Brand New Day: Bird Painting by kto ART

Brand New Day: Ke Aloha Mamo with Lobelia Grayana

Happy New Year!

This year has already started off strong. I went on my early morning walk and my little 10lb dog Uggi went right up to 100+lb Akita Cody today and gave him a kiss on the lips. For some dogs that wouldn't be a big deal, but every day for over a year, Uggi has shied away from any contact with big dogs... Specifically Cody, who is ten times his size. But today he not only accepted a face sniff, he initiated it! Proud Mama, I am:) ... back to the painting...

The New Year has become synonymous with a fresh start. We have resolutions. We buy workout gear that gets used aggressively for the first two weeks and then quickly transforms into an awkward clothes hanger. We eat really healthy until the firework smoke clears and we see the latest Taco Bell ad featuring a new taco-wrapped-in-a-burrito-smothered-with-nacho-cheese-stacked-between-two-quesadillas... Mmm that sounds awful. Awful good;)

But I'll play my part. This painting is a celebration of the Mamo. A bird that became extinct awhile back, but they live on in my mind. They are an example of the fragility of life. One day here, the next day gone forever. And they are a reminder that there are other species with dangerously low numbers that now need our help to survive. So I will continue to paint our native Hawaiian birds and with every sale, my profits will go towards the conservation of our remaining beloved species.

My resolution is one I can keep. I resolve to enjoy every day for the true gift that is life. And strive towards doing what I love and loving those around me:)