The Hot Air Balloon Bird Bath penny marks a joyous moment in Kathryn Hastings’ journey, the very first penny created since she became a full-time artist. The balloon, with its lightness and lift, is a fitting metaphor for this time of transition. It carries us to joyful and abundant new horizons. We may have a vision of where we’re going, but have even better things in store than we have dreamed of.

On the head side, a hot air balloon rises with the inscription Bon Voyage. It is both a farewell and blessing, urging us to dream of who we are meant to be, to embrace the adventure ahead, and to consider what we choose to carry with us (and what we are going to let go of so that we can float away).

The tail side depicts a bird bath. The upright bird is a thrush, a symbol of inner peace, happiness, and hope. The smaller bird, closer to the water, is a sparrow, representing resilience, adaptability, community, and joy. Together they form a composition of harmony and love, reminding us to live a life of beauty, joy, adventure, and peace.