On Sameness & Difference

The other day, after dropping Middle Girl at Preschool, I walked home. It was raining out, the streets a slick, soggy mess, but I stopped because I saw something: A little white pigeon.

I am not sure exactly what it was about this particular bird that got me, but I paused and fished around in my bag for my phone to take a picture. Maybe it was that it was unlike most pigeons I see (or don't see), pigeons that are shades of gray, and camouflaged by the sidewalks on which they scamper. Maybe it was because I was extra-aware, my eyes open to details I otherwise miss. I'm not so sure.

But there was something different about this pigeon. Sure, she was white and not just any white, but a bold beautiful white, pure as snow. And she did a little dance around and around.

And of course I couldn't leave it at that, that there was a charming pigeon on my stroll home. No. Suddenly, I was thinking about sameness and difference, conspicuousness and camouflage.

Once upon a time, I think I was intent on blending in, on being one of the crew, a blondie, a black-wearer. Safe. More and more though, I feel a desire to be me even if that means I stand out a bit more. Like that little white bird.

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Are you willing to be different? Have you at any point in your life tried to blend in? Are you aware of the little details in your days?