Butterfly November

I had gone into the garden to collect some tattered zinnias.

I decided to take some books to enjoy in my cozy chair under the lemon tree.

But when I entered the garden, another kind of magic was waiting for me.

I was lucky enough to have brought my camera along.

You just never know what might be going on out there.

The moment I walked in, there was a flutter of wings in the bright sunshine.

The Queen butterflies had arrived like clockwork.

I picked flowers as they swooped all around me.

They were not that easy to photograph at first, as they were playing games with me and moving so quickly, I could hardly snap a photo.

My camera was doing funny things and turning some photos into watercolor paintings.

Just like the zinnias I had initially set out to pick.

Old and discolored, and absolutely beautiful.

Their petals look painted and distressed to perfection.

As I was choosing zinnias, I decided to become very still and quiet.

(Can you spot the butterfly below?)

I squatted down really low for a very long time, and slowly they started to trust me a little more.

But they do move so fast, and they can avoid being photographed if they want to.

(Another camouflaged one below)

Once I was out there for a good while, they didn’t seem to mind me as much.

They started to stay on the Sulphur cosmos longer, even though I was near.

They always turn up at this time of the year, migrating to Mexico I believe.

They absolutely love the cosmos and milkweed.

So do the yellow-bellied finches, who love to destroy zinnias as well.

In fact, they eat the entire zinnia plant, leaves and all.

Although right now, this yellow belly is savoring the cosmos.

The longer I stayed right here, the more the flying creatures came around.

I took hundreds of photos and had a really hard time narrowing it down.

I brought way too many to share, but if you love butterflies, then these are for you.

Who wouldn’t want to be here during these stunning November days?

This photo below reminded me so much of a 70’s mural.

Can’t get more autumnal than this.

There were all manner of other creatures, from bees to dragonflies, and other interesting specimen.

I quietly tiptoed in my loud wellies and ruffled attire.

These are the days to love here.

This weather is why everyone comes to Arizona for the next 6 months.

It does get chilly, but the sun always warms up, especially if you are moving around.

Teddy left house 2 after dinner with Mister Lovee last night.

I like to give them one on one time at the country house (house 1).

And so, it’s just me and Matty in the garden today, just the way he likes it best.

With last tattered zinnias dancing in the sunshine.

The sunlight is glorious, ripening up all those lemons.

I’m still dealing with limes, and now there are endless lemons coming soon as well.

So delicious.

And now, I’ve collected what I came for.

Watercolor petals.

As I turn to leave the garden with my treasures, I see butterfly wings peeking out everywhere.

I get a little flutter in my heart, happy that they are here.

I don’t even think happy is the correct word.

It’s more like gratitude mixed with a bliss sigh.

If I could only teleport you here.

To feel the cool air and warm sun as butterflies fly all around you.

It’s some kind of incredible magic.

Nature’s magic for certain.

Isn’t it true, that there is magic all around if you open your heart and mind, and slow down enough to see it.

When I was younger, I used to wonder often, why are we here?

And what is the meaning of this thing called life.

When you really slow down enough to think about its offerings, it’s mind-blowingly amazing.

Birds, sunshine, moon, clouds, stars, flowers, breeze, rain, trees, butterflies.

You name it, the list could go on and on.

One day I was sitting outside, looking at the mountains and sky, and I had this enormous realization.

An epiphany if you will.

That the beauty of nature all around us, is the greatest gift of this life, and our purpose in many ways is to enjoy it, acknowledge it, and be a part of it.

That brought so much peace and closure to my wonderings back then, about why we are here.

And it still brings me peace.

The thought that we are here to enjoy nature’s magic all around us.

Otherwise, why would it be here at all?

It’s no irony that we find nature gaspingly beautiful.

It’s the greatest gift, to stop and look around, and marvel at its beauty.

It’s not about the fast life we chase, not about all the shallow trivialities.

But nature’s gift all around us, here for the enjoyment.

To infuse your mind, body and soul, and to bring you peace and joy.

All you have to do is look up, lout out, look around.

Then feel gratitude, be thankful, and watch all your worries and ailments begin to disappear.

Nature’s magical tonic.

Who knew I’d be writing a “thanks giving” post, but truly, thankfulness can heal you.

Rather than looking at the glass half empty and what you don’t have…

Look at the beauty all around you.

It is an infinite gift.

The blue sky, the clouds, mountains, snow, rivers, lakes, birds, bees…

A deep breath.

A smile <3

All thanks today, to the butterflies.

 

See you soon.

Love, Vanessa

 

 

 

ps: Here is a link to more about the Queen butterflies.

 

pps: Here is a lovely post with last year’s butterflies.