Well seeing as how it is now "official" I can say that not only was I asked to write another poem for the calendar but I had the immense pleasure and even greater honor to have been asked some time ago to be a judge for the 2008 calendar.
I saw pictures that gave me goosebumps (January) and others I just had to break down and cry (September, read the story there.)
There were so very many really good ones to choose from that we judges had a most difficult time and so it was decided to add (on the website) the honorable mentions that missed the calender (some of them by a single point.)



Welcome to Parrots At Play Calendar Program <<< click link

I know that there are so many most worthy institutions and rescues out there that are all clamoring for your dollar, but if you could see it in your hearts to perhaps not only buy one calendar for yourselves but a few more to pass out to family members and work colleagues it would make all the difference in the world for someone with feathers instead of hair, lol.
To those that submitted your pictures I wanted to say a great big THANK YOU for giving me a day where I wanted to rip my hair out.
Much love!

The Theme for the 2008 calendar was Agility, and so I came up with:


Deftness to daftness

As I sit here watching my flock play
And wondering if they know how silly they look
While for them it’s nothing new and happens everyday
As they swing from playground cranny to bookshelf nook

Ah the funny little bird hanging by his toe
As he scrambles so valiantly up the rope
Herculean the struggle and a long way to go
Trying to look regal and not like a total dope

No other critter can go from deftness to daftness
Like the Gymnastic fantastic feathered performer
Impressing on us their repertoire with its vastness
As the aerialist dives from high to the lowest corner

Then comes crashing down from above …
… till at the bottom they then lay,
looking up forlornly and seeking our love
We worry; we laugh but adore them anyway

Graehstone

"There are many non-profit avian organizations around the country that are working hard to help birds; whether through education, rescue and adoption services, or conservation. The Parrots At Play Calendar is designed to help. All net proceeds from calendar sales are donated to non-profit avian organizations. The calendar sells for $15 and $10 of the purchase price is donated to help a bird. You can help by simply buying a calendar! You can even specify which participating non-profit avian organization you would like to make a donation to!"
VP Parrots at Play Calendar

Thanks for considering us and thanks for participating.
Many blessings being sent your way.

A great organization, and I look forward to the calendar every year. I don't envy you your judge's job there one bit, Mike. Hair tearing for sure! Thanks for the heads-up!

Awww, you are right, Mike. Those photos are simply darling and delightful. The calendar would make a great Christmas gift for a birdlover. And one helps birds by ordering as well. It's a win-win!

Btw, I just loved the line in your poem, "As they swing from playground cranny to bookshelf nook". I can so totally relate to that line! LOL

Congrats on being published again.

Mike thanks for the heads up about the calendar. Every photo is just exquisite, even the honorable mentions. That had to be one heck of a job to make selections. I loved your poem. You have such a wonderful talent.

oh geez that's cute! i will have to pick one of those up!

Mike I just ordered 2 calendars. Do you by chance know if they're ready to be shipped now or do we have to wait for shipment at the end of the year?

I just received mine in the mail and I think it looks just fabulous, there are a couple of "familiar" faces there too, lol.
So step right up and get your's right hot off the press.

Oh oh! I see a Pita-bird!

I'm gonna have to order one...I looked through all the winners and read the stories- everybody did an excellent job putting it together!

I hope mine get here soon! I can't wait to see them.