Merry Christmas

As we enter into the Winter season, it is also a time when we reflect upon peace, love, joy, and hope. These characteristics that signify the DOVE are inherently intertwined with Christmas, and its intricate spiritual symbolism.

May you all enjoy a Christmas filled with peace in your heart, love to fill it completely, enough joy to cause your soul to "glow," and vast amounts of hope to propel you through the season and spread your warmth to others.

Merry Christmas to you all, from A Breath of Heaven Doves!

The Magic Moment: A Wedding Dove Release

Have you ever heard the phrase "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away?" It is one of my favorites -- and it can be one of yours, too: Imagine such a breathtaking moment occurring at your wedding, as all of your loved ones are gathered with you in joyful celebration of your wedding day, to witness the release of beautiful, snow white doves.

Perhaps you've not had the opportunity to witness the release of white doves at a special occasion. My wish is that some day you'll experience the peaceful joy of a crowd surprised into a smiling hush as they watch white wings catch glints of sunlight, and hear nothing but the gentle flurry of those white wings lifting "angels" through the air.