Bird in golden sunlight

par Bill Tiepelman

The Sunrise Sovereign: A Regal Songbird's Realm

In the heart of the most decadent garden imaginable, where the air itself felt perfumed with luxury and the sunlight dripped like molten gold, lived a bird unlike any other. She wasn’t just any bird; no, she was the bird. A vision of sapphire blues, gilded golds, and an attitude sharp enough to cut glass. She perched atop a bough surrounded by blooms so opulent, even the roses looked shy. Her feathers shimmered like jewels, and a delicate crown of blossoms adorned her head, as if nature itself had been styled by a high-end florist. “Another glorious morning, peasants,” she chirped, her voice dripping with sass as she stretched her resplendent wings. The sun, naturally, had risen just for her. At least, that’s how she saw it. “Work it, Ra. Light me up like the celestial queen I am.” Below her, the garden bustled with life. Hummingbirds flitted about like caffeine-fueled interns, their tiny wings a blur of effort. A dragonfly zipped by, pausing momentarily to admire her glow. “You may look, darling, but don’t linger,” she cooed, tossing her head feathers dramatically. “I charge for the full show.” The Daily Drama The Sunrise Sovereign, as she had taken to calling herself, wasn’t interested in mundane bird activities. Worms? Hard pass. Bugs? Gross. Her appetite was far more refined. She preferred feasting on the admiration of her subjects—those tiny, insignificant creatures who dwelled in her garden. “Excuse me,” she called to a passing bee. “Yes, you with the stripes. Could you not land on my flowers? These are curated, darling. Curated.” The bee buzzed in confusion, then flew off. “Honestly,” she muttered to herself, “nature really needs better management.” As the day progressed, the garden grew busier. Birds chattered, bees buzzed, and somewhere in the distance, a squirrel was probably up to something sketchy. The Sovereign watched it all with a mix of disdain and amusement. “Look at them,” she mused. “Scurrying about like life is some big to-do. Meanwhile, I’m up here, exuding effortless fabulousness.” The Hummingbird Incident It wasn’t always easy being the most magnificent creature in the garden. Just yesterday, a particularly ambitious hummingbird had the audacity to challenge her. “I’m fast,” he boasted, zipping around her perch like a tiny, winged tornado. “I bet I can outshine you!” She blinked, unamused. “Sweetheart,” she began, her tone like silk dipped in venom, “you’re adorable, really. But shine? You’re a little sparkle at best. I’m a solar flare.” She extended her wings, catching the sunlight in a dazzling display that sent the poor hummingbird spiraling into a nearby hedge. “Know your place, darling,” she called after him. “And maybe get a stylist.” The Grand Finale As the day wore on, the Sovereign prepared for her favorite part: the golden hour. “The lighting,” she whispered, “is about to be chef’s kiss.” She adjusted her plumage, fluffed her tail feathers, and struck a pose. The entire garden seemed to pause as the sun dipped lower, casting a warm, honeyed glow over everything. “And now,” she announced to no one in particular, “the moment you’ve all been waiting for.” The sunlight hit her just right, igniting her feathers in a blaze of color so brilliant it could make rainbows weep. Birds stopped mid-chirp. Bees froze in mid-flight. Even the skeptical squirrel paused, an acorn slipping from its tiny paws. “You’re welcome,” she said, preening nonchalantly. “Honestly, it’s exhausting being this fabulous. But someone has to do it.” The Legend Lives On As the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the garden began to quiet. The Sunrise Sovereign settled into her perch, satisfied. She had once again dazzled her audience, maintained her throne, and reminded every creature within a five-mile radius of her unrivaled magnificence. “Goodnight, peasants,” she murmured, her voice soft but still dripping with superiority. “May your dreams be half as divine as my reality.” And with that, she tucked her head beneath her wing, her crown of flowers glowing faintly in the moonlight. The garden slept, but the legend of the Sunrise Sovereign lived on, a reminder that sometimes, life’s greatest treasures come with a heavy dose of sass.     Ode to the Sunrise Sovereign Oh, behold me, the queen of this golden domain, Perched on my throne, in a bloom-covered frame. Sapphire feathers, a crown of finesse, Who else could serve such celestial excess? Do I wake with the sun? Absolutely, my dear. But not for the worms; they’ve nothing I cheer. I’m here for the drama, the spectacle, the flair, Fluffing my plumage while peasants just stare. Hummingbirds buzz? Oh, how quaint, how small. Like interns they flutter, no power at all. Their wings might be quick, their chatter might thrill, But can they pose like me? I doubt they have skill. These flowers? Custom. This lighting? Divine. I didn’t ask for perfection—it just aligns. Call me extra; I call it profound. Your mediocrity shakes in my glowing surround. And darling, the sun—it rises for me. Its rays gild my feathers with pure majesty. While you sip your latte and scroll on your phone, I bask like a goddess on nature’s own throne. So take notes, my darlings, and learn what you can, From a bird with a sass no mere mortal can span. I rule this realm, with wit and panache, Now flap away, peasants—I’ve sunlight to cash. Bring the Sunrise Sovereign into Your Home Love the regal charm and sass of the Sunrise Sovereign? Bring her luminous presence into your space with these stunning products, each showcasing her radiant beauty: Tapestry: Let her grace your walls with vibrant elegance, perfect for creating a focal point in any room. Canvas Print: A gallery-quality masterpiece that immortalizes her majestic glow. Throw Pillow: Add a touch of sass and luxury to your couch or bed with this plush decorative piece. Puzzle: Challenge yourself with a playful way to piece together her dazzling form. Click your favorite product above and let the Sunrise Sovereign reign in your home with unmatched elegance and flair!

par Bill Tiepelman

The Beauty of the Everyday

Morning sunlight spilled across the dew-laden grass in Old Monroe, Missouri, painting the backyard in soft hues of gold and green. It was a Saturday—the kind of day meant for nothing in particular, where time seemed to stretch endlessly and the world demanded very little. Elaine, coffee mug in hand, sat in her favorite weathered patio chair, ready to indulge in her quiet ritual of birdwatching. Her backyard wasn’t grand, not by a long stretch. A modest patch of grass, a few unruly shrubs, and an old maple tree that leaned slightly to the left. But to her, it was a haven—a little slice of nature right outside her door. The birds seemed to think so, too. They visited in droves, flitting between branches and leaving behind a trail of chirps and feathers. The Unassuming Star Elaine took a sip of her coffee, the warmth spreading through her as she leaned back and scanned the yard. The usual suspects were out in force: the chattering sparrows, the nosy blue jays, the standoffish mourning doves. But then, a flash of pink caught her eye. There, perched on a patch of ground where the sunlight filtered through the leaves, was a house finch. Its rose-colored plumage practically glowed, the soft streaks of pink blending beautifully with its browns and whites. It hopped about, tilting its head in that curious, twitchy way birds have, as if it were pondering something of great importance. “Well, aren’t you a showstopper,” Elaine muttered, setting her coffee down to reach for her binoculars. The finch hopped closer to the patio, pecking at something invisible on the ground. It didn’t seem the least bit concerned with her presence, which Elaine appreciated. It was nice to feel trusted, even by a bird. Lessons in Simplicity As she watched, Elaine couldn’t help but chuckle at the finch’s antics. It puffed up its chest, shook its feathers, and let out a tiny trill that sounded like the avian equivalent of clearing its throat. It reminded her of her neighbor Harold, who had a similar habit whenever he was about to launch into one of his conspiracy theories about the weather. “Don’t worry, little guy,” she said softly. “Your theories probably make more sense than Harold’s.” The finch paused, as if it had heard her, then continued pecking at the ground. Its movements were methodical, unhurried. Elaine envied that. The world was always rushing—always demanding more, faster, better. But the finch didn’t care about any of that. It was perfectly content, existing in its small, quiet moment. The Humor of the Ordinary Elaine’s reverie was interrupted by the unmistakable clatter of her garden wind chime, followed by the squawk of a disgruntled blue jay. She turned to see the jay perched indignantly on the chime, its feathers ruffled. A second later, a squirrel darted across the fence line, chittering madly as if laughing at its own prank. The finch, for its part, didn’t even flinch. It hopped a little farther away from the commotion, clearly unbothered by the chaos. Elaine laughed. “Smart move,” she said. “Stick to the peaceful corner. Let the squirrel and the jay sort out their drama.” The Beauty of the Every Day The sun climbed higher, and Elaine’s coffee grew colder, but she didn’t mind. The finch eventually flew off, its rosy feathers disappearing into the maple tree, but the sense of peace it had brought lingered. Elaine sat back and closed her eyes, listening to the layered symphony of bird calls, the occasional rustle of leaves, and the distant hum of a lawnmower. She thought about how easy it was to overlook moments like this. To dismiss the ordinary as mundane. But the finch had reminded her that beauty wasn’t always flashy or rare. Sometimes, it was a small bird with pink feathers, hopping across your backyard, living its life with quiet grace. As Elaine gathered her mug and binoculars to head inside, she felt a deep gratitude for the morning. It wasn’t a grand adventure, but it didn’t need to be. It was a reminder of the joy to be found in the simple, the still, and the everyday moments that so often pass unnoticed.     Bring The Beauty of the Every Day Into Your Space Celebrate the serene charm and quiet grace of the house finch in your backyard with these thoughtfully crafted products. Perfect for nature lovers and those who find beauty in the small moments, these items bring the tranquility of the scene into your life: Cross-Stitch Pattern – Create a stunning keepsake with this intricate cross-stitch design that captures the gentle beauty of the finch and its surroundings. Canvas Print – Add a touch of peaceful elegance to your walls with this vibrant and artful depiction of the house finch. Tote Bag – Carry the beauty of the everyday with you wherever you go with this stylish and practical tote bag. Greeting Card – Share the serenity with friends and loved ones through this beautifully designed greeting card, perfect for any occasion.