There are some people whose presence feels like a gift of creation itself, as if the earth whispered them into being with intention and care. The Hummingbear is one of those creatures. A Hummingbear is a rare mountain creature that embodies both the flicker of a hummingbird and the grounded strength of a bear.

The Hummingbear is never just one thing. She moves lightly, bringing bursts of joy into ordinary days like a hummingbird hovering over wildflowers, all quick laughter, kind eyes, and great sweetness. She notices beauty in places others may pass by, teaching us that joy can be small and fleeting but still powerful enough to shift an entire day.

And yet, beneath her bright wings rests the bear. Steady, rooted, and unafraid. Fiercely protective of those she loves, she carries within her a strength that is not loud but deeply enduring. It’s the kind of strength that fights for justice, that holds fast to compassion, that stands firm even in the hardest of seasons. She knows when to play and when to stand her ground, when to soak in the sunshine and when to hibernate.

The Hummingbear is also found in the ordinary sacred moments of her life: she is like blueberry tea in a hand-crafted mug – warm, grounding, and intentional. She is like the morning glory in her garden – delicate yet resilient, blooming anew each day. She is like the crafts she shapes for her home – earthy, creative, and full of care. Each detail is an extension of her gentleness and her fierce love for beauty, people, and the planet.

To have a Hummingbear in your life is both delight and safety, joy and grounding, laughter and courage. For me, the Hummingbear has been more than a friend, she has been a soul-sister. Gentle, wise, and unwavering in her care for both people and the earth, she reminds me of what it means to live with an open heart.

So today, on her birthday, I celebrate the Hummingbear. May her wings always find the flowers, may her paws always find the earth steady beneath them, and may the world never forget how rare and beautiful it is to be loved by someone like her.

Happy 24th birthday, Hummingbear.