I would like a little bird. Not a real one; I can’t bare to see birds in cages now. We had one, like a lot of families did in the eighties and it was interesting how this little budgerigar was such an integral part of the family. He spoke, well swore actually, he’d welcome our guests with “hello you silly little bastard”. It took us a while to figure out where he’d learn such language and in the end put it down to a drink delivery man who most probably put his finger in the cage and would have gotten bitten, Ben had a sharp bite, so no doubt said that to him each time he delivered.
This little bird lived for about twelve years and had many lives. We’d let him out to fly around the house and would need to turn all of the lights out to catch him. One time my father left the television on and through the flicker of the television light, saw Ben flutter past my dog Beau who in turn opened his mouth. My Dad gave the dog a big kick and Ben escaped. Not long after my sister was cleaning Ben’s cage outside and he escaped in the process for what we thought was forever at the time until my neighbour heard an announcement on the local radio station that someone had found a bird and they knew it was domestic because he said, “hello you silly little…” He then moved to Sydney with us, we grew older, threw parties while my parents were out and I once found him walking around the feet of partygoers… I think he was senile by that time because we had him with us for only a few more months.
While I loved our Ben to bits, I wouldn’t have another but what I would have are decorative birds, they are a great little interesting piece to add to groupings or standing alone as a statement.
Here’s my little bird wish list:
1. Bird Oak smoked large – Kristian Vedel for Architectmade
Simple yet a little quirky and available in smoke or natural oak and many different shapes and sizes.
A gorgeous modern take on the flying wall ducks. Available in pink, blue, black or white and are affordable too!
In true Eames style, this is perfection in every possible way. Love is the only word.
4. Origami crane – LeeAnn Yare for General Eclectic
These cute little decorative cranes are available in orange and white, at $10 each, they’re a steal!
These lovely songbirds were made in the fifties by designer Kay Bojesen but were never put into production until last year and is available in six different colours.
6. L’Oiseau – Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
I love the form of this “oiseau”, simplicity rarely disappoints.
Do you have a favourite little bird here? Or perhaps you’ve owned a funny pet yourself?
See you Friday!
Mel x
10 Comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
You had me laughing out loud with that story! We too had budgies growing up, and we gave them these funny names from terrible American sitcoms.. but we loved them. I can’t believe yours talked – that is hilarious! The Eames House Bird has been on my wishlist longer than I can remember and I also love the Vedel birds, although I’d like one in each colour! x
Oh I’d love to know the names you gave them Michelle! One day you’ll get the house bird! x
We had birds too but ended up giving them away – we just didn’t have the time to care for them everyday!
Now my kids are trying to get us to buy a dog but its not happening!!
I did however buy some lovely bird themed postcards that Ive hung up in a small grouping on the wall in our family room! I like birds as Décor pieces too!…lovely collection!
Oh yes, our kids are starting to ask for a dog. We’ve got a lovely cat but a dog – sooo much work!
I loved the story about Ben, what a character. I’m like you..can’t stand to see birds in cages. I think the little brown bird (no. 1) is kind of cute! I keep forgetting to let you know how thrilled I was you’ve made the lamb recipe so many times. I sometimes make it with the leg as well, thanks for letting me know xx
It’s becoming a favourite Catherine! x
Absolutely hilarious!!!! Fab little story Mel! As for the Eames bird-what can I say-perfection! xx
Ha! Thanks Caroline, a spontaneous reflection…
I loved Ben. He (or she) was always a talking point xx
He was pretty cool Kris!