Breaking up is hard to do..

  Oh My dear little Esther...

 What a fine little companion you have been these last few months.

 We have enjoyed so many meals together,

Although 

 there were times, I would rather just watch YOU eat....

  You have been so helpful at the art table. I don't know what I would have done without your assistance and feedback. my little dear.

 Even though it was a little difficult to see through the magnifying light when you were sitting on it....

 We managed to accommodate one another.

 And despite the fact that you knocked these old toys off the shelves a dozen times a day...

  And managed to devour most of my butterfly  and bee specimens..

  and break my pretty little egg shells...

  I still adore you and every shimmering taupe feather atop your little noggin..

.

 After all, you were learning to FLY!

 

And  learning to Build a NEST.

!

 Your choice of reading material has been impeccable.

Despite the little bits and pieces you leave behind on the pages , which is  why I carry a wet rag around in my apron.

It seems that God was watching out for you sweet little bird. First, when  I discovered you with your broken wing and blinded eye. And later,  on the night of the big storm, when all the cats were in the house, you were frightened by the thunder vibrating through this old house. Somehow you managed to  squeeze under the studio door and found your way to the stair landing. Just then, the lord of the manor awakened and walked  into the hallway, where you swooped onto his shoulder. Good heavens, you would have been devoured in a minute if my wicked cats had seen you!  But they didn't, and you were SAFE.

 Safe and sound, and ready to be free

  And so, today, I give you the choice....

Your little aviary door is open to the wide world...

 There is food and water on the landing.

There is a pink ribbon on the door to show you the way in and out.

 and a nesting box, should you decide to stay close to home...

  It is a wide and wonderful world out there,

  Filled with exciting new experiences, tastes and colors..

REAL colors...

not the ones found in my paint box, here in your little studio world.

Sometimes it can be a scary place. especially for someone so very small as yourself.

   And you must be cautious, wise and brave.

  You will meet many new friends...

  Sometimes, they will be a bit different from you, but You will enjoy their company anyway.

  And someday, you will build a REAL nest,

and fill it with REAL eggs.

 And the memory of me will fade away.

 But I will never forget you, little Esther. You will always be with me. For the joy of knowing one of Gods smallest creatures  is something I will never forget.

And now, I give you the choice to be free. The door is open and it swings both ways. You can stay, you can leave, you can do both. You are always welcome here.

  Now if you will excuse me, I am off to have a good cry.


UPDATE:  My wee birdie made her choice 2 days later. She spent some time going in and out, in and out. I really didn't think she would leave. I had my head buried in my work and when I looked up...she was gone. Gone for good. It was the right choice. I went outside and called for her, but of course she did not answer, why should she? She was FREE! The stupendous , wide sky was glorious that day, and Esther was somewhere UP in it! I was thrilled for her!  I hope she will be okay, out there on her own. But somehow, I KNOW she will.