My friend Julie (yes, that same 7th grade friend Julie!) works at a delightful children’s store in a delightful part of town. 

One day last week I visited her there and while wandering the store I came across a big thick chapter book intended for young-ish readers.  It had such a cute cover that I had to pick it up. 

I gave it the first paragraph test and WOW.  What a first paragraph! 

With no permission of the author, Colin Meloy, here it is:

“How five crows managed to lift a twenty-pound baby boy into the air was beyond Prue, but that was certainly the least of her worries. In fact, if she were to list her worries right then and there as she sat spellbound on the park bench and watched her little brother, Mac, carried aloft in the talons of these five black crows, puzzling out just how this feat was being done would likely come in dead last. First on the list: Her baby brother, her responsibility, was being abducted by birds. A close second: What did they plan on doing with him?”

Now, understandably, I’ve been thinking of crows ever since.  

Did you know that the American Crow is a problem-solver, a tool-maker, and a threat-forcaster??  Me, either!

Experts from places like National Geographic and Scientific American say crows share (at least) 3 consistent strengths:

• Adaptability – Crows are incredibly adaptable, using everything from natural materials to human-made objects like bottle caps and wire to build their nests. Their ability to thrive in urban environments shows how they creatively adjust to changing surroundings.
• Resourcefulness – Known for their tool-making abilities, crows use sticks, leaves, and other found materials to extract insects from tight spaces. They’re one of the few species outside of humans known to create and use tools, proving they’re natural problem-solvers.
• Effective Communication – Crows are masters of communication, not only recognizing individual human faces (What??) but also warning other crows about potential dangers. Their success often depends on sharing important information clearly and effectively with their community.

All of these could apply to us, but look at that last one again.  How can we apply this kind of purposeful communication to strengthen our own connections?

Here are 3 small ideas:

1. Share your positive experiences.
   When you share something good that’s happened with a friend or partner, it doesn’t just brighten the moment – it actually boosts your overall well-being. As Emma Seppälä puts it, “Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when you share it.” Talking about what you’re grateful for or reliving a happy memory adds more joy to your life and strengthens your connections.
2. Create small acts of connection.
   Little moments of connection – like sharing the highs and lows of your day or doing something simple together – can make a huge difference. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the small, consistent ways we stay connected that truly deepen relationships over time.
3. Show genuine interest when listening.
   Just like crows communicate to protect each other, we build stronger bonds when we really listen. Showing genuine enthusiasm when someone shares something important creates a positive feedback loop. Researchers have found that responding with interest gives the other person the opportunity to feel understood and appreciated, making the relationship even stronger.

Share the positive stuff.

Create small connections.

Show genuine interest. 

Repeat. 

I can’t wait to hear about how you’re communicating, even in small ways. (Unlike Prue, who as of PAGE 57 has not told her parents that her baby brother has been accosted by some – very smart, it turns out – crows!  Bless her heart!)

And if you need help with it, I’m your gal.  

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