Smiling Sally hosts a Blue Monday in which we can post about anything blue — pretty, ugly, serious or funny — and then link up to other Blue Monday participants.
I love the I Can Has Cheezeburger site — it’s often the last thing I look at before I log off for the day. Most of the pictures are cats, and I am not particularly a cat lover, but often the captions are hilarious. They do use other animals as well. This one cracked me up the other day:
It reminded me of a painting a friend from a former church did for me before we moved away. That was a pretty small church, and this lady was the only person who did any painting. She was also the primary “crafter” in church. So she couldn’t make anything for her “secret sister” because that would give away her identity. She instead sometimes made something nice after identities were revealed as a thank you to the secret sister who gave to her.
So the year I was her secret sister she gave me this painting she had done herself:
I know I have shown this for Show and Tell Friday, but I don’t think I have shown it here. I love the fact that she did this for me, and I love the dogwood blossoms: two of the houses we have lived in have had dogwoods. She said the bird came out (unintentionally) looking like it could peck someone’s eye out, though I don’t know if you can tell it here, as the picture is a little dark. But that’s why the above picture reminded me of this one.
I hadn’t thought of it before, but it is kind of funny that the bird’s expression doesn’t match the verse she wrote: “Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17). She added the verse because she said it reminded her of me, though it is actually speaking of wisdom. I hope I have gained and display wisdom, pleasantness, and peace, though I assured her I am far from walking in any of those elements perfectly. But maybe this little birdie’s scowl can remind me of what I look like when I am not exhibiting peace and pleasantness!
Happy Monday to you! More Blue Monday participants for today can be found at Sally’s.
Stray Thoughts 
What a lovely picture your friend painted for you! I can see why you called her the crafter, she does beautiful work! I also like the bird in the first picture, he looks like someone really made him mad this morning!
Happy Blue Monday
Love, Ann
First of all the bird photograph is a riot. What a cute little bird! And I love the painting your friend did for you. She is very talented. I know you must cherish this. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Happy Blue Monday…
XO,
Sheila
Ummmm, someone has apparently riled first little birdy. :). Your painting is just lovely..what a talented lady.
Happy Blue Monday..hope it’s a lovely day.
The painting is just beautiful but that other bird??? Looks nasty. If it was found on the cat site that’s why it’s angry ” )
Happy Blue Monday
Love Claudie
xo
I too have enjoyed that site. Makes me laugh out loud. Your story of the only talented woman in the church is a funny one, but what a sweet gift she gave you. You must be more pleasant than you realize.
Kathy b
I love the dogwood blossoms in that painting, too. I think the bird from the photo could definitely take the sweet painted bird in a fight!
The Blue Bird of Happiness has some kind of glare in its eyes. Was it glaring at me? Your friend gave you an exquisite painting. The bird is lovely. Happy Blue Monday!
Sweetie
What a hoot! Made me smile, too and the painting is beautiful. Isn’t it good to have loving friends to encourage us along life’s journey.
HBM, Candy
lol I loved the first picture! lol The second is a wonderful gift. Anything made just for you is special, and this is done well. Thanks for sharing. Happy Blue Monday.
I adore blue birds they are such sweet delightful little birds and always have a lovely song…. lovely painting
HUgs
Linda
Oh how I love those LOLcats! I’m allergic to cats so that is as close as I can get to them and the sayings crack my up! I guess I missed the wee birdy though…too cute!!!
I miss dogwoods…they are here in Ohio but not as profuse as they are in Western Ky…sigh…
This is my first Blue Monday and I’m having a ball!
Blessin’s♥
Oh my definitely doesn’t look happy…but beautiful birds!
I thought I remembered seeing that — but I think that is sO cool that she painted it FOR YOU! Those are the best kind of gifts! And that bluebird of happiness is too funny!
Hi Barbara,
I did notice the bird’s expression. I think it’s a good contrast to the verse and can serve to jolt you into making sure you are choosing to be pleasant…
The dogwoods are lovely! I think the painting is unique and great the way it turned out and fun that it was painted with you in mind…
I love handmade gifts. Especially ones that keep us inspired. I’m sure I scowl too much.
Blessings!
Julie
I love gifts created and given from the heart. Your painting is that.
I did LOL when I saw the “bluebird of happiness…not!” ahahahaaaaa!
Oh, I just love blue birds. They are so pretty. Your painting is wonderful and the words are sweet too. I blew it up to see the scowl and I can’t see it. I think it looks just right. Smile!
Hugs…Jeanne
That bird photo and caption totally cracked me up. Too funny. I love your other picture too.
I love the painting. I like the Bird’s expression. It seems to be saying to the artist, “Are you done, yet?” As if it is sitting for the portrait and has better things to do. I am partial to Bluebirds. Honey Bear has painted a couple of canvases of them.
Mama Bear
Love your Birds…cute post…sneaking out now as to not make the bluebird of happiness ANY Madder!
I loved the picture of the bird LOL Your gift is just beautiful. What a treasure. You are blessed. Happy Blue Monday!
Yep, that’s a pretty nasty looking blue bird!! lol
Love the painting, tho…
Hello Happy Blue Monday, cute post love that painting of the bird!
Bless You, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage
That’s a beautiful painting!
LOLcats is one of my favourite feel-good sites that got me laughing out loud.
This is hilarious! LOL For some reason it reminds me of that saying, ” I may have to rise but I DON’T have to shine!”
The painting is lovely, Barbara! Thanks for sharing!