Sometime back in June a robin decided to make the top ledge of our front door a home for its nest. I watched it build its nest grass by grass, twig by twig for two days. It was really amazing. The patience, the skill. The robin would bring the grass to the forming nest, lay it down and then squish its butt around to shape the bowl of the nest. We all watched fascintated by this ancient ritual.
But I was also concerned. I thought, hmmm, birds are pretty protective of their eggs and their babies. Being right above our front door is not good for us or anyone who attempts to ring our doorbell. I didn’t want to take the nest down, especially after watching her build the nest. But at the same time I didn’t want to get attacked every time I left my house!
I called my mom and she said emphatically, “Oh! Whatever you do, do not disturb the nest! It’s bad luck. Besides the bird will just keep coming back. Just leave it until the babies are born and then move the nest.”
Then she put on her friend, who is Greek, on the phone to tell me about bird nests and their omens. She gets on the phone, with as equal of a thick accent as my mother, but with a greek twist to it instead of spanish, and she says very emphatically, “Oh honey, whatever you do, do not disturb the nest!!! It’s bad luck. It actually means good luck is coming your way when a bird chooses to build a nest above your door. In fact it could mean a pregnancy….so don’t touch it!”
I was like, oh. Ok. I’ll leave it! If two women from different parts of the globe tell me it’s good luck, then it’s staying. Then the bird left for a couple of days and I felt a little sad by its absence. But she same back and stayed put on her nest.
That day she returned, I took a pregnancy test…….and it was positive!
untitled
encaustic and mixed media
6×6 inches
I created this painting above, inspired by the bird and her message to me and my family. This was one of the last encaustic paintings I made before I hung up my encaustic brushes. I am sure it’s fine to paint with encaustics while pregnant as long as you have good ventilation and take the right precautions. But I already have a high-risk pregnancy and I would rather be safe than sorry.
So no oils for now either. I am back to acrylics and making books. That is, when I can muster up the energy to work. This pregnancy has been very different than my first in that I have been really nauseated, extremely tired, and overall feel really crappy! But I am now entering my second trimester and I’m hoping for a turnaround. My little bean is growing well and that’s all that matters!
So, that’s my excuse for being a little absent around here lately. Resting up when I can. It takes a lot of energy to create a little life. We are so excited and I feel so blessed.
that’s awesome news!! CONGRATS!!! 🙂 i WISH YOU a safe pregnancy! 🙂
Beautiful story, lovely encaustic piece. And many congratulations on your happy news, Bridgette!
It is a beautiful story, and is making me smile right now! Congratulations.
my word verification is innoc – reminds me of innocent.
I can see a whole series of works based on this lovely story.
COngrats Bridgette! Never doubt wise women and their omens!!!
!!!!! Congratulations! You absolutely must save that nest when all the little birds have flown away. Absolutely!
🙂 Debi
Wow, fantastic, congratulations.
Congratulations! I am so happy for you, and that makes a great story.
Congrats! And it’s a beautiful painting. Wishing you much happiness and health for you both.
What wonderful news and a delightful tale to accompany it! I am sure you mother and her friend were thrilled with their prophetic powers!
Congratulations! Fascinating story. Does the number 5 in that last piece mean anything (number of children???)
We had a robin family earlier this year on our front porch. Wonderful to watch. Messy to clean up after. Did not turn out to be an omen for me — good thing at my age.
I wish the best for you and your family!
Congratulations Bridgette!!
At least there will be a wonderful reward for feeling crappy!! Hope you are feeling better soon.
Many, many blessings!!
Congratulations! Found out from another friend today that not only is she pregnant but she’s expecting twins! Probably due about the same time as yours.
Congratulations again. I am so excited for you. The second trimester is easier if I remember right. Get all the sleep you can though. Wouldn’t it be nice to bank sleep?
Thanks everyone for the congrats and best wishes! I’ve been bursting with wanting to spill the beans here, but thought it would be better to wait.
Binky- i’ve always giggle to myself when i think of your email when you said you were a sleeping bag with feet! 🙂 I feel that way too.
Congratulations! That’s wonderful news! I love the new encaustic piece – it’s beautiful! I, too, have a nest by my front door of swallows. They’re already on their SECOND set of babies. I had heard that it means good luck also. Although at my age, 50, I hope it doesn’t mean a pregnancy. LOL
wow, an amazing story – a huge hug and congratulations! my second pregnancy was a bit rocky also – I was so tired and sick the whole time – hopefully you will round the bend and get your energy back 🙂
Wow! Congratulations! That is so cool. Beautiful story, beautiful painting for what will be a beautiful baby!
What a delightful story…
We have never met,but I wish all the best in your WONDERFUL news.
What a lovely story! Many congratulations to you. 🙂
Love the story! Congratulations!
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Loved that story and the wonderful encaustic and the good news!! Congratulations!!! I believe in signs like this as they happen often. Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations Bridgette. What wonderful news!! And that story makes it just that more special!!
Congrats..I love the story..It will a wonderful story to tell for years.
I was especially touched by your story because I have also been collecting and painting bird’s nests and crows for several years. My next post will be on nests. But what a story— congrats on your good news but I do remember my nausea all those years ago. I hope it all passes soon.
I like your encaustics.
Bridgette, so happy for you. My first pregnancy was a breeze, had that “glow”. The baby was a girl. The second pregnancy was not so great. . . I looked like warmed up garbage and felt the same. That baby was a boy. So different experiences, maybe different sex. Will you find out before the baby is born? Does big brother know yet? And what a great painting…is that a photo of a bird? Enjoy your hatching process.
BLESSINGS!
That is beautiful story Bridgette, and I love the painting that came from it – a wonderful one to begin your encaustic pause. Blessings blessings for a healthful pregnancy. I know you’ll listen to you body and give tender care to yourself and your babe. Best to you and your beautiful growing family!! xox K
This is my first visit to your wonderful blog, but I will be back again and again.
What a great story.
Oh my goodness!!!!!!! Congratulations to you my friend. What a neat story and I love the artwork with the bird and the number 2. *smiley, happy, sigh* ♥
Mucho love,
Carmen
I came here from Seth’s post. Your blog title is so apt! I am green with envy that this little bird allowed you such an insight. Such a gift! The preganancy too…
Love your encaustic work…looking forward to seeing your handmade books!
this post gave me tears in my eyes… What a sweet thing for a birdie to bring you good luck.
congratulations on your pregnancy. that is such a wonderful, wonderful thing.
i love birds. 🙂
Em
Hello Bridgette. I chose you for a MeMe Award! Go to my blog and download the award, share 7 pieces of info about yourself and choose 7 bloggers to extend the award to! Cheers.
congratulations! What a wonderful story.
What a wonderful story and beautiful painting.
Sounds like you have a lot to keep you occupied!
Congratulations.
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Congratulations, Bridgette!! What an amazing story. And now a new life to nurture. Wishing you all the best with this new chapter in your lives. xo
I have a hummingbird who comes to me each day….
OMG! Congratulations on your growing family! Noah is going to love being a big brother!
OMG! Congratulations on your growing family! Noah is going to love being a big brother!
I am delighted to join the outpouring here of joyous affirmation for your good news.
I also believe that there are signs and wonders to behold, all around us, that point us in the most beneficial direction for achieving well being. The robin and her nest were such sweet and gentle “wonders” for you.
Blessings upon your little bean!
Wow! What a wonderful blessing! And a fabulous story to tell your children and grandchildren one day… I love it. I also love the piece you did and how the #2 is violet just like the bird image. May happiness and abundance always be yours.
oh congratulations bridgette! that is the best news and such a wonderful story. i am so happy for you!!!