Humming Birds

In the Japanese Samurai legends as well as the American Indian mythologies from the north and south hemispheres there is a traditional ritual conducted with the hummingbirds.

When a hummingbird hovered near they recognized this magical creature as an incarnation of a recently deceased friend. The Samurai warrior as well as the America Indian would pause from their tasks and greet this one allowing their hearts to be filled.

This ritual gives me peace. So I practice it often.

During the last 25 years I have painted many hummingbirds and each time as I pulled the paintbrush across the canvas I said hello to friends who have passed over. A brother, an aunt, a mother, and several friends.