FabulouslyFeminist

Description: Learning to give yourself permission is an undervalued skill... especially if you've been conditioned to be a people-pleaser, a fawner, a giver... What if you try, just for today, to give yourself a lil permission to be a little more wackadoodle, a little more extra, a little more*yourself* ??? . me to me: you can be a little unhinged today. as a treat. #emotionalbirds

Description: I was talking to a friend the other day about how important it is to keep living a meaningful life that includes happiness, despite everything else going on in the world. We have to still pursue joy. That's the only way we keep moving forward, the only way we build connection and community. This, too, is a conscious choice to reject the grind of capitalism and fascism. Your happiness is an end in itself, friend, and any guilt you feel around that is not yours to hold onto. May we create space for joy and wonder.

Description: I am endlessly inspired by the loving force for good that was Dolly Parton. She built a legacy of powerful lyrics and powerful politics, where taking care of people always took center stage. "Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life" - Dolly Parton

Description: I remember the first time I learned that there is absolutely no reason for anyone in the world to go without food, shelter or healthcare. There is more than enough wealth, more than enough resources to take care of everyone. I was horrified and so, so sad. One group of people hordes so much while others struggle and suffer. It's wrong. I think buying into the capitalist scheme only supports this agenda, and makes us cling to everything we "have". What if instead, we shared freely? What if we believed there was enough? Because there is. More than enough. this absolutely stunning bird is a Chinese hwamei, also known as a Melodious Laughingthrush, and I cannot think of a more beautiful name for this feathered friend. oh just imagine what cou

Description: Well, the vibes around the world are off, sooooo I'm leaning into all the little things that give me joy and keep me going every single day. And the ravens and crows are completely inspiring me with their love of shiny wee treasures. . just me and my trinkets against the world #emotionalbirds

Description: the thing is, I think I am finally learning how to lean into who I am, and frankly I think that is a pretty good thing, don't you? let's take some advice from this lovely Chinese goose, who knows *exactly* how charming, delightful and wonderful she is. If someone else doesn't get it, that's kinda their problem, isn't it??? sorry if i seem weird... it's because i am. #emotionalbirds

Description: Don't let all this woven buzz turn you into a buzz. Or do. Because it's probably buzz worthy. If you know, you know. . This illustration is dedicated to @buffalobrushstrokesart who indulges (and shares) all my absurd #romantasy joy. When you want to be a wicker baddie, but you're more of a bird bb. #emotionalbirds

Description: I didn't realize that when they said 'these are the golden years' they meant that the sky would turn golden orange from wildfire smoke... ... Hmm it's almost like the EPA & FDA had, like, critical jobs or something... Oh, well. Enjoy your poop lettuce & fire air. #emotionalbirds

Description: I think probably many of us have a lot in common with this white winged dove... specifically the feeling of being internally stressed and chaotic while simultaneously projecting a reassuring cutie patootie exterior. And, I guess I'm thinking that we might all be better off if we were a little bit more honest about our mental states, with ourselves and the people we love. IDK though... just a thought... ... I say a lot of "oh fuck" and "shit shit shit" for someone who is supposedly all "okey dokey artichokey." #emotionalbirds

Description: Isn't it enough that we are emotionally coping with massive wildfires, data centers consuming our water and polluting our lands and our food giving us parasitic poops? I think if there ever was a time to lean into the things that you love, regardless of anyone else's cringe assessment, I think it's right. freaking. now. Do your thing. Who gaf if someone else says it's embarrassing. this lovely bb is a male scarlet minivet, by the way. I love their striking markings! They're native to tropical southern Asia aaaaand they build sweet nests using small sticks stuck together with spider webs! lean into your own little weird ways. after all it's only embarrassing if you're embarrassed. #emotionalbirds

Description: Doing my best to remind myself on the days when all the headlines feel bad and scary, that the worst thing I can do is to give into despair. After all, hope in and of itself says that *no*, we will not give into this. This small purple crowned fairy wren seems to embody the vibrant essence of hope. Hope is a small rebellion. #emotionalbirds

Description: The day-to-day can be so overwhelming... Sometimes, I just want to throw my proverbial wings up in the air and have literally anyone else tell me which direction to fly in. . This cutie is a blue faced honeyeater. The blue area around their golden eyes is not feathers, but actually bare skin. Native to Australia, they are very social and vocal birds. . So, Ummm quick question... Does anyone know what do to?? Like, uh, in general? #emotionalbirds

Description: It just makes sense to me to embrace joy, playfulness and connection. After all, we are all we have, aren't we? . I just love these two snuggling robins. As per usual whenever I draw two birds together, my kiddos have insisted that one is me and one is their dad :) . We have chosen whimsy & community as our survival strategies #emotionalbirds

Description: I think it's a bit of a "Yes, and--" situation; whimsically singing through the day while also fighting fascism. This lil bb is a white wagtail. I love the striking black and white markings on its head. Born to be a whimsical bb. Morally compelled to dismantle systems of oppression. #emotionalbirds

Description: Our brains are wired to keep us safe. That means that scary things, dangerous things, generally negative sorts of things tend to be wayyy more sticky. They take up more space in our thoughts. That means that we have to work extra hard to lean into our own happiness. We have to be deliberate both in cultivating moments of joy, and holding that joy in our minds. It's not something that just happens; it's a daily practice. This sweet little bird is a white breasted wood wren. I love the speckles along its neck, and the black markings on its wings. Building a life where joy is a daily practice. #emotionalbirds

Description: Try to keep in mind that, although the constant outpouring of aggression and human rights violations can make the assault of fascism feel inevitable, that is n o t the case. My partner reminded me that the goal is to flood our info feeds and our brains with terrible stuff all of the time. Why? Because overwhelmed and scared people are easier to control. Here is the thing, though. We have power and strength when we are together. And that is what they are afraid of. . If our voices had no power, they wouldn't try so hard to silence us. #emotionalbirds

Description: Whenever I get completely overwhelmed by how many *bad* things are happening on a daily basis in our country and our world, I try to remind myself that, on an individual level, we can make a difference in our communities. We can disrupt these systems by building our own, rooted in love and interdependence. After all, even love is an act of resistance. #emotionalbirds

Description: Getting through day-to-day life is just super nuts. Alternating between kid school pickups and news of bombings... making dinner and human rights violations... answering an email and declaration of war... It's so hard to manage allofthethings while also knowing (to the best of my reasonable human ability) allofthethings. The daily terror of fascism is f*cking with my feelings #emotionalbirds

Description: The older I get the more I understand that I am hardly ever going to feel 'ready' for things in life. I just have to do them. The big, scary or hard things don't stop being big, scary or hard on their own. The only thing for it is to face them, one step at a time. . You become strong by doing the things you need to be strong for. - Audre Lorde

Description: doing my best to stay aware of current events without completely losing my mind to the perpetual doomscroll because every few minutes there seems to be a newly announced horrible thing happening...  i'm just microdosing the apocalypse, whether i like it or not ... simply by staying informed and educated #emotionalbirds

Description: It seems like some folx are just going about their usual lives without any real awareness of what's going on. Like... Other countries are issuing travel warnings and monitoring the US for human rights violations and ... some people are blissfully unaware? Children are dying in holding cells. Right here. An elementary school teacher was killed by ICE agents illegally chasing down another car. Do we... Do we all understand this, yet??? Do we get what this is??? . At least we are sifting through this dystopian shit together... right...? #emotionalbirds

Description: A gentle, fluttering reminder that we each have the capacity to create change. . Perhaps I am small but I am also mighty and resilient #emotionalbirds

Description: I have been thinking a lot more about we are responsible for creating the world we want to live in. If I want to live in a kind world, then kindness has to start with me. I think it's really interesting how interactions with folx shift once you put your kindest foot forward. At the end of the day, I think maybe we are all struggling out here. And we all just need a little more compassion. Don't wait for others to be kind. Show them how it's done. #emotionalbirds

Description: I just kinda wish that my nervous system wasn't tied up in old responses that, yes, used to keep me safe etc etc (good job bb, good job)... But n o w are not needed and in fact are pretty maladaptive AND you know after all this time and therapy, I wonder if my nervous system could please just get on board???!!! The Indian Paradise Flycatcher is bird no 9 of the @birbfest.challenge this year. I love their expressive feathers. Check out #birbfest2026 to see how other artists represented these birds. Me, to my nervous system: UGH cant you just *regulate* you fucking fucker fuck?! #emotionalbirds

Description: friends, we are all we have. leaning into community is the most powerful way we can resist the isolation pushed on us by capitalism. . be soft with each other & hard on the system #emotionalbirds

Description: But like... don't they realize that it's in everyone's best interest??? . Imagine hating me and I'm just over here fighting for healthcare, housing and hope for everyone, including you. #emotionalbirds

Description: A reminder that the swirling chasm of capitalism is *not* the only way. We have the power to be kind and soft and caring. We can give, share and lend. The world does not have to be like this. . The world is cruel so I choose not to be. #emotionalbirds

Description: I am constantly reminding myself that the work I do as an artist is worthwhile and important. After all, if creative expression, if knowledge and art and writing weren't vital weapons against fascism... they wouldn't be desperately trying to get rid of it. The work of the artist is to turn her rage into flowers. - Audre Lorde

Description: the existential goose is pondering over the essential good that is joy and silliness. And concludes: we must be silly if we are to survive and flourish. . Oh no. What if being silly is all we have left? #emotionalbirds

Description: my exhausted brain can handle one fucked up thing at a time, thank you very much. I'm doing the best I can under these unprecedented circumstances. Please be kind. For the foreseeable future (if there is a such a thing). . Just taking it one 'are you f*cking fascists kidding me?' at a time. #emotionalbirds

Description: I am not sure that *anyone* has the mental or emotional skills to "mental wellness" their way through fascism. therapy is not enough. i need to fight the government. #emotionalbirds

Description: Food Is A Basic Human Right

Description: Imagine being so freaked out by people who just want everyone to have food, shelter and community, and also grow plants and talk to animals sometimes... and track the stars and lunar cycle... . The spooky liberal feminist witch the media warned you about. #emotionalbirds

Description: The thing is, I just want everyone to receive the same kind of energy that they are putting into the world... Have The Day You Deserve #emotionalbirds

Description: I can't think of a single better group activity, can you??? . Come on bestie we are on our way to absolutely lose our shit on n*zi fascist pricks #emotionalbirds

Description: Sometimes... you're doing all the right things--you're using your healthy coping skills, going for lots of walks, getting sleep, eating nourishing foodz *and* going to therapy and sh*t* is STILL so.freaking.hard. . Therapy is not enough I need a witch #emotionalbirds