Bird Nerd
When I first began brainstorming about starting my small business, I immediately decided I wanted to use a bird logo. Some of you know, I am a bit of bird nerd. I just love bird watching and photographing birds. I get super excited when I see a new bird I haven’t seen before. I grew up in the country and my parents fed the birds. Many birds would visit the feeders. Most were common like Cardinals, Blue Jays, Finches, and Sparrows. At certain times of the year, we would see Hummingbirds, Baltimore Orioles, and even Indigo Bunting. I am proud to say, I have carried on this same tradition of feeding the birds and am constantly filling my feeders to keep my bird friends happy! Recently, I was thrilled to have our first Bluebirds visit the yard! I am also lucky enough to have an office at my daytime job that overlooks a pond. This pond is visited by many different water birds including Blue Heron, Egrets, & Cormorant. On a rare occasion, I have even spotted a Kingfisher and a few Night Herons. I live near a forest preserve and frequently see Hawks and Eagles soaring in the sky. I have always thought of moments like these as little gifts from God.
One of my favorite scriptures is found in Psalms: 91:4, “He will cover you with His Feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your armor and protection.” Sometimes I picture God with these beautiful majestic wings, a thick cloak of soft full feathers. He wraps them gently around us when we bring him our hurt and sorrow, giving comfort and protection. It is similar to the way birds protect their young under their wings. There are over 10,000 different species of birds throughout the world . In the January 2018 issue of National Geographic, the cover story “Why Do Birds Matter” by Jonathan Franzen he writes, “If you could see every bird in the world, you’d see the whole world. Things with feathers can be found in every corner of every ocean and land habitats so bleak, that they’re habitats for nothing else.” There are many other references to birds throughout the Bible. I can’t help but think that God created birds to remind us that his protection is ever present.
Bluebird
I chose a Bluebird for several different reasons. Bluebirds symbolize happiness & joy. They are also known to appear as you transition to a new path in your life, reassuring you that this journey will be a source of happiness. If you encounter a bluebird, it is said that blessings will follow. Bluebirds are also adorable. They are small, but appear brilliant and bold. What could be a better symbol for spreading a positive message? The Bluebird soars though the air, bringing happiness and leaving a trail of blessings!
The Inspiration & The Artist
I took my vision to the best artist I know; my sister! I explained that I wanted a cute little Bluebird that embodied courage and bravery. I wanted her to appear strong, yet soft and sweet. I couldn’t have been more pleased with her creation. She sent me this little sketch and told me that she was modeling her after “Rosie, the Riveter”. Rosie, the riveter was the World War II icon representing women entering the workplace. She came to represent feminism and women’s economic power.
Personally, I look at Rosie and see a strong brave woman, who can do anything she sets her mind to. She’s cleaning the house, cooking dinner, taking care of her family, and working 40+ hours a week. She’s bringing home some bacon and it’s nitrate free! Maybe she wants to be a teacher, or a police woman, or an athlete, or a successful business woman. Whatever it is, women embody the strength to do it! I love the caption, “We Can Do It”! Not I can do it, but we. To me this doesn’t just refer to a group of women, but the fact that we can do it together. We can lift each other up, encourage one another, and band together to succeed.
I like to think that my sister chose Rosie as her source of inspiration because she sees a strength in me. A strength that started out small, but has been steadily growing over the last several years. This strength is sometimes physical, but it’s really about finding a balance in a world when strong can sometimes mean harsh and hardened. This has been a journey spiritually inspired by my relationship with Jesus Christ. I am amazed how God can transform a broken heart, filled with distrust and doubt into a new beginning filled with forgiveness, compassion, and bravery.
Radiant Art Therapy Studio
PS. Not only is Linda an amazing sister and artist. She also recently opened her very own art therapy practice. She has 16 years of counseling experience & received her Master of Arts in Art Therapy (MAAT) in 2014. Her studio is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She offers individual and group therapy, as well as many different art based workshops, which can include journaling, poetry, story writing, drawing, painting, and mixed media. Take a minute and check out her website: https://radiantarttherapystudio.com/