Wednesday, March 29, 2017

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 

12 comments:

Dotti said...

These are so beautiful, Deanna, and your processing superb! It makes me even more disappointed that I was not able to join you and Terri and Barbara as I'd wished. Your calendar and notecards will be stunning! Sure to be a best seller.

Carol said...

Beautiful shots. I have that lens , but I have not made it work as well as you have here! It isn't the equipment, it's the photographer!

Cathy H. said...

There isn't enough words for the beauty you've shared with us this morning! These are all breathtaking!

terriporter said...

So much beauty all in one place! Waking up to this was pure delight! Your stellar focus always amazes me and, yes, those two butterflies are doing what you think they're doing! These are going to make the most beautiful cards and I love that you do something worthwhile with them. So much fun to spend time shooting and laughing with you, my friend. Let's do it again soon!

Anonymous said...

Oh, wow! This post and photos make my heart flutter! Such clarity, yet soft and beautiful! So happy for you getting to have that experience in Arizona! I would love to purchase one of your calendars...such a great cause! Thanks for sharing!

Jeanne said...

All GORGEOUS. Shots Deanna. That new lens looks like a winner.. along with your talent of course. Glad you had a great time

Sandra said...

What stunning butterfly captures, Deanna, and the flowers are so beautiful too. They must make really beautiful and appreciated calendars!

Catechist said...

Amazing photos - vivid colors, sharp display of your talent; butterflies are dear to my heart as well and your blog always speaks to my soul. You are the best Deanna. You are my role model!!!

Ida said...

Wow the butterfly shots here are just awesome. Loved them all.

Unknown said...

Absolutely fantastic butterfly pictures.

kelly said...

Deanna, I am just in awe of these winged wonders! You captured their enchanting beauty perfectly!

Liz said...

So many fabulous butterflies, Deanna!

Post a Comment

Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. If for any reason you are unable to leave a comment here on this post, please leave your comment on our Facebook page or in our Flickr discussion group. We love hearing from you!

 
© Focusing On Life