a bird told me

 |  August 20, 2009

nesting_bird3_w

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!


bird_and_her_eggs
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.

43 Comments

  1. by Taffy on August 20, 2009  4:48 pm Reply

    that's awesome news!! CONGRATS!!! :) i WISH YOU a safe pregnancy! :)

  2. by Gina on August 20, 2009  4:51 pm Reply

    Beautiful story, lovely encaustic piece. And many congratulations on your happy news, Bridgette!

  3. by Leslie Avon Miller on August 20, 2009  5:02 pm Reply

    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.

  4. by Michelle on August 20, 2009  5:24 pm Reply

    COngrats Bridgette! Never doubt wise women and their omens!!!

  5. by smith kaich jones on August 20, 2009  5:26 pm Reply

    !!!!! Congratulations! You absolutely must save that nest when all the little birds have flown away. Absolutely!

    :) Debi

  6. by Janet on August 20, 2009  5:35 pm Reply

    Wow, fantastic, congratulations.

  7. by JoyfulArt on August 20, 2009  6:34 pm Reply

    Congratulations! I am so happy for you, and that makes a great story.

  8. by Kelly Jeanette on August 20, 2009  6:58 pm Reply

    Congrats! And it's a beautiful painting. Wishing you much happiness and health for you both.

  9. by Lost Aussie on August 20, 2009  7:26 pm Reply

    What wonderful news and a delightful tale to accompany it! I am sure you mother and her friend were thrilled with their prophetic powers!

  10. by Kim Hambric on August 20, 2009  7:48 pm Reply

    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!

  11. by Mary on August 20, 2009  9:12 pm Reply

    Congratulations Bridgette!!
    At least there will be a wonderful reward for feeling crappy!! Hope you are feeling better soon.

    Many, many blessings!!

  12. by Angela Wales Rockett on August 20, 2009  10:37 pm Reply

    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.

  13. by Binky on August 20, 2009  10:46 pm Reply

    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?

  14. by bridgette on August 20, 2009  10:50 pm Reply

    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.

  15. by Ariane Cagle on August 20, 2009  10:58 pm Reply

    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

  16. by Jeane on August 21, 2009  1:17 am Reply

    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 :)

  17. by Kimber Scott on August 21, 2009  1:38 am Reply

    Wow! Congratulations! That is so cool. Beautiful story, beautiful painting for what will be a beautiful baby!

  18. by The Adventurous Art Teacher on August 21, 2009  6:51 am Reply

    What a delightful story...
    We have never met,but I wish all the best in your WONDERFUL news.

  19. by Boodzoo Studio on August 21, 2009  10:57 am Reply

    What a lovely story! Many congratulations to you. :)

  20. by Dawn on August 21, 2009  11:32 am Reply

    Love the story! Congratulations!

  21. by Kerin on August 21, 2009  2:29 pm Reply

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  22. by Kerin on August 21, 2009  2:31 pm Reply

    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!

  23. by Seth on August 21, 2009  10:23 pm Reply

    Congratulations Bridgette. What wonderful news!! And that story makes it just that more special!!

  24. by Poetic Artist on August 21, 2009  11:11 pm Reply

    Congrats..I love the story..It will a wonderful story to tell for years.

  25. by layers on August 22, 2009  11:09 am Reply

    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.

  26. by Mary Buek on August 22, 2009  11:56 am Reply

    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.

  27. by Meri on August 22, 2009  2:04 pm Reply

    BLESSINGS!

  28. by Karin Bartimole on August 23, 2009  11:54 am Reply

    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

  29. by Leslie on August 23, 2009  9:03 pm Reply

    This is my first visit to your wonderful blog, but I will be back again and again.

    What a great story.

  30. by Carmen on August 24, 2009  12:26 pm Reply

    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

  31. by Lisa Sarsfield on August 25, 2009  4:51 am Reply

    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!

  32. by eis4em on August 25, 2009  2:04 pm Reply

    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

  33. by Studio Sylvia on August 26, 2009  8:11 am Reply

    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.

  34. by lisakairos on August 26, 2009  11:54 am Reply

    congratulations! What a wonderful story.

  35. by anna maria on August 26, 2009  6:20 pm Reply

    What a wonderful story and beautiful painting.
    Sounds like you have a lot to keep you occupied!
    Congratulations.

  36. by venus on August 27, 2009  7:09 am Reply

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  37. by Judy Wise on August 27, 2009  2:23 pm Reply

    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

  38. by Ben Gage on August 28, 2009  6:47 am Reply

    I have a hummingbird who comes to me each day....

  39. by raineklover on September 6, 2009  10:22 am Reply

    OMG! Congratulations on your growing family! Noah is going to love being a big brother!

  40. by raineklover on September 6, 2009  10:23 am Reply

    OMG! Congratulations on your growing family! Noah is going to love being a big brother!

  41. by Carol Wiebe on September 6, 2009  2:06 pm Reply

    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!

  42. by carin.c on September 8, 2009  7:56 am Reply

    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.

  43. by Tricia on September 12, 2009  4:54 pm Reply

    oh congratulations bridgette! that is the best news and such a wonderful story. i am so happy for you!!!

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