Little did Phil Grout know that an elusive bird with a mysteriously beautiful voice would lead him to the spirit of his father who had died 22 years ago. Not only does this bird find a home near Phil and his wife in their woodland home, but it tightens the knot on the cord which binds together all living beings and things. And in the end, the veteran photojournalist sees with new eyes how we truly are connected to the universe.



"When I am old I shall be spun of golden threads and all the sunsets I have ever seen shall be etched upon my reflection.

In my twilight years the puzzle will be solved and I will understand how my path was woven into this blanket of many colors.

But for today I shall gather in the harvest and taste the sweetness of all creation giving thanks that all beings and all things are my relatives."