I guess you could call it a hobby. I love taking pictures of unusual signs, and this sign is one of my favorites:
It’s located in Bush’s Pasture Park in Salem, Oregon. This is the park I’m usually at when I talk about my daily walks.
Originally, the sign was slightly different. It used to depict a person with a baseball hat fleeing an attacking bird. I have a picture of the original sign somewhere, but I couldn’t find it in time for today’s letter.
At Bush Park, that’s what us locals call it, there is a screech owl that will occasionally divebomb park patrons. It started about six or seven years ago. The owl seemed to be triggered by people wearing baseball hats who got too close to its tree.
However, the owl eventually branched out and began divebombing indiscriminately—thus the reason the current sign no longer features a baseball cap-wearing victim.
Since the pandemic, the attacks have stopped. However, these unique signs remain.
Seeing this sign, you might think that the owl attacks were commonplace. Statistically, they were quite rare. Despite being both a frequent park visitor and an avid baseball cap wearer, I was never attacked by the owl. I did see the offending owl once up in its tree, but I think it was asleep.
Do you ever look for signs on your creative journey? I sure do. But what if I’m misunderstanding the signs. Do I just have a case of confirmation bias? What if a sign isn’t pointing me in the right direction—instead it’s just warning me of some improbable event?
Part of the adventure of a creative life is living with uncertainty. I’ve learned to watch for signs but to also trust my inner compass. I also think that sometimes confirmation bias can be helpful. It can give you a shove in the right direction, even if the way you’re going is totally irrational.
This week I was making some big changes to my website. It’s part of a major overhaul of my business—and I’m super nervous about it. But I also know that it’s what I need to do.
While writing some of the new web copy for the site, I got an email from the exact type of person I’m looking to help. I have no idea how they found me or how they knew I would be able to help them. (But I will ask when we have our call!)
I took that random event as a sign—a bit of kismet—indicating I’m on the right path. Is that rational?
No, and I don’t care. I need all the validation I can get right now!
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