Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Butterflies are free


Gulf fritillary just emerged, pumping its wings


Yesterday, I didn't feel up to getting out and taking pictures of the world, but taking out the trash I saw a color that made me take notice. This fresh, newly emerged splash of orange, pumping the fluid into its new wings, begged for me to come closer to see. And, of course, to take its picture.

I instantly fell in love with her/him and was thrilled that she/he let me hold her/him for a minute. (Anyone know how to sex butterflies? That she/he business is quite a mouthful.)

What a precious little gift. The gift of it being itself.

8 comments:

Bobbie said...

What a joyful find! I wish I knew how to sex a butterfly. My mom could always find the pupae, but I don't have such a good eye. Now that I too have a passion vine (thanks, Debi!) I may have some of these wonders myself.

Artists With Artitude said...

Aha!!! I finally figured out your secret! You have secretly implanted some device in your eye sockets so whatever you see turns into a picture! How else can I explain that while throwing out the trash, mind you, you had the presence of mind to register the fact that there was a butterfly in your realm of vision AND you managed to take an absolutely flawless picture of it AND let it rest on your finger!! or ...maybe... just maybe there is more than one of you, huh??

Antigone said...

He/She is very pretty/handsome. ha. It is very brightly colored. What a wonderful treat to have while taking out the trash.

Hannah's Mom said...

Wonderful!! Awesome Photo!! Hannah was very excited about this picture especially... she is a talent at catching bugs and for some reason butterflies are attracted to her, so she found something in common with you this morning. :) "Look that butterfly is sitting on her finger too Mom." I just love it! Thank you for sharing.

Rima said...

Neda got it wrong... I think Debi is enchanted (as well as enchanting) and all those beautiful and delicate creatures know it and come to whisper secrets in her lovely ear.

I just finished my Harry Potter yesterday (this morning really) - can't you tell?

Artists With Artitude said...

Rima said it best! I agree. Now can you sprinkle some fairy dust my way?

Audrey said...

Windy,

My sister attracts butterflies as well. I wonder what it is about them?

Lovely photo mom. I am glad to see that when you didn't want to go out into the world to take a photo, the world came and beckoned from the door step.

Donna C said...

Good God Woman, remind never to blog another butterfly pic. YOU blow me out of the water.