Flutter By Butterfly....

by Deanna

As some of you may know via instagram and facebook, I recently visited Arizona, the home of good friends who graciously invite me each year to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the amazing life in the desert. And you also probably know that I spent time with both Terri (my FOL sister and BFF from Phoenix) and the amazing Barbara Carroll. Lunch together on my birthday was pretty darn special. Terri and I joined up again a couple of other times and just enjoyed being together, snapping our cameras at the glorious sights of our surroundings. It was absolutely glorious to see color and sunshine again. Here at home we are still struggling with the arrival of Spring, cloudy days, cool temps, but there are glimpses that Spring will arrive. 

I have so many (approximately 3,000 give or take) pictures that I took while there. Up to this point 2017's inventory of pictures taken was only about 1300 from January until the 1st part of March. Pretty pitiful for someone who historically snapped several each day. As I said before, there are only so many bare trees and branches one can get excited about.. Visiting the butterfly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden and another visit to Butterfly Wonderful brought that excitement back in full force. So, because my inventory is over-flowing with butterfly images I am dedicating this post to the magic and wonder of butterflies.

Please do not ask me to name any of these. I could spend hours trying to google and search for each of these, but I'm not, so just enjoy their uniqueness, their beauty, and their exquisite colors. 

Not sure if these two were copulating or just happen to land on the same leaf at the same time.... 

And, by the way, I bought myself the new Tamron 90mm Macro lens, which really performed nicely for butterflies, flowers, bees. I would recommend the lens. All of these images were taken hand-held, which proves that for a 74 year old woman the vibration compensation really works. 

I've spent very little time on my computer lately processing pictures, so preparing for this post was almost as delightful as being there. Isn't it marvelous that we can re-visit those special places through our photographs. 

 I combined this lovely with the bluebonnets from Texas that I enjoyed last year. 

"Love is like a butterfly

It goes where it pleases

And it pleases wherever it goes."

(author unknown)

Now if you happen to wonder what I might produce with these lovelies....I make calendars each year and sell them, with my profits (after expenses) then donated to the Alzheimer's Association. 

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

And find your shoulder to light on.

To bring you luck, happiness and riches

Today, tomorrow and beyond.

- Irish Blessing