Monday, August 16, 2010

Neighborhood Hangout



ok, here’s the happier story i promised – it starts sad, but stay with me. after my beloved dad passed away in 2006, a dear friend sent me a check with a note, “buy something to remember your dad”. i didn’t really have a clue, but coincidentally (?) another artist friend was packing up and moving out of state and was selling some of his fabulous “yard art” at discount prices. well, it occurred to me that in his later years my dad had had difficulty walking and had spent a lot of time watching and admiring the birds on his porch. i thought a beautiful piece of yard art in the form of a birdbath would be the perfect piece to remember both my dad and my friend.


 
the piece was an immediate hit with the “locals” and is continuing to grow in popularity. i don’t know why i didn’t really get the name-implied intent of the piece, but i was just amazed to see that the birds not only hang out there regularly, but they actually BATHE!




i have seen a myriad of different colors, sizes and shapes of birds. i have seen some complex social interactions taking place. i have seen groups hanging out together. birds kicking each other out. birds waiting in line for their turns. fascinating stuff!


there is definitely some maintenance involved. i no sooner fill the bowl with fresh water than a big bruiser will fly in, engage in some major splashing, leaving it half empty. it’s worth it though. to me it’s a very lively and active remembrance of a very special man and also a tribute to a good friend!

10 comments:

  1. This is one of the most beautiful posts I have read so far. The story is wonderful (I love watching birds in my yard) and the photos are just amazing. All in all - what a marvelous piece of art! Thank you so much for sharing.

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  2. Beautiful photogrpahy! I LOVE watching birdies and I think this is a fabulous way to remember your Dad. ♥

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  3. What an incredible way to remember your father! And your friend - to think of something like that. So beautiful. Photographs make me laugh - birds are so comical and yes complicated. Many different relationships going on. A beautiful past time and rembrance to include in your life, Patty.

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  4. Dear Patty-I have been wanting to come over here for a few days now...Tara stopped taking her morning nap so that has eliminated a chunk of time I had used for blogging! First-i wanted to address a comment you left on my blog a few days ago...if you want to sell your photography prints on Etsy i really think you should give it a shot! I know that there are a gazillion photographers there (and artists too) but there is only ONE Patty and your vision is different than anyone else's . I know you have to be ready and it has to be the right time for you...but I think you would not have taken Flying Lessons if you weren't thinking about it??!! If there is anything I can do to help...just let me know.
    I love your birdbath nad the story behind it. Birds are amazing and fascinating to watch. Which reminds me of the sickening situation in the Gulf right now. Hundreds of thousand of all kinds of birds are going to migrate to that area in the coming weeks and months and are going to die. What an absolute tragedy...us humans just have to take better care of our dear Mother Earth. And don't even get me started on BP!!!!
    I also read your post on vanishing small towns and you are so right. With these communities disappearing...also goes a way of life, knowledge that has been passed down for generations and a respect for the earth. It is very sad and...I really don't know what the solution will be or where this road will lead. I guess people will be forced to move to cities?
    I also love your studio...and thank you so much sweet Patty for leaving your kind comments on my blog. A favorite piece of pottery broke yesterday and I saw it as the Universe sending me a message to love all my pieces. There is beauty everywhere. xxx

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  5. I love the story behind the birdbath. And now I want a birdbath! I can just imagine the fun of watching cute little birds take baths in it. {Then again, maybe I'd better not get one; I might not get anything done.}

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  6. that was such a smart thing to get in memory of your dad. i love that. it's so peaceful to watch birds. and gosh, the birds seems to love this pretty little birdbath!!!

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  7. Oh...these are so sweet. And - I love how you've titled the series.

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  8. what a beautiful bird bath! love your photos too!

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  9. thanks, patty. great story and photos. i can feel your dad smiling and happy he is remembered in this way.

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  10. great shots, a beautiful heartwarming story!

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