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2/17/04 ~ Dear
family & friends ~
I feel I have
been blessed with more than a handful of special paintings in
my career as an artist. The highest echelon of these creations
are born when serendipitous occurrences take place. These events
confirm to me that I am exactly where I am meant to be. This
is the story of one of my newest depictions where I feel divine
intervention came into play. For several weeks prior to this,
I had been concentrating on painting owls. Coincidentally, I
had seen Terri's picture and article in the local paper and it
inspired me to produce a watercolor that tried to capture the
power of that occasion. This letter was written by Terri Loy.
She is a woman of Native American ancestry, to whom this piece
now belongs. She works at a local wildlife refuge, Cedar Run.
I have attached a link to the painting and the ending to this
chapter below. I hope you don't think
I'm bragging.
"We believe"
this is a story with such "magic" that it should not
be kept to ourselves.
~ Sandy
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On January
22, 2004 Terri Loy wrote this e-mail to her friends & family:
Because you are
family in one sense or another......................You will
permit me to boast!
I had a surprise
at my mailbox earlier this morning! It brought me to tears. It
is incredible and I am truly touched and honored by it. It was
a note from a new person in my life who happens to be friends
with Sandy Sandy. For those of you who are not familiar with
Sandy Sandy, she is a truly gifted artist of watercolor. I believe
she is blessed with great spiritual vision that flows through
her physical being onto her paper. Before I tell the surprise,
you must hear the story. For every picture holds a story to be
told.
A large female
Great Horned Owl came to the rehab unit at the refuge in the
fall of 2002. She was diagnosed with a severe case of West Nile
Virus. She was not expected to survive. After months of supportive
care by the caring staff of the rehab, the owl was transferred
to a secluded outdoor unit to begin the process of reentering
her wild world while taking a little more time for a full recovery.
I paid particular attention (as if I don't with all the raptors
:) to this owl because of Ed. He really took to this owl because
it was a "Miracle" that she survived. She came to be
known as Miracle. We were all astounded by her remarkable recovery.
As time went on, a set back was recognized. The rehab unit found
Miracle to be neurological. The virus while running its course
has a tendency to affect the brain. This was so for Miracle.
She displayed the head ticks, "crazy eyes," being unbalanced
in posture and motions along with other indications. This deemed
her unreleaseable. She now would live a life of captivity with
the other GHOs.
Again, her life
took a turn in the summer of 2003. As I toured school children
and others through our wildlife unit, I recognized that Miracle's
behavior was changing. I watched as summer became fall. I was
intrigued that Miracle had great accuracy in her landings after
short flights. She also was the queen of the roost. These observations
were of those when one watches a bird in the wild not of one
who suffers from a condition. I took my beliefs to the rehab.
They immediately placed her in the flight cage to test her flight
and hunting capabilities. Wow! A bird who came out of a neurological
condition! Another miracle. And so, for me, as I would suppose
for those who cared for her...the owl came to be the "Miracle
at Christmas."
On December 13,
2003, Jeanne and I headed into Mt. Laurel (the owl's original
homeland) to release Miracle. I was asked to go for the folks
who found her had requested my presence. I had done a program
with them the previous year. Again, what a honor to be remembered
and requested by the children of whom I hope to plant seeds amongst.
How could I not drive from the shore early on a Sat. morning
to fulfill the wishes of the little folks? And our lovely Jeanne,
as she will do, invited Dave Borelli who is a photographer for
the local paper, the "Central Record" to take photos
of the release. (Yes, I am not fond of my mug being photographed,
but in this case Jeanne is given my thanks for this special surprise
would never have happened.)
Two nice photos
ran in the Central Record on Jan. 1, 2004. A beautiful shot of
Miracle perched in a tree after the release and another of my
mug releasing her. Dave captured the moment that Miracle had
me feel how powerful she was. When I took her from the crate,
she was facing me. I wanted to turn her around so that when I
cast her skyward, she would be directed to fly towards the trees
for a safe landing. Well that bird opened her wings and I felt
her power. I decided not to risk losing her while trying to turn
her around in my hands. I decided to heave her over my shoulders,
praying that I would not end up with talons in the face as I
let her go. Miracle's flight was fantastic! She swayed and swooped
amongst the tree edge through the small clearing. Of course she
didn't go where I expected her to, however it was a fantastic
release!
Sandy has painted
the moment of power. I can't help it...I want to share "Lifting
Miracle Free". (as I call it). I am anxious to see Sandy
and just hug her for capturing that moment in such beauty and
spirit. I must wait a week for Sandy left this morning on a visit
to her parents in Florida.
Yes, you are
permitted to kick me for showing off a little. Hey, I am only
human!
I can hear some of you...I know I'll be kicked!
Terri
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While I was in
Florida, Janet-Jackson Gould, the director of the wildlife refuge
contacted my husband Jerry and expressed her desire and that
of the refuge's owner, Jeanne Woodford to purchase the piece
for Terri. "She's such a positive influence and has done
so much for us here at Cedar Run over the years, this would be
a perfect token of our appreciation to her"; Janet said.
Shortly after I arrived home, the deal was sealed. As I understand
it, it was quite an emotional surprise presentation for all involved!
I only wish I could have been a "fly on the wall" for
that one! The day after she received the painting, Terri surprised
me by showing up at my studio, her new acquisition and this letter
in hand, accompanied by my friend Janis Lengyel and her neighbor,
a new drum circle friend, Lou Ketcik. We all talked like old
friends for a couple of hours about animals, birds, spirit, miracles
and destiny. All too soon, the visit was over. I was not able
to focus the rest of the day; other than on all the "Miracles"
that I have been so generously blessed with.
Wishing
you all love & abundance always,
Aho ~ Sandy
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See
"Lifting Miracle Free"
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