Inspiration: The Author’s Story My wife and I were guests at a friend’s place in Maryland, Washington DC. It was a beautiful morning. My wife was in the backyard playing with Marley, the pet dog, and I was standing by the windows, drinking coffee, and watching them. Suddenly, Marley started to bark, and I noticed some move behind the bushes. It was a Rabbit jumping about! As the Rabbit got closer to a large tree, two Squirrels climbed up the tree and hid in the branches. This excitement was complemented, when suddenly a Blue Jay flew over my wife’s head and sat on the edge of the wooden fence, where some seeds were left for them by the owners. Whilst the Blue Jay was busy feeding, a Red Cardinal showed up and landed on the ground in front of the Blue Jay. The Blue Jay wasn’t that happy meeting the Red Cardinal, and got a bit moody! The Red Cardinal flew over the tree and started to sing loudly, as if marking his territory by a song. Blue Jays represent: ‘Faithfulness’; ‘Determination’; ‘Assertiveness’ and ‘Communication’ (their speech abilities are advanced and they can mimic other birds). They also resonate ‘Solidarity’ because they are vigilant in their tasks and ‘Fearless’ defending their positions. Red Cardinals represent: 'Passion'; 'Warmth'; 'Hope'; and Rejuvenation'. They resonate a balance of ‘Intuition’, ‘Perseverance’ and ‘Strength’. Spiritually, Red Cardinals are said to offer safe passage into the realm of personal power to realize one’s goals and dreams. Inspiration: While standing by the window and witnessing the beautiful natural theater in that backyard; the whole affair triggered a few childhood memories, i.e. playing in the woods, much simpler life that perhaps all of us once had, unconditional love and kindness … all of which helped me to treasure the moment and capture it in this metaphoric lyrics if you will. Re the title: However in reality, it is said Blue Jay is a predator to Red Cardinal, their colourful co-existence in the nature and what they represent in the nature are just awesome. In a sense, they complete each other while there are incomplete. Any “faithful determination” requires “Passion” and any “Hope” needs “Assertiveness”. Having “Solidarity” can be “Rewarding/Rejuvenating” and facing “Fears” by being “Perseverant” is actually empowering to realize our dreams. Hence the title: ‘Blue Jay & Red Cardinal. The message of the song: It is suggesting the audience to appreciate ‘life’, ‘nature, ‘simplicity’, and above all ‘to treasure moments with their loved ones.’ Why classical and a Soprano for this project? Because what inspired me was actually a ‘Musical Act of The Nature’; therefore in my view, only a classical melody with a superb Soprano vocal can do the justice to this project. As I mentioned in my Facebook page, I’m thrilled that Soprano Edwards is performing it and I’m glad that Maestra Marta Bellido is once again sharing me her talent by composing its melody. Mosi Dorbayani, MSc, PhD