My little sisters, the birds, much bounden are ye unto God, your Creator, and always in every place ought ye to praise Him, for that He hath given you liberty to fly about everywhere, and hath also given you double and triple rainment; moreover He preserved your seed in the ark of Noah, that your race might not perish out of the world; still more are ye beholden to Him for the element of the air which He hath appointed for you; beyond all this, ye sow not, neither do you reap; and God feedeth you, and giveth you the streams and fountains for your drink; the mountains and valleys for your refuge and the high trees whereon to make your nests; and because ye know not how to spin or sow, God clotheth you, you and your children; wherefore your Creator loveth you much, seeing that He hath bestowed on you so many benefits; and therefore, my little sisters, beware of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praises unto God.

Saint Francis of Assisi - c 1220


I have always loved birds... of any species ... and so have always been partial to Saint Francis of Assisi who is the patron saint of birds, among other things. Regardless of our religious leanings... it seems to me that we might all take away something of meaning from his sermon to our feathered friends... :) (With a special smile for Linda (gumbykat) upon reading her wonderful news!)

Three APO flames from version 2... layered in PSP. Thank you so very much for all of your kind comments on Rediscovering Italy... I read them many times over and I surely appreciate each and every one. And thanks a bunch for taking the time to check out this one! Hugs! Helen :)