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You may have discovered, as I have, that, often, the best gifts are surprises…and free. Nature is generous in its gift-giving, and we were recently gifted the experience of witnessing a caterpillar affix itself to our house’s siding, form a chrysalis, and – amazingly – emerge from that chrysalis! What luck to be present to see that newly-hatched butterfly working on unfurling its wings.
Continue reading “Haiku: Pre-Flight Check”
It’s a delightfully cool day here, with a playful breeze that rustles the leaves in the trees, making it sound – especially when you’re standing below – like breathy whispers. If only I could understand what they’re saying…but it’s a private conversation.
If you believe in the interconnectedness of living beings, it shouldn’t be a stretch to imagine that the trees know that their kind are burning…now on the west coast, earlier in Australia, and ongoing in the Amazon. What must they think of us?
Did you know that it’s estimated that nearly 3 billion animals were killed or displaced because of the Australian bush fires? It’s difficult to comprehend the enormity of this loss, and it will have lasting impacts – from the Reuters article, “researchers said the destruction will see some species become extinct before their existence is even recorded.” 😢
Perhaps the most beautiful and friendly mantis I’ve had the privilege of meeting to date was this one. She (just a guess, but my gut feel) made me view these amazing creatures differently, question my previous notions about them, and left me completely in awe of them. She was magical.
Continue reading “Haiku: First Contact (Mantid Series #3)”
Sometimes, an insect gets itself into a bind, like this big praying mantis that was found with its leg stuck under the weather seal on the outbuilding garage door. Fortunately, helping hands were ready!
Continue reading “Haiku: In A Bind (Mantid Series #2)”
The elderberry harvest was phenomenal this year; there were many more productive bushes, providing a bounty of elderflowers (from which an ethereally delightful wine was made), followed by more berries, than I’ve seen in the past. When I went out to collect a last few clusters for syrup before the berries overripened, I almost didn’t notice the mantid patrolling the bush…and you can see why.
Continue reading “Haiku: Guardian Of The Elderberries (Mantid Series #1)”
A caterpillar has chosen a spot on the porch’s siding for its rebirth, and I couldn’t be more pleased; I may actually have a chance to see what this fantastic creature (doesn’t it look like it belongs in the sea, rather than on land?) metamorphoses into. A moth? A butterfly? I hope I’ll find out!
Continue reading “Haiku: Ready For Change”