Inspiration From A Chicken, Nugget

       This is Nugget. A tiny bantam black silkie chicken who inspires many children in the Westport community. This animal, smaller than a teddy bear, I believe to be the single most powerful force driving the poultry-keeping boom we are seeing in Southwest Connecticut. She is also often my inspiration, as I watch her adorable antics while I work in the gardens. She is quite the character. Starting this blog, I feel as I imagine she would jumping into a coop filled with seemingly giant Orpingtons and Barred Rocks, who'd been together for years. She would probably get some negative reaction, for having the audacity to intrude: maybe she would have a few feathers plucked out by her new coop mates, maybe she would be chased around and barricaded off from the food by the others. But even worse yet (in the world of blogs, anyway), she could go completely unnoticed. She could get hidden behind the stature of the noble blue egg laying Americauna, Idis, or go unseen next to the flashy, fancy, feathery headdress worn by the obnoxious Golden Laced Polish, Madonna- that poultry diva. Nugget's story might never be told, were it not for her ability to adapt by accepting who she is, accepting her place in the pecking order, and scratching out a niche all her own. 

   What is so endearing to us about Nugget is her surprisingly odd look combined with a relaxed, calm, lovable personality. She loves being held by toddlers and adults alike. She's patient. She's tolerant. She's calm. She speaks with her eyes as well as any cat ever could, but in a non-judgemental way, of course. She ensures her holder that she means no harm and appreciates any attention and soft arms to nap in that come her way. She can appear plain at times...a simple black next to the beautiful zebra-like stripes of the Barred Rock. Yet put Nugget in the sun, and that plain, easy to miss chicken exudes irredescent streaks of teal and regal purple. She is simply splendid. 

    At the farm, I strive to bring the values I see embodied in this little creature to my own two children and the children I teach. Just as Nugget does, be patient. Be kind. Be respectful. Be tolerant. Be humble. Explore, share and inspire. Shine when it is your turn to shine, and give others the chance to do so as well. Admire others, but know that you can be great, too...In your own way...just as you are. If you can't see it, step outside. Perhaps the sun has not shone on your feathers yet.