One Feather at a Time...

I have always been fascinated with flight. As a small child I remember going to an airshow, sitting on a blanket with my parents and shutting my eyes and covering my ears while the planes roared overhead. Truthfully, I still cringe and resist the urge to duck when a jet passes by. When it comes to flying, I really prefer birds. They glide silently and purposefully with feathers so perfectly designed that their aviation seems effortless. After all, the purpose of a feather is to lift and carry the bird, that is, to fly. Some smaller birds have to work a little harder at it, but all birds are equipped to not just survive but to thrive. Life can clip our wings. Destroyed dreams, deteriorating relationships and trials of every kind can keep us from fulfilling our purpose... to fly. But gradually, as our hearts heal, the burdens become lighter and our wings can begin to unfurl again, feather by feather. It has been my experience that it is the love and support of other 'feathered friends' that we regain our flight. It is not always easy; winds may change, obstacles may obstruct our flight path but it is a challenge that forces us to leave our safe place of sadness and try our wings again. This Is my inspiration for painting feathers. They are a symbol of my personal journey from earthbound to freedom, joyfully resuming the flight set out before me. Because sometimes we get our wings one feather at a time.