I remember being introduced to the Red Cardinal as a child while visiting my grandmother on her farm in the eastern United States. She loved birds and made sure to have food for them spread on the ground and attached to the ancient pear trees that stood outside of the parlor windows. It was a perfect viewing spot especially during the winter months and the flash of scarlet against the white background was stunning. “Isn’t he a handsome fellow!” my grandmother would exclaim at the sight of a male cardinal visiting her offerings of seed and suet. “Isn’t she a pretty thing, “ my grandmother would say in a softer voice at the sight of a female cardinal joining the feathered party.
Regardless of the season, when a cardinal’s familiar song and trill could be heard, my grandmother would pause in whatever she was doing and listen intently, as if the song were for her. Sometimes she would whistle in return, a conversation only the two of them could understand.
Both my grandmother and mother would often comment while listening to a cardinal’s serenade, on how happy their song was and how wondrous that a scarlet fluff of feathers could be so filled with a contagious joy that one could not help but feel lifted in spirit from just hearing its voice.
The Red Cardinal was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in 1929 and became well established here. To this day when I hear the familiar piping, trills and song, I take a moment from my activities and enjoy the melody. It is like hearing a familiar voice, of a dear friend, who brings with them fond memories of childhood days and can lift the soul with song.
Your painting is Beautiful and with such a creative composition. Thank you for sharing you exquisite artwork Haunani and your very interesting narrative about the cardinal and your grandmother.
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Thank you so much Sharon for your kind words and I am very glad you enjoyed my tale.
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How gorgeous this is. I love the verse, which illustrates the mood of the painting, as well. xo
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Thank you so much and I am very glad you liked my winter whimsy.
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Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
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/Warm hugs of gratitude.
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I’ve also heard that cardinals represent our deceased loved ones. They appear sometimes when you are thinking of them. N.
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Really? What a wonderful thought and would explain much. Thank you for sharing.
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Like Sharon said – exquisite! I love the way you personified winter – her fabulous forest hair, her silky blue scarf, her dainty glove and her marvelous eyeliner. She looks like a diva… who, I suppose, sounds like wind and snow and ice. The little cardinal looks quite comfy in her forest hair, a little winter jewel. And such a charming story :-).
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What a lovely thing to say and I am so glad you liked it. Definitely a diva, but a nice one who causes it to snow when she shakes her head and doesn’t mind a little bird singing her a song while nestled in her hair….LOL
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I more often hear cardinals than see them in my backyard. But it always cheers me up. I love the flash of red against the blue in your rendering. (K)
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Thank you, nice to know others find them cheery as well.
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so lovely Haunani! painting and words. there is something very special about cardinals 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words, and yes, cardinals have a certain kind of flair ;D.
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What a beautiful painting, Haunani!! And I adored reading your wonderful story. Love cardinals and now love them even more after your fabulous post! ❤️😃
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Awww, you are so sweet, thank you for saying so.
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I like what Myriam has said…twice over! Have never heard a red cardinal sing. Yet, there are some birds here who feel like they are old friends. I always feel happier when they sing for me!
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Bird song is a wonderful thing.
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Love the tree growing from her hair. I learned a lot from my grandmother about birds. She loved watching them at her feeder.
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Grandmothers can be such a great source of inspiration.
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Mine was my first teacher and remains my teacher to this day. She had muscular dystrophy which kept her in bed from 30 until her death at 74. Remarkable woman. Always smiled…..seldom complained. Very spiritual. A warrior.
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Sounds like a beautiful role model.
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Yes and to this day I conjure up her beautiful smile when I am feeling down. It reminds me of how insignificant are my troubles.
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Beautiful artwork and story, Haunani, and thank you for sharing. I have always loved cardinals but had no idea of the meanings associated with them. 💛
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Thank you Laura. I love all the things one learns when sharing…I will be enjoying cardinals with an added layer of appreciation.
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Cool painting! And I love cardinals. You can’t help but notice them against the grey winter and they really pop in the snow. 😀
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Thank you, glad you liked my doodle. You are so right, cardinals are a great pop of color on a winter landscape.
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Your painting is beautiful! I too love Cardinals and always feel so lucky when I see them in my yard or on a walk. I like the thought that they are connected to our past loved ones. I agree grandmothers and grandfathers are extremely precious people with so much wisdom (I think parents are too).
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Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and for your kind words. The connection to past loves just adds another layer to our connection with nature and the beauty of shared wisdom with our families and friends.
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This is so beautiful. Both the art piece and the poetry.
🙂
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Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to visit and comment. Always appreciated.
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This is so beautiful Haunani! Love the symbolism with the Cardinal and the memories you shared about your grandmother. ❤️
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Thank you so much.
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Astounding beauty – this has so much style and character. I enjoy your stories! I am a fan of Kiana Davenport – the writer – who writes about Hawaii and more. Have you heard of her?
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I appreciate your visits and comments, they are most kind. I have heard of Kiana Davenport but have not yet read her work…perhaps some day.
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