Although I grew up in Nicosia, Cyprus's capital, we always had animals and birds in the garden. At least 8- 10 years now, dad has had chicken, who hang around on the lawn! Sometimes they go out in the street and we have to guide them back in!.. And usually I do, because my art studio is there, so, many times I become the steward of the animal kingdom there.. My young students love to see the chicken and play in the garden during our art lesson’s break.

Now recently, we got these beautiful and pure “royal doves”! We didn't like seeing them closed in the cage, so my dad decided to give it a try and opened the cage! The first day wasn't easy! The doves wouldn't come back in, but it was only for the first night! They slept on the electrical wire above our house. We were all worried about them, but since then, every afternoon they go in the cage by themselves!

This adventure, or maybe the sense of happiness and freedom brought them closer together. I noticed that before, they wouldn't even sit close to each other...Now they are a royal dove couple!!! They spend time in their nest, and go in there alternately.. I hope we’ll see soon some baby doves! I plan to tame the little ones and have them sitting on my hand! These pure creatures have given me some hope and inspiration, hopefully, to you too..

To be continued!