This giclée print is taken from my original oil painting on linen canvas.

People can hear the name and think of Morning Doves. But they're actually Mourning Doves. Unlike the white doves of magic shows, these birds are calmer. And like periods of mourning, they are gray with bits of darkness. But doves are a powerful spiritual messenger of peace, love, and faith—even when they're mourning.

If this bird comes fluttering into your life, it's time to take action. You need to soar.

This messenger teaches you that if you just sit on a branch staring at the sky, expecting the wind to pick you up, you'll never move. It is only when you move your wings and surrender to the rush of the wind that you reach new heights. When you get moving and, most importantly, let yourself experience the exhilaration, you can fly higher and higher.

When we're mourning, sad, or depressed, it can be hard to move. It can be easy to just sit in contemplation or just gaze at the sky waiting for change. We can focus only on the sad. But our loved ones don't want us to suffer for their sake. When you let love flow and make room for all of the colors of your emotions, you can see your loved ones are all around you. They surround us with a big hug of peace, love, and joy. They send us little messages and leave us little gifts. But only if your heart and mind are open. Sometimes, that's what you're sitting around looking for.

Standing tall in the center of the piece is the Tree of life symbol that represents our personal development, uniqueness, and individual beauty. Just as the branches of a tree strengthen and grow upwards to the sky, we too grow stronger, striving for greater knowledge, wisdom, and new experiences as we move through life.

I opened my heart in making this painting. I shared all of the beautiful feelings and a rich tapestry of emotions. They don't all feel good in the moment, but they are all beautiful. I also love doves. 

There is no guidebook for mourning and no right way to feel. But this mourning dove can teach us that there are times to contemplate and rest and breathe. There are also times to fly free. When you let go and let the feelings wash over you, you can feel the good and the bad. Underneath it all is love. In moments of total emotional chaos, we can find beauty, peace, and new life. It's when we let our hearts free that we can see all of the beauty in the world.

When viewing this piece, I hope its vibrant mashup of colors serves as a reminder that even through the madness, chaos, and turmoil, we are all on a mission of peace. Being at peace with yourself is the most significant step toward healing. And love is all around us. And when you see the fluttering of beautiful birds like the mourning dove, know that your prayers are being heard and answered; know that the angels are watching over you.