I’m blessed to be surrounded by amazing artists of all kind. My friend Heather Reading, from England, is one talented woman, she paints and writes. Over the past year we have bonded and become close friends even though we have never met. Her motivation and spirit fills you like a sponge if you happen to be around her. Her belief in me as a writer makes me smile on the inside.

One day I was telling her how I been trying to find someone to paint or draw Jasper. I had little luck. She offered. Not only did she offer but she did it right away. As she did the process she sent me bits and pieces of how it was going. I was not sure who was more excited about the project, her or me.

Telling me the painting was done she mailed it. We both waited. A few times we discussed on what was taking so long. Finally I saw the mail lady park her truck on the side. Seeing she had a package I met her halfway, excited to see the painting in person. Unwrapping it fast but carefully, I unraveled a work of pure art. Showing Jasper he backed away. I temporarily forgot birds don’t like things over their heads. My son instead showed him the picture.

Heather got his seal of approval for a/ he didn’t back away and b/ he didn’t try to destroy it. He stared and stared at the portrait of him. I imagined he was thinking, “Ah very good. She got my good side.” To say I love this art is a gross understatement. The photo does not do it justice at all. But Heather has made my bird happy. And that was one of the best rewards of this gift.