When I was a kid in NYC, there was an individual who used to roam the streets in my neighborhood. To this day, I don’t know if they were a man or a woman, (nor do I care) but we called, this person, “Birdy.”
Birdy walked around in a big overcoat, with his/her arms tucked inside, so Birdy appeared armless! Yet the moment, there was any group of little kids around, the pretend magician, would say, “Abracadabra” and out of that opened cape-like coat would appear two hands…and then… all of a sudden … little birds came flying out of their coat!
It was the most wonderful thing to my nine-year-old eyes!
I often wondered what happened to that beautiful individual pretending to have a home, living on the streets, pretending to be a magician, pretending to be a man or woman, but always giving real joy to all the children in my old neighborhood.
Days, when I think about Birdy, I’d like pretend that Birdy is alive and living a wonderful magical real life, because those memories I have of Birdy are pure magic!
Pretend to be or not to be, but make it magical to the people in your life this week!
Peace to you all.
…I think this is the first time I’ve ever heard this story. Or maybe I just don’t remember it. But uh…I’m pretty sure that “Birdy” wasn’t a human being. You might very well have encountered an old world god or something… That’s NUTS. But also very cool.
Comment by Godheval — November 14, 2008 @ 8:40 pm
indigene, this illustration and beautiful story, are great!!! u make my night / here is 3h in the morning/!!!
so warm, nice, human… that is what we were once, and i hope we shall be again.
after decade of really nightmare for the globe, i know that america start to make her dream! congratulations on your beautiful obama, with all my heart! ;]]]
Comment by sandra.d. — November 14, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
fascinating story and artwork…
Comment by NANCY LEFKO — November 14, 2008 @ 9:17 pm
what a great walk back into your childhood….thanks for sharing this and the great piece….
Hugs
Diana
Comment by Diana Evans — November 14, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
Wow, what a magical sight that must have been! Sounds straight out of a Fellini film! Thanks for a wonderful image & concept!
Comment by Curious Art — November 14, 2008 @ 9:25 pm
What a beautiful story. She/he must have loved kids. This portrait reminds me of some Haitian work I have seen. Sort of a folk art style.
Comment by jcdillustration — November 14, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
what an interesting and unique piece!!! love your sharing ;)
Comment by Owl Eng — November 15, 2008 @ 1:13 am
Great work and beautiful story as always. Its so much fun to read your blog Indigene! Thanks for sharing =)
Comment by flower girl — November 15, 2008 @ 5:32 am
what an amazing person,he obviously marched to a different drum. these days he/she would be locked up.
Comment by soulbrush — November 15, 2008 @ 5:33 am
What a mysterious and magical story. Unfortunately, for the most part such things happened in childhood and pass by in adult life. An excellent illustration.
Comment by Tanya — November 15, 2008 @ 9:20 am
You reminded me of a movie I really liked called Birdy. Check it out sometime!
Comment by Rrramone — November 15, 2008 @ 10:47 am
lovely painting for a sweet memory, thanks for sharing it.
Comment by janie — November 15, 2008 @ 10:57 am
i like remembering stories from my childhood… they always make me happy… far lesser things to think about, to care about… being happy most of the time… i wish i were a child again…
thank you for sharing this story… you made me smile… :)
Comment by Anish Daolagupu — November 15, 2008 @ 12:51 pm
i was imagining birdy while looking and reading your beautiful story and illustration.
…..and you, too.
Comment by isay — November 15, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
What a unique indivisual…and memory! Beautiful portrayal also!
Comment by Distressing Delilah — November 15, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
I love reading your blog… What a magical experience! It’s amazing how someone can leave such a impression, and not even realize it. Thanks for sharing this illo, and story!
Comment by Michelle Henninger — November 15, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
by the way, i forgot to thank you for your comment about my pictures……gee, you made my day!
Comment by isay — November 15, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
what a gorgeous painting, and a great interpretation of the topic! i love it!
Comment by aimee — November 15, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
this must have been super cool to know her. what a great story too. i really enjoyed reading about birdy. I think you should do a picture book about her. thanks so much for sharing this with us. great work.
Comment by Vanessa Brantley Newton — November 15, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
once again very beautifully done.. good job!
Comment by patthebuny — November 15, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
Birdy is an incredible lady with magical heart and showing magical move to enlighten the passerby.
For you this simply was a sweet memory that you can't erase until now.Just like you said, Birdy is alive & pure magic!!!
Comment by yoon see — November 16, 2008 @ 9:02 am
Made you laugh!! he he he
Love ya!
Comment by Vanessa Brantley Newton — November 16, 2008 @ 11:49 am
Thats a lovely and mysterious story ! Love your illustration too !
Comment by Pea — November 16, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
great story. Where in NYC? I lived there for a while and can imagine this happening in just about any neighborhood. what a wonderful city.
Comment by Bill Nagel — November 16, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
You always share a unique and loving point of view! This is beautiful and I love the sentiment :)
Comment by ValGalArt — November 16, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
very cool story…makes your painting that much more interesting! thanks for sharing.
Comment by June Pfaff Daley — November 16, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
What a great story… and so much to learn from the Birdy people we incounter in life!
Comment by Roberta — November 16, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
Very nice story, and I think Birdy was a very nice person..
Comment by carga — November 16, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
You always have such fantastic tales to go with your illustrations, this one is really magical :)
Comment by Bee — November 17, 2008 @ 5:32 am
I love the story that goes along with your rich illustration! Inspiring. :)
Comment by Cock Yer Doodle — November 17, 2008 @ 6:56 am
This is the best piece in your blog that I read and saw,you are so so great!thanks,so thanks :)
Comment by parisa mahmoudi — November 17, 2008 @ 11:18 am
A wonderful, poignant, inspiring story and illo. Wonderful idea for this week’s theme. Thanks for reminding me of magic!
Comment by sketched out — November 17, 2008 @ 4:02 pm
Very unique and thoughtful take on the topic, you always come up with something different and you are also a very good story teller :)
Comment by Shannon Melville — November 18, 2008 @ 6:31 am
such a beautiful portrait and a wonderful magical story..
Comment by kathy hare — November 18, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
Excellent rendering, and beautiful story; a lovely memory.
Comment by ottoblotto — November 18, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
Nice work, and a great story!
Comment by Digital Scott's Illustrationblog — November 18, 2008 @ 9:45 pm
What a nice post!
Comment by Shani — November 19, 2008 @ 1:48 am
You’ve brought Birdy to life for all of us! Thank you! What a lovely story and illustration.
Comment by Tessa — November 19, 2008 @ 8:07 am
wonderful memories. great illustration. there is so much emotion in Birdy’s face. beautifully done
Comment by Carli — November 19, 2008 @ 9:34 am
Lovely story and illustration!
Comment by Joanie — November 19, 2008 @ 10:24 am
amazing story and a fantastic illo… thanks for the kind words and the inspiration… it’s always nice to have a little nudge in that direction…
Comment by Michael O'Connell — November 19, 2008 @ 11:00 am
Good work! Nice story ^^
Comment by Kris-Tea — November 19, 2008 @ 11:30 am
Indigene, what a beautiful story to go a ong with a fabulous painting. I love your work and its earthy tones and organic feel. Thank you for sharing your great story from the past.
Comment by Loni Edwards — November 19, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
I know someone …is better to say that every city, neighborhood , in the world have that figure.
Intriging creature.
Comment by ROSÁLIA LERNER — November 19, 2008 @ 7:55 pm
What a wonderful story and amazing painting. I love her hands. Just Magic!
Comment by mariapacewynters — November 20, 2008 @ 1:13 am
I love your interpretation of the topic. Such a neat story. Thank you for visiting my blog as well. I really appreciate the kind comment.
Comment by christy sheffield — November 20, 2008 @ 7:44 am
very nice thought and memories. yes sometimes we met one of those people..
Comment by enigma — November 20, 2008 @ 9:56 am
I love your work, I think we are looking to serve the same purpose with our artwork. Thanks
Comment by Nicole Wichman — November 20, 2008 @ 10:00 am
love the story, the memories of how we see through a child’s eyes. And a great illustration, love the colours and the composition
Comment by COBOL — November 20, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
Loved the story,it’s magical,the world need more people that brings magicin our lives
Great illo
Comment by theartofpuro — November 20, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
…wow…definitely magical, and you’ve caught that in your painting, too! Very very cool.
Comment by nancy — November 21, 2008 @ 3:26 am
I just came by to tell you how much your words of comfort really means to me. It’s so very difficult. Hali was just visiting me here in Jersey went home and had a mild heart attack. She was in the hospital and all. We thought that she was going to be fine and then… well. I know that she is in a much better place. The out pouring of love and support has been so comforting and at times overwhelming. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Comment by Vanessa Brantley Newton — November 21, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
Neat story, delightful art.
Comment by Focus_ret — November 21, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
Wonderful story, growing up in NYC myself, we got so used to the unusual and strange people on the streets that we didn’t take the time to think of their life and what it was like – great drawing..and great story
Comment by Mim Stella — November 30, 2008 @ 5:31 am