Early Summer Magic

Monarchs and a Hummingbird. Gouache on paper.

I think every immigrant will relate when I say that when you go back to your homeland, those who await you most certainly expect some sort of a gift. It’s an unspoken rule. Actually, sometimes it is quite spoken. Some prefer a name brand piece of clothing, some are delighted by jewelry, some enjoy a sweet treat, a magnet… the list goes on. Of course, there are also those who genuinely don’t expect a thing. And the gifting goes both ways. I am showered with beautiful handmade souvenirs, spices I love, symbolic necklace pendants, etc. My favorite gifts—a framed pressed flower, and a traditional, hand crocheted doily— have come from my dad’s two friends. They’re brothers. Both love nature and antiques, so we tend to think alike. I am a complete dud in the department of name brand gifts, or magnet selections, but I knew exactly what to bring for the Brothers. Something I knew my fellow nature observers, magic seekers would understand. I could just imagine them sitting outside in their gardens, noticing the arrival of fluttering old friends. So for each I painted a little moment of those early summer visitors.