This a little story of serendipity involving Agnes (the small but determined bushtit), a friend, and the coins of the realm.
Here is Agnes, a female bushtit.
If you would like to read more about why bushtits are such awesome birds, check out my 2020 post Consider the Bushtit.
Agnes is the model for one of my most popular prints, Small But Determined, and is a member of the ensemble cast in Birds of Judgment.
She also makes tiny guest appearances on some of the parcels I send out to customers in the form of stickers I have made to adorn outgoing orders.
I often put one of Frazzled Mabel, for example, near the flap of a package so that the recipient can have an extra little smile as they open it.
I don’t put Agnes stickers on every parcel — I often consider what the customer ordered and “customize” the sticker combination according to what I guess they might like most. (Shhh … don’t tell the time and motion efficiency inspector!)
So the situation is that there are a few Agnes stickers out there in the world.
Now to my friend.
She and her partner have recently moved away from Vancouver. We had a farewell drink with them in the garden just last week. One of the last things she did before starting the trip to the new place on Vancouver Island was to pick up some groceries. Later, when she looked at the change in her pocket, she found Agnes gazing up at her …
… having been stuck on the back of, what we call in Canada, a loonie. *
It fit perfectly as the stickers are, as we say here, loonie-sized.
My friend sent me the photos above and we both thought what a funny and crazy coincidence that was. I also thought … maybe it was the universe giving me one more chance to wish her bon voyage.
So, if it was you who put Agnes on the coin, thanks!
And now I think we can now describe Agnes as, not only small and determined, but also well travelled, and occasionally, legal tender!
Maybe Agnes should be the next iteration of the $1 coin. Although asking “Can I borrow a ‘tit?'” doesn’t have quite the same tone as asking for a “loonie”!
😂
good one. hahaha
My favourite bird of judgement!
You always make my day with your most enjoyable posts!
Love it June ! Thanks for the smile and uplifting story.
Sweet story💞
June – absolutely LOVE your posts and merchandise. Have been a long-time fan and wanted to say THANKS for all you do. I would love to see any of your birds on our loonies or toonies. Good luck with your plans next month. Will be placing another order today !!! Cheers, Sue
Dear June,
I learned about your blog from a friend who also writes nature articles and I must thank her for the referral, and thank you for brightening this rather stressful world with your observations! I love all the birds that visit my birdbath but the little bushtits are by far the most delightful to watch. They do arrive in a flurry and there will be a dozen or more snuggled together on the rim of the birdbath, jumping in and out of the water and motoring around like little wind up toys! Thank you for sharing the article about them. I am amazed at the work that they put into their nest!
Sincerely, Mary-Lou from California