Treat Birdie With Kindness

Bonus: Birdie For Ruby

Ruby.

Every time I see this word now, I think of you. And every time I imagine it as a physical entity, it isn't a little red stone carved and polished and set within the constraints of a silver band. Rather, it's big and bold, unrestricted. It sparkles and emits shades of light and dark. I need two palms to properly hold it and when I do, it's heavy and chiseled, dozens and dozens of sides that taper off into one, deadly sharp, pointed edge.

Ruby.

It's intense and passionate, but soft and unique. It's familiar and it provides comfort with its weight, a promise of nurturing by simply being within my presence. Unspoken words of wisdom and facets of untapped, natural talent. Always refining and shaping and reflecting differently, depending on what position the sun is in the sky.

Ruby.

There are many things I can say about you, having the honorable position of knowing you a bit further than the faceless maestro of writing. You've experienced things that are commonplace for all of us; grief, fear, anxiety. Hangovers, head colds, shitty customers. Joy, love, romance. But you keep them to yourself in order to be a strength for those around you. You support with no expectations in return. You observe with a neutral eye. You recognize your mishaps with humor.

Ruby.

You're easy and that's why so many people love you. I love you and am forever grateful for the opportunities to have spoken to you, ones that I probably would have never had if it weren't for writing. I owe you for a lot, and without a poetic filter, I'll list them:

-Encouraging me to make Kismet it's own book.
-Encouraging me to publish physical copies of my books.
-Encouraging me to push through writer's block.
-Encouraging me to take writing courses.
-Encouraging me to gain readership.
-Encouraging others to read my work.

Where would my practice be if we hadn't met? I can't say and there may not even be a point in considering it, but I want you to know that your impact is deeper and fuller than you may realize. There are thousands of us who want excellence for you. Me? I just want you to understand the influence of your gemstone. Big, bold, unrestricted, sparkly.

Thank you for being yourself.

Ruby.

I love you.