Fly Like An Eagle...

Immature Bald Eagle flying over the truck.

"Let my spirit carry me."  Hello from the frozen tundra! We have snow on the ground and single digit temperatures this week in mid-Missouri. Perfect weather for blogging! One of my obsessions the past few weeks has been the bald eagles that winter along our road. Since we moved here in 2007, we have had 3 eagles that I have seen regularly that come for the winter months - they love the chicken barns and there are several around. This year, however, we have a bonanza of eagles! I don't have a definitive count but I would guess there are at least 20. One day, when we were driving into town we actually did count 15 sitting in four different trees. After some reading, I found out that Missouri has more than 2,200 bald eagles each winter making it the leading state in the lower 48. I don't leave the house without the camera as I have had the opportunity and privilege of photographing quite a few. I never thought in my lifetime I would see so many and so close. It is truly amazing. What a majestic symbol of America and so appropriate. If you would like to see more of my eagle photos, you can follow this link to an album I have set up on Facebook.


One of my favorite eagle pictures I have taken.


Much of my decorating style comes from nature. Although I admire the clean lines and funk of mid-century modern and incorporate some of it in our house, I am drawn towards cozy, cabin or lodge style. I have pictures of mountains and lakes; collections of deer items - figurines, books, etc; and all types of vintage travel memorabilia. As far as collections go for Bald Eagles, my stash is pretty limited, though. I did a search on eBay of vintage bald eagles items yesterday and 70% of what came up were belt buckles. Who knew?  Anyway, I do have a couple of items that relate to this magnificent bird.

I found this in a set of 3 at a garage sale for $1.00 for the set, I think. They are tiny (this is the largest at less than 3") porcelain glazed figurines, probably Made in Japan, that are big on detail. They sit amongst a vintage atlas, old movie reel canister, vintage Kodak camera, and a twig I picked up at Glacier National Park. I just love this little set and am on the look out for more to add to the collection.

This pillow is one of my newest additions to my pillow and now, bald eagle, collections. I found it last week at Big Brown Dog Antiques for $12. When I saw it, I knew I had to have it. It is so 1970's looking (the age of my house) with the chambray fabric and has such character. Whoever made this had some mad sewing skills as each of the "feathers" on its chest are individual and different pieces of fabric. The detail is amazing and all though it is far from accurate in the coloring, it really does depict the eagle quite nicely. The look on the eagle's face is priceless, too. I wonder if this was made in 1976 in honor of the Bicentennial?

As we start an new year, what inspires your collections? Nature? Art? Are you looking for something special to add? In the words of Steve Miller "time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking into the future." So, make 2011 the time to bring your future style to the present.