"FREE STUFF" BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD -- NATIVE AMERICAN OIL PAINTING
Some days just seems different from most. Yesterday was one of those days.
I walk my dog Daisy at a very large open field across from where I live. Yesterday I was there sitting on a wooden bench enjoying the sun and mild breeze. No other folks were in the area. Perfect day I thought.
Then a large shadow loomed over my head -- I quickly looked up to see what it was. Oh -- it was a large turkey vulture riding thermal air waves over my head. He (or she) was marvelous to watch. We became a trio -- dog, woman, and turkey vulture enjoying the sun and accompanying breezes. Then after about 15 minutes other vultures began to soar out from the woods behind the field. They were catching the wind and soaring as a pack. Like dancers they twisted and turned in the air just above the field. Such beautiful entertainment. After a short period folks began to enter the field area with their dogs -- the vulture show came to a stop and disappeared back into the woods. I gave them a soft clap as they left their "stage."
My next stop after I left the field was an unexpected one. About a quarter of a mile down the road I spotted some old furniture and a few odds and ends by the side of the road. A make shift cardboard sign held the word FREE! As I came closer to the stuff I noticed something that I thought I might like. Parking my truck I walked over to the item. Yep, it was a lovely older oil of a native American in a very fine frame.
Now, I have had an interest in native American culture for years therefore I knew right away this oil was going home with me.
The first thing I noticed when I got it home was that it was signed in its bottom corner -- "FERTHERWIND" Shirley McLoughlin (spelling by artist).
Then I took the time to take a close look at the oil and noticed that the native American man in the painting was wearing what seemed to be two turkey vulture feathers as a headdress!
If I was superstitious I would think turkey vultures had some meaning in my life. But for now I look at this day as one that brought unexpected pleasures!
Reference:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Turkey_Vulture/id
Fascinating coincidences.I guess the birds were shy of a large audience so you were lucky to see the aerial ballet. The painting is facinating too. The
ReplyDelete"chief" (if he is) has wonderful dignity And I think I see tattoos marking from cheekbone to chin -- that might be a hint of his tribe or his status.
June -- What you see on the native American's cheekbone and chin is wisp of his black hair. My camera does make it appear as if it might be a tattoo of some sort. I did some quick research on him to try and formulate what tribe he might have been affiliated with. My quick check left me with just some hints -- the main one being his tribe could be from the Oklahoma area ?. More should be done to ID it. thanks -- barbara
DeleteDon't you love moments in life, like these? They make one think how everything is connected.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- I do! My thoughts are that all life is connected -- we must respect everything that lives. thanks -- barbara
DeleteWhat a find! And what lovely synchronicity!
ReplyDeleteVicki -- yes, similar events all in one day that seem related but with no explanation. Does make one stop and think. thanks -- barbara
DeleteYes, those turkey vultures must have liked you. No telling what the meaning might be, except to you as you might understand it. Of course Native Americans do have different symbolisms for different animals. I know there's a site on the web with Totem animals and I'll be turkey vultures are on there...in case you are interested in that way of looking at things.
ReplyDeleteBarbara -- I did look up a few articles online that are about animal symbolism. Then I found a blog that talked a bit about turkey vulture symbolism. Here is the blog address in case you are wondering what it had to say. http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/2009/04/25/vulture-meanings-and-nonconformity/. You did peak my interest in native American symbolism -- thanks, barbara
DeleteHow neat. I love you observations and discoveries....:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful serendipity!! I see the meaning as being that you were in a very open, receiving place, both spiritually and in the landscape that you were exploring. How wonderful, a beautiful story. "Like dancers they twisted and turned in the air just above the field." Sigh...
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