My entry into the January '09 Nibblefest Art Contest, as hosted via ebay, the theme being 'Winter Wonderland'...

I have a dear pet cockatiel that has been my best buddy and loyal companion, through thick and thin, for going on two decads now. What a little treasure he is! Though he can be quite the stinker as well, as evidenced in his two epic escapes. On two separate occasions, he flew around town for nearly a week before he was (thankfully) returned to me. The second time was even during the month of January no less (gulp!). Need I mention how a wee exotic Australian desert bird has absolutely no business running around the American Midwest in typical January weather?

Well, fortunately for us, by our lucky stars the weather wasn't 'typical' that week -- and we were gifted instead with mild, above-freezing temperatures, and no snow. He came home, safe and sound. But I still shudder to this day to think what the alternative could have been, had the weather turned to the sub-zero deep freeze we're being subjected to at present! Therefor, this little piece commemorates my wee guy's most excellent adventure, and its happy ending, all those years ago....