It’s not enough to have an idea. We can all think of something. But to give it wings, to put it into practice, to risk, now this is something. 

I’ve never been one to blend, but I had no idea how much I would stick out, here in this other country. It’s like all of France can see the bird atop my head. At first I wanted to protect it. Nestle it in. But that didn’t change anything. That just made us all uncomfortable, even my bird. 

Slowly I fluffed the wings. Shook out the feathers. And one day, I just let it fly. So this is who I am! And as terrifying as it seemed, it has become everything. I may start the “bisous” on the wrong cheek. Hug when it isn’t expected. Use the wrong words. But I’m here. Bird and all. And it feels wonderful.

Painting their portraits has been the biggest risk, but the most rewarding. Seeing them see themselves, seeing me. When I showed her portrait to her, she smiled. “That’s me!” She said. And all of our birds fluttered around the room.