Guest Author: Myrte deZeeuw of Mirthquake
Myrte de Zeeuw of Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is a talented and versatile freelance illustrator and fashion designer. She works from home, looking out over a bird and flower-filled garden, creating bird illustrations which are beautiful and revealing. One little guy meets my eye saucily, looking as though he’s just about to flick his tail, another is slightly rumpled because she hasn’t quite finished her morning preen. Myrte’s delight in her subjects is obvious in every stroke of her pen. Not only is Myrte a really nice person, but she will be heavily involved in one of our coming-up-very-soon Big Surprises, so now would be a good time to start buttering her up…
When someone asks me what my favorite bird is, I start browsing through my head and I think of all the different species.
The starling is fantastic because he walks so swiftly and produces the greatest sounds.
I like the blue titmouse because he wears a blue hat.
The modest dunnock that moves in intervals of a second, freeze-framing before hopping one step further.
The serious-looking little owl I am currently working on, because the bird I am working on is always the one that is mostly on my mind.
Then I get to the blackbird, the European blackbird, that is completely black with only that bright orange bill, obviously one of my favorites, the macho man in my garden. And then I think of one particular blackbird. The one that isn’t blessed with an even set of black feathered that dress him. This blackbird has a bald spot on his head around his bill. It looks like he has a piece of his head missing. He was there when we just moved into our new house and he’s seen us work hard to renovate the place.
Now almost 2 years later he is still there. He always picks a spot on the roof of our shed, or the top of a cut down tree. He enjoys the sun there and I watch him because he looks a bit goofy with his bald spot. He is not beautiful like the other blackbirds. When you look at him you immediately see that he’s not the most handsome blackbird in my neighborhood.
I used to worry about him. Knowing how hard humans can be on someone who looks different. How people stare at others with even the slightest imperfection.
But now I no longer worry, because I have seen him feed his young. He has a woman and a family and that certainly gives a blackbird happiness!!
You see blackbirds don’t care about a perfect face or body. Female blackbirds listen to the song of a blackbird. They listen to what the male has to say to them, and then fall in love. We have a lot to learn from birds.
Thank you so much, Myrte, for introducing us to your friend. I hope he and his family thrive and continue to bring you joy! I can’t tell you how excited I am about our upcoming project! —Jen
Ways to find Myrte and enjoy her work:
Myrte’s blog is at http://MoreMirthQuake.blogspot.com
Bird illustrations and jewelry are available on Etsy at http://www.MirthQuake.Etsy.com
Original clothing line can be found at http://www.MirthQuakeClothing.Etsy.com
Follow Myrte’s daily activities on Twitter: www.twitter.com/moremirthquake
Check out her Facebook page: www.facebook.com: myrtedezeeuw
