Heroes take journeys, confront dragons and discover the treasure of their true self.” — Carol Lynn Pearson
This pencil drawing of a northern cardinal once belonged to my grandmother and is the oldest thing I own. ... Photo of painting by Pat Bean
I’m the opposite of a pack rat. I feel you either need to use something or get rid of it. No antique dealer is ever going to find a 150-year-old treasure in my attic – not that the RV I currently live in has one.
As I look around my tiny living space, I do, however, fine one item from my childhood. It’s a small pencil drawing of a northern cardinal that belonged to my grandmother.
I’m not sure how I ended up with it, but it has found its place in every home I’ve lived in since she died. And that includes the present wheeled one.
I came to birding as a late-late bloomer, but I suspect that the seed for this passion might have had something to do with my grandmother’s wall-hanging red bird.
I thought about her gift to me yesterday as I watched a handsome cardinal brighten an overcast blustery day with his scarlet feathers and happy song.
What-cheer, what-cheer, what cheer, he sang.
Here was a treasure not hidden away in an attic, but proclaiming his worth to all who would look and listen. I was cheered.
Pat, What a great remembrance! Absolutely stunning picture of MY favorite bird too!
Thanks. How could one not love a cardinal.
Giving away everything except what’s most important. That’s so wise. And so brave.
What a treasure to have from your grandmother. I love my treasures from the past. They keep me close to my family, now all gone.