Why Not a Bird with a Cupcake on Her Head?

Lately, I’ve been feeling emotionally heavy and in desperate need of some levity. Enter this wee birdy—my unexpected dose of joy! I can’t stop smiling at her, and, by extension, at myself.

I’ve always loved that line from Portlandia—“Put a bird on it!”—because, honestly, it’s so true. Birds have a way of elevating art, turning the ordinary into something delightful. Once you start noticing them, you’ll see birds on everything.

But why stop there? I decided to take it a step further. Instead of putting a bird on something, I put something on the bird—a cupcake, of course. And just like that, Yellow Birdy Cupcake Head was born.

Maybe we’d all smile a little more with a cupcake on our heads… or better yet, a bird with a cupcake on our heads.

Chocolate, Turkeys, and a Lipstick Tree: A Kauai Adventure

On a recent trip to Kauai, we set out on what we thought was a straightforward mission: eat chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. And trust me, we did. But as with most adventures, this one had some unexpected (and very entertaining) surprises.

Our chocolate-tasting tour took place on a cocoa plantation teeming with life, not just in the form of cocoa trees but also banana trees, curry bushes, cinnamon bushes, and a whole cast of free-range farm animals. Picture this: turkeys strutting like they own the place, chickens plotting who-knows-what, bunnies being their adorable selves, goats giving side-eye, and ducks waddling around like tiny, feathery VIPs. It was like stepping into a tropical petting zoo where the main attraction was, well—chocolate.

But the real showstopper? The achiote tree, also known as the lipstick tree. Stay with me here. This tree grows walnut-sized pods covered in soft, fuzzy red hairs (nature really outdid itself on the aesthetics). Crack one open, and inside are dozens of seeds that, when crushed, transform into a vibrant red pigment. Historically, people have used it as paint, dye, and yes—lipstick.

Naturally, some of the more adventurous tourists couldn’t resist smearing the freshly crushed seeds on their faces. The results? Hilarious streaks of orangey-red across cheeks, foreheads, hands and basically, wherever they touched next. Note to future visitors: this application requires both a mirror and a solid exit strategy involving soap and water.

Our guide, perhaps sensing my curiosity (or my tendency to get a little too excited about nature’s art supplies), handed me a few pods to take back to my hotel. Challenge accepted.

Later that evening, I got to work experimenting with my achiote pods as paint. As I mixed the deep red pigment, I realized the color was nearly identical to the palm lily I had seen earlier. So, in true “I didn’t pack art supplies but always end up buying them when I travel” fashion, I pulled out my newly acquired watercolor paper, paints, and brushes.

The result? A palm lily painting infused with both traditional watercolor and my fun little achiote experiment.

Because why just see the beauty of Kauai when you can literally paint with it?

 

More than just a logo

Welcome to my studio, Black Bird Art & Design.  I created this logo myself and feel very excited about it and want to share the story behind it and my studio name. (Don’t worry—it’s a short story!) When my daughter was born, I didn’t know how to soothe a crying baby, rock her to sleep or calm her when she woke up with nightmares.  I realized that every single song I knew the lyrics to were bad 80s top 40 hits from my teenage years.  “Safety Dance” wasn’t soothing…I tried.  I did covet my Beatles White Album as an early adult (I think I both loved the music and it made me feel mature just owning it).  I especially loved the song “Black Bird” and could easily sing it to my baby without worrying about forgetting the words or more importantly, singing grossly out of key.  I guess Paul and I share a vocal range.  This song became my “go to” as my child grew and I went to it whenever the nightmares came. I sing it to myself still as my child has now grown into an incredible young adult. The light touch of rainbow on her wing further represents my now gender non-conforming kid and all of my beautiful friends in the LGBTQIA+ community whom I feel should always feel seen and supported.  Finally, the wee purple heart in her mouth is not only my love for all of the above, but for my offering of love to all who need a little extra.  I have plenty to give.

 

Advice to self for 2025:

1. Learn something new

2. Believe in my talents

3. Go for it--dream big!

4. Laugh more

5. Move to Paris
 

Beach Life

I'm back home.  This beach has consumed my senses and stolen my heart, it has become my happy place and I'm thrilled the rest of my family feels the same.  It is a rare thing to have such a joy, a place you love and long for and to be able to revisit whenever you need it.  My greatest pleasure comes from sharing my home and everything that means with family and friends.  I love filling the walls of this place with the energy of everyone who visits...my sister and her family, my mom, my dad, my dearest friends and my dogs.  Life is good.

For more beachy goodness look here:  
www.kms-photography.smugmug.com

Red Poppies

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.  Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
in Flanders Fields.

Take up your quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

John McCrae

I was delighted to find fields upon fields of these gorgeous red poppies in Georgetown, Texas this weekend.  I had no idea they were so plentiful and was fascinated by the history of these little gems.  Please check it out for yourself!  

https://mainstreet.georgetown.org/visit/history-and-historical-tours/red-poppy-history/

Ginger in the Blue Bonnets

Here's our little ginger among the beauty of the Texas blue bonnets.  What a glorious sight!  Love my little mini-me so much.

A walk with my dog

There's no better therapy than taking a walk with my dog on a clear morning.  I think it makes her just as happy as it makes me, which brings me even more pleasure.  As she lays beside me while I type or follows me around the house (my shadow), she gives more love than I'm capable of giving.  If you ever had a pet you loved, you know this feeling...it's a pretty wonderful gift.

My sister says good-bye to one of her old friends today and my heart is heavy for her.  I know the razor sharp pain of this loss all too well and I hate that her family is experiencing it now too.  The only thing that comforts me is the image of our dogs playing together across the Rainbow Bridge and then probably sitting beside our dad at the end of the day.

Mellow Johnny's

My favorite people in front of the coolest bike shop/coffee shop in Austin.

Bracelet Factory

A successful leader has mastered the art of empowerment, clearly, Siena has accomplished this by age 7.  Dad has been here for less than 48 hours and she already has him working in the bracelet factory while she enjoys a cinnamon roll and a movie.  Not too shabby, Little Girl.  

Beautiful Faces

How wonderful to meet Walt Disney, Sacajawea, Martin Luther King, Daniel Boone, Betsy Ross, Amelia Earhart, Thomas Edison, Dr. Suess and many many more in one morning.  Aren't they inspiring?   

Baby It's Cold Outside

Yes, those are icicles in Austin, Texas!  I think the truck was secretly smiling...she loves crappy weather.  Our daughter wanted to break them off and eat them...poor kid, the closest thing to winter she's seen in a long time.  

On another note, I have been working on my website (finally), I still need to upload images but please check it out and let me know your thoughts.  I am proud that I did this all without my IT guy but there are a few tweaks I still have to make and have yet to figure out.

http://kms-photography.smugmug.com

Killer Balloon

We enjoyed a sneak peek into summer on Saturday and enjoyed some outdoor play.  Is this the coolest balloon you've ever seen or what?  I should have bought 2 of these because I wanted to play with it too!  FUN!

Circle of Life

I had a special opportunity to meet the daughter of one of my besties this week.  She is a lovely, perfect, little gift and I fell in love with her instantly.  As I was walking through the hospital I realized that the last time I was in a military hospital was when I was saying good-bye to my father...only 5 short months ago.  However, I didn't feel sad, I felt at peace thinking about this new life and how cyclical everything is...all of life returns new life.  Welcome to the world, Little Girl.

Snow Day!

I just love big, fluffy snowflakes!  Yes, I did stick my tongue out eventually.

48 Hours in Old Town

Here's a quick shot I took in Old Town tonight, while we walked through Old Town to dinner.  We enjoyed a TON of sushi, sake and chit chat!  Loved It.  Old Town is such a charming place, I always enjoy spending time here--as long as it's not too long because I hate the cold.  Chilly night!

Hotel Rooms

What is it about hotel rooms?  A boutique hotel can put me in such a relaxed state, ok, add a glass of wine and I'm even blissful.  Sitting here makes me want to throw away all of my nick-nacks, get new bed clothes and put an ice bucket in our bedroom at home.  My husband will be giddy reading this as he has great disdain for clutter, however, what does a mommy do with all those crafty gifts made lovingly by our daughter?  And what about the photos that bring me a smile at each glance?  Perhaps I'll simply have to enjoy the hotel room and keep dusting our bedroom.  

Sonnet 98

Sonnet 98

by William Shakespeare (1609)

From you have I been absent in the spring When proud-pied April, dress’d in all his trim, Hath put a spirit of youth in every thing, That heavy Saturn laugh’d and leap’d with him. Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell Of different flowers in odour and in hue, Could make me any summer’s story tell, Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew: Nor did I wonder at the lily’s white, Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose; They were but sweet, but figures of delight, Drawn after you, you pattern of all those. Yet seem’d it winter still, and you away, As with your shadow I with these did play.

Ricks

I took this shot for my friend, Angela, because she told me this is where she met her husband.  I smiled when I saw it imagining them meeting for the first time and him falling for that crazy, cute red head!

Bracelets for Charity

We have quite a production line at our house tonight.  Siena, and a boy from her class, decided to make these bracelets and sell them for 25 cents each to raise money for charity.  She said she wanted to give the money to doctors who could buy plane tickets and travel around the world to help people.  How amazing?!  We will donate the money to Doctors Without Borders.  She also wants to buy some dog food and give it to a local animal shelter.  It's pretty awesome when your child is selfless.