The Magical Story of the Bluebirds of Happiness – by B. Holder

June 12th, 2011

A little bluebird flew into my life in April 2010. I had been working from afar with Debbie, a physical and spiritual healer, at the suggestion of my lifelong friend Susan. A month after my Mom passed, Debbie emailed: Look for a bluebird …it’s a message from your mom …you’ll find a way to unlock the door. My immediate response: there are no bluebirds here, only Stellar jays…but, I will stay open to this. That very afternoon I decided to take a few more items from Mom’s treasures that had arrived from Tennessee. I pulled out a big ball of heavily-taped bubble wrap and impatiently struggled to open it, thinking…what IS this?! Finally, a little glass bluebird appeared! I gasped, squealed with delight, jumped up and down, and exclaimed, “THERE you are!” It fit perfectly in the palm of my hand, was very simply designed and was the most beautiful cerulean blue. It had been prominently displayed in Mom’s home, and then in her Olive Branch room. Despite offering some of her things to friends as a memento, this little bird remained on her sunny windowsill as we packed her things. I didn’t want one more thing, but Mom loved birds so much and, as far back as I can remember, she ALWAYS had a bluebird house with residents. The bird was small, precious, and would be a perfect reminder of Mom. It was one of the last things I chose to keep, but I had completely forgotten about it.

I immediately sat down with the bird and asked what Mom’s message might be. I instantly got: PLEASE be happy….forget about me and all the struggle we had … all the anger and grief you’ve felt for so long….you have a wonderful life…BE HAPPY NOW. Then, because of the blue, which relates to the throat chakra and creative expression, I felt she was supporting me to continue my artwork, which had been shut down for 10 years. She had said my artwork was weird, so this felt so good, as if she now understood where it came from and what it meant.

I kept the bird on my desk so the sun could shine through it. I enjoyed it every day. In May I told my neighbor Nancy about my experience, and she asked if I had researched the bird. That day I googled the artist and tracked down the original designer, a Californian living in the Ozarks. He had trained many glassblowers to make millions of these birds, AND, he had trademarked his design as “the original bluebird of happiness!” This sent chills up my spine.

In July I retreated to create, studying labyrinths, circles, and lines, but I quickly knew I would find more joy in creating a bluebird to honor Mom’s bird. I did many studies of it, then was drawn to create a pattern so the bird would always keep its simple shape. I was so excited and happy creating this bird, playfully using every medium I had on hand. Like a child, I danced and jumped around giggling because it was hilarious and amazing that I was so inspired by something of Mom’s. And I knew she must be happy, too. I feel she now knows me better than she ever did because her wall has finally come down, and I think she truly knows my soul and loves me as she never allowed herself to. This precious little bluebird has brought incredible gifts of happiness and healing to me.

In May 1999 I had a show of work expressing my deep grief and anger about Mom’s inability to show love to me (Mother Journey: Birthing Compassion). It was up over Mother’s Day, and the final piece, a diptych, was me holding my hands over my heart…and a white bird sitting on my Mom’s windowsill. That work helped me gain a new level of compassion for her, but I soon found out I had much more work to do. I am thrilled to be showing this work now to honor her and to thank her for her inspiration and the healing that has come through this little bluebird.

I dedicate this work with gratitude to Mom, Debbie, Susan, Nancy, cousin Belinda (bluebirdbel) who flew away this month, art angel Di, and, especially, Aunt Frances and my dearest Randolph for their loving support. My prayer is that these bluebirds will carry on their wings a blessing of happiness for all who come into contact with them. Deep peace to you.

Each bluebird is unique, just as the birds are – the colors vary and the medium used varies as well.

Click here to see B. Holder’s portfolio or here to see her photography portfolio.

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