Breanna, Hummingbirds, and Moments of Contemplation

 This morning, I was enjoying the morning sun climbing above the trees as four hummingbirds battled for three feeders. The feeders are close proximity to the porch swing where I was basking in the glow of the beautiful morning.

I have named the birds and have gained their trust. They fly right up to my face and we make eye contact. There is Tootie Green, Rebel, Johnny Reb, and Redneck. Tootie Green is the self-appointed guardian of the feeders driving the others away. Rebel and Johnny Reb are gray and while Tootie is gone they will simultaneously feed on opposite sides of the feeder. Tootie has a green ring around its neck, while Redneck of course has a red ring around his neck.

Tootie is the aggressor while Redneck is a loner. Watching my tiny friend war reminds me of WWI aerial dog fighting. It is a constant battle and amusing spectacle as they chase one another.

I remind Tootie not to be so greedy. There are three feeders with four ports for their long-pointed beaks to feed. While meditating on their rush and battle to be ahead, I thought of Breanna, the driver of a hummingbird type of white compact SUV. I have not been properly introduced to Breanna. My first encounter with her was on US Highway 31 between Thorsby and Lomax, Alabama. She had perfected the art of tailgating or drafting as they termed it at the Talladega Speedway in Talladega, Alabama.

I was the sixth vehicle in a caravan on the long stretch called Bean’s straight. There were oncoming cars and none of the six of us could pass. The white SUV’s driver was a young blonde female who kept drafting me as she zigzagged in and out the center lane.

The five vehicles ahead of me were maintaining a safe distance from each other. Traveling speed was consistent with the fifty-five miles per hour speed limit. Suddenly, the while SUV flew from behind me to pass six vehicles which is illegal in Alabama. Having been hit by a speeding car in the pass, I slowed and the young blonde speed merchant cut me off. That is when I spotted her name on her vanity license plate, Breanna.

She took my place for the remainder of the way to Lomax where she quickly darted and exited to the left. I guess she was frustrated and decided to go another route.

A couple of weeks later Lisa and I were headed to Jemison, Alabama. We stopped at the railroad crossing and continued to US Highway 31. A white SUV with a young blond lady pulled from a service station and never looked to her left where Lisa and I were approaching her. Lisa stopped and I told her that it was the second white SUV with a young lady pulling out in front of me. We were up close and almost personal with the SUV and then I saw the name on the vanity plate. It was Breanna, imagine that!

It seems that everyone is always in a hurry. I learned a long time ago to leave in plenty of time to arrive on time. If one is five minutes late it is very difficult to make up for the lateness. I am amazed that there are not more accidents.

I try to take the advice from Simon and Garfunkel’s song, The 59^th Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy):

Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobble stones
Looking for fun and feelin' groovy

The Bible gives us intelligent words to slow down.

 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. Proverbs 19:2 KJV

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. Proverbs 21:5 KJV