i first noticed her walking down the boardwalk. we were both enjoying the colorful graffiti on the retaining wall. I immediately took a liking to her hat, and stopped her to ask where she had gotten it.
she informed me that she had made it herself from pieces of an old but favorite sweater (she was all about recycling). i also learned robin's egg blue was her favorite color. i asked where she was from, and she answered that she was a snowbird and had come from the cold north country on her way south. she told me her name was robin.
she explained that she was a bit late starting her journey south this year because she finally gave in to a yearning to experience what she was missing there up north in the days that passed after she journeyed south each year. so she stayed. she told me that in those lonely days, with everyone gone, she experienced more darkness than she knew was possible for a heart to endure. so she began writing poetry to fill the dark hours and singing to the trees, deer, and stars. as the days and nights passed she felt an ache in her heart and it grew stronger and stronger. when she asked the ache what it was saying it told her of a longing deep in her heart, one she had buried so many years ago but the singing and poetry had brought it to life again. the longing wanted to rekindle a friendship with her childhood friend, a kindred spirit who understood her and could make her laugh harder than anyone before or since. they had lost touch years ago and the thought of finding her and visiting with her again filled her heart with joy and hope.
and then one morning the miracle happened. she woke up to find a a map drawn in blue crayon lying next to her pillow and on it was a large X where her friend was now living. She wasted not a moment and began her journey south immediately, carrying only a small candle which she keeps with her always. when i asked her why she carries this candle she simply said that if everyone who has some can carry their light, no matter how small a light it is, that it will make the light stretch, so those who have none can see. i asked her if she might sing one song for me before she left and she did. she sang a song that my mother often sang to me when i was a little girl called "all the birds are here again" and then she was gone. i will miss her but can even from here feel the warmth of her small light brightly shining.
that is so sweet. what a great story.
Posted by: kim beller | January 29, 2009 at 05:32 PM
I know I have said this before, but you are amazing. In my heart, I have a wish to come and play with you.
Someday.
xo
Posted by: Sharon @ norah'S | January 29, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Oh Robin is so adorable...and she likes graffiti...
Posted by: grrl+dog | January 29, 2009 at 08:02 PM
Sweet and strong. Thank you!
Posted by: Judy Merrill-Smith | January 29, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Yes yes yes! If those of use who can would each carry a bit of light, imagine how far it would reach, how bright the world would be.
Posted by: Tina | January 29, 2009 at 08:52 PM
oh i just want to run over and hug you. right now.
this is poetry. and every word is so very beautiful dear girl. so very beautiful. and i adore her and her sweet little hat.
Posted by: liz elayne | January 29, 2009 at 10:12 PM
being here, reading this story, and having your wonder illustrations to go with it is a pure gift to my day, thank you. xoxoxoox
Posted by: misty | January 30, 2009 at 05:47 AM
oh
oh....
my.
sweet katie...what a gift.
thank you... (i am drawing a virtual robin's egg blue heart bursting with love right here.)
Posted by: kateri | January 30, 2009 at 06:44 AM
how you
light up my darkest hour.
how
you sing straight to my soul.
how you
touch us all.
much love,
rebecca
Posted by: rebecca | January 30, 2009 at 08:29 AM
OMG, how wonderful that story was. Thank you.
Posted by: Cindy In Carolina | January 30, 2009 at 10:44 AM
My heart has melted onto the keyboard. What a beautiful post. I just love little Robin and her light; she sure reminds me of another songbird I know who is pure goodness. xo
Posted by: judy wise | January 30, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Sweet tweets! I enoyed miss Birdies;'s tale of lights and travel! I agree , I agree!
Posted by: pam aries | January 30, 2009 at 12:52 PM
What a wonderful little doll, and an even more wonderful story. Thank you for that.
Posted by: katiejane | January 30, 2009 at 05:22 PM
what a dear story...sweetness! you should make it into a children's book...you know the ones that are for the adults that carry that childlike wonder! lovely...mmmmm!
Posted by: annie | January 30, 2009 at 07:00 PM
What a lovely story, and the illustrations and doll are adorable. Thanks for sharing them.
Posted by: Sharon | January 30, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Oh Katie,
I love her. She is so magic and sweet. I love her story. Wish I could travel with her.
Posted by: jen | January 31, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Dearest Katie, you bring the light to so many lives, including mine. Beautiful story and yes, poetic. Love and hugs to you.
Posted by: diane | January 31, 2009 at 05:28 PM
Oh my word, she flew right into my heart singing:"...all the birds are here again, all the birds, all of them. But one of them is missing."
What an exquisite creature, and what a wonderful life she has carrying with her Light.
I am sending you both, my Light and Love until we see each other again.
Posted by: Allegra | January 31, 2009 at 10:59 PM
ka, ka, ka katie,
beautiful katie.
i so adore your brain and heart and spirit. such a rare gem with a spiritual perception you are.
here's to light and spreading the joy.
xo
Posted by: bee | February 01, 2009 at 06:58 AM
EXQUISITE!!! she is so adorable and sweet..... u can't possibly stop there, we need to know how she gets on. i'm sure she'll meet many friends on her journey and have many stories to tell?
xoxo
Posted by: samm | February 01, 2009 at 03:15 PM
I was so engrossed in her little story, that I was sorry when it ended, I will hang around for more....she is so quirky and quiant and any other Q words that I cant think of...thanks for being you...xxx
Posted by: Julia Rose | February 04, 2009 at 02:10 PM