Tip tap, tippety tap

It was an overcast day on the canal, just 2 months into my boating journey, late September, 2025.

“tap tap tap tap tap”

I jumped - the tapping was loud and insistent.

“TAP TAP TAP TAPPITY TAP!”

I decided to investigate, and found this snaggle beaked beauty outside, like an avian

version of an insurance salesman, except this one was looking for an easy meal rather than to sell me something from under its wing. Clearly an old injury to the beak as it was well healed, perhaps the injury was gained by foraging, fighting or even litter - swan beaks are actually quite pliable and easy to injure - despite their reputation for being arm-breakers, they are actually pretty fragile.

I’m the kind of person who looks for signs in the world around me. I often see red kites when I feel defeated. I see kingfishers whenever I need confirmation that I’m on the right path. Perhaps you look for signs around you, too?

On this day I was feeling uncertain about the life I’d chosen - so many wonderful things about this life  but I was also struggling to adjust. Sometimes I still feel that way.

But then there was this swan, showing up, having been knocked around, healed, was still showing up and asking for what it needed. Animals don’t get hung up about asking for what they need, they just ask - the past didn’t hold it back.

I watched the swans on this stretch of the canal every day, moving from boat to boat, tip-tapping on the side for supper.

This is the inspiration for April’s art postcard. A little painting of a soul that took a knock, but kept showing up anyway.

If you’d like some art on your doormat instead of a bill, you can subscribe here. There are 17 people who already get these. I’d love to make it more. 

Til next time,

Tracy xox