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.
Godheval said
…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.
sandra.d. said
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! ;]]]
NANCY LEFKO said
fascinating story and artwork…
Diana Evans said
what a great walk back into your childhood….thanks for sharing this and the great piece….
Hugs
Diana
Curious Art said
Wow, what a magical sight that must have been! Sounds straight out of a Fellini film! Thanks for a wonderful image & concept!
jcdillustration said
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.
Owl Eng said
what an interesting and unique piece!!! love your sharing 😉
flower girl said
Great work and beautiful story as always. Its so much fun to read your blog Indigene! Thanks for sharing =)
soulbrush said
what an amazing person,he obviously marched to a different drum. these days he/she would be locked up.
Tanya said
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.
Rrramone said
You reminded me of a movie I really liked called Birdy. Check it out sometime!
janie said
lovely painting for a sweet memory, thanks for sharing it.
Anish Daolagupu said
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… 🙂
isay said
i was imagining birdy while looking and reading your beautiful story and illustration.
…..and you, too.
Distressing Delilah said
What a unique indivisual…and memory! Beautiful portrayal also!
Michelle Henninger said
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!
isay said
by the way, i forgot to thank you for your comment about my pictures……gee, you made my day!
aimee said
what a gorgeous painting, and a great interpretation of the topic! i love it!
Vanessa Brantley Newton said
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.
patthebuny said
once again very beautifully done.. good job!
yoon see said
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!!!
Vanessa Brantley Newton said
Made you laugh!! he he he
Love ya!
Pea said
Thats a lovely and mysterious story ! Love your illustration too !
Bill Nagel said
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.
ValGalArt said
You always share a unique and loving point of view! This is beautiful and I love the sentiment 🙂
June Pfaff Daley said
very cool story…makes your painting that much more interesting! thanks for sharing.
Roberta said
What a great story… and so much to learn from the Birdy people we incounter in life!
carga said
Very nice story, and I think Birdy was a very nice person..
Bee said
You always have such fantastic tales to go with your illustrations, this one is really magical 🙂
Cock Yer Doodle said
I love the story that goes along with your rich illustration! Inspiring. 🙂
parisa mahmoudi said
This is the best piece in your blog that I read and saw,you are so so great!thanks,so thanks 🙂
sketched out said
A wonderful, poignant, inspiring story and illo. Wonderful idea for this week’s theme. Thanks for reminding me of magic!
Shannon Melville said
Very unique and thoughtful take on the topic, you always come up with something different and you are also a very good story teller 🙂
kathy hare said
such a beautiful portrait and a wonderful magical story..
ottoblotto said
Excellent rendering, and beautiful story; a lovely memory.
Digital Scott's Illustrationblog said
Nice work, and a great story!
Shani said
What a nice post!
Tessa said
You’ve brought Birdy to life for all of us! Thank you! What a lovely story and illustration.
Carli said
wonderful memories. great illustration. there is so much emotion in Birdy’s face. beautifully done
Joanie said
Lovely story and illustration!
Michael O'Connell said
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…
Kris-Tea said
Good work! Nice story ^^
Loni Edwards said
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.
ROSÁLIA LERNER said
I know someone …is better to say that every city, neighborhood , in the world have that figure.
Intriging creature.
mariapacewynters said
What a wonderful story and amazing painting. I love her hands. Just Magic!
christy sheffield said
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.
enigma said
very nice thought and memories. yes sometimes we met one of those people..
Nicole Wichman said
I love your work, I think we are looking to serve the same purpose with our artwork. Thanks
COBOL said
love the story, the memories of how we see through a child’s eyes. And a great illustration, love the colours and the composition
theartofpuro said
Loved the story,it’s magical,the world need more people that brings magicin our lives
Great illo
nancy said
…wow…definitely magical, and you’ve caught that in your painting, too! Very very cool.
Vanessa Brantley Newton said
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.
Focus_ret said
Neat story, delightful art.
Mim Stella said
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