A Gift from Ludmila

      There are many satisfactions to be gained from blogging, not the least of which is that new friends are made in every corner of the world. These are people that a few short years ago it would have been impossible to know, let alone develop connections with, and embellish each other's lives.

     If we are really fortunate we meet some of our blogging companions in person, and I have had that pleasure several times. Others we know only through their online presence, but they are no less friends, with all the richness that implies.

     So it has been with my good friend Ludmila in Poznan, Poland, a fellow naturalist, and a budding water-colourist, whose paintings improve each time she attempts a new species of bird. Indeed, she has developed a very deft hand. I have on more than one occasion offered a few words of encouragement to her and expressed my admiration of her vignettes.

     What a splendid surprise, therefore, when I received in the mail a few days ago three original works from Ludmila, of North American species, based on images from my blog.  

     I was absolutely thrilled, and so was Miriam. After all, it was Miriam's photographs that served as Ludmila's inspiration for these pictures.

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinenis)

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) ♀ 

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

     All that remains now is to have them framed and displayed in my office where I will see them every day - cherished works from a cherished friend.

     Thank you again, Ludmila.