Bird doodling by a ornithophobic, sleep deprived shift worker.

I drew this pic sometime between midnight and dawn during an unexpected double shift at work last night. It was intended to be in honour of a wonderful steemian @robyneggs, however I would like to also make mention of another - @onetree.

I came across their post on Trypophobia. It is a brilliant description of phobias. Trypophobia as @onnetree describes is the fear of organically occurring dots. Yep it might sound silly to you, but phobias by definition are a severe response to a situation or thing that is outside of what is deemed appropriate by the general population at large.

I have made mention of my own phobia in the past, Ornithophobia, fear of birds.

I experience varying degrees of distress regarding birds. Thinking about them or a close encounter makes me feel uncomfortable, seeing them increases this discomfort. If the are within five meters of me I experience severe discomfort which escalates as the proximity closes in.

I decided after reading this post on phobias to commence a little exposure therapy myself, and embarked on researching images of the American Robin and her eggs. I quickly learned that a photographic search was a little too disconcerting, however an illustrated image was less triggering.

I learned that the Robins eggs are a beautiful blue colour, and she usually lays four in a nest between tree branches. I found great beauty in this lovely pale blue.

This is the picture I drew in honour of the lovely @robyneggs, I also stepped out of the comforts and control of the trusty ballpoint and added a little watercolour.

I have followed her posts over the past months. She is an incredibly resilient, beautiful, intriguing, talented, individual. From her poetry, photography and art, to the more personal posts, I have appreciated the diversity of her work and character. She is also the creator of the Poetry Dice Challenge.

I have set myself the task of looking at all things repulsively bird every day this week. Whether it be feathers, claws, wings, eggs, beaks...did I say wings and feathers!!

I will seek to find the beauty in them and create a drawing that I will share each day.

We are heading into our long Summer Holidays in my part of the world. I will be taking my children to stay on a farm for a few days. I have set myself the tremendous task of holding a chicken while we are there. Stand by for that image in the coming month.

PS The meaning of the name Robyn is Bright Fame. Keep shining bright @robyneggs you are a star.

---