Tuesday, August 20, 2013

I am a Monarch...




...Mama

{happy sigh}
For those of you new here, I raise Monarch Butterflies. That story is HERE 
This fall will be a year and I never get tired of the metamorphosis. I conservatively have 40 critters this time around, all at different stages. 
Two emerged yesterday, but they didn't stick around long enough for me to snap even one picture.
Today however, 
this little lady emerged while I was at work. I was hoping I wasn't too late to watch her flutter off. I found her trying to get through some rough foliage and as I was helping her through it, she climbed onto my hand & decided to hang out for a bit. (that pic on IG)
 It's important for butterflies to hang upside down until their wings are dry, so as much as I hated to, I found a nice place in our Magnolia tree for her to finish drying. 
It's a beautiful thing. 



Playing over at Kim's Cafe
 for
(I used Kim's 501 at 77% burn)

AND

33 comments:

  1. She's lovely!
    What a great experience it must be raising these beautiful Monarchs. Keep up the good work. xo

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  2. Thanks for visiting me...It seems both of us are thinking butterflies today....Your girl is dressed magnificently....What a beauty...I am just in awe that you raise butterflies and that you get to see them go from being a worm to such a beautiful creature. I will definitely be back for more visits...

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    1. Thank you nancy for popping in. Raising the critters is serious business!

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  3. Hi Kelly! It's truly beautiful, stunning, actually!

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  4. Gorgeous! Monarchs are amazing. Each of our kids have raised monarchs in their first grade room - where they've studied extensively their stages & metamorphosis. Our youngest starts first grade this year, I'm excited that it's his turn & we get to have all things Monarch coming home in the backpack next month once again. :)

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    1. That's exciting!! I love hat kids get so excited. Monarch numbers are dwindling because there isn't enough milkweed for them. It's the only plant they eat.

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  5. When I was a child in the Midwest I always saw monarchs, but I never see them here in Virginia. :(

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    1. I bet you have different varieties of butterflies tho.

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  6. Oh how exciting that you raise Monarch's!! This photo is absolutely gorgeous!!

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    1. Thank you Beverly. It's something that I just love to do.

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  7. You really are a Monarch mama. I so love your photographs, but more importantly, I love what you're doing. It's so nice that you are helping these beautiful creatures become butterflies and giving them such a safe beginning.

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    1. Roban-you are such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for such kind words. They mean so
      Much to me. Xo

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  8. Didn't you just tell us you were experiencing freedom for the first time as a mother? And NOW you've got all these Monarchs? :). They are lucky to have you!

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  9. Oh, this one is a real beauty, Kelly !
    Raising butterflies, what a beautiful thing to do ...
    Nice day,
    Sylvia

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  10. What a breathtaking experience you have had this past year...we need to nickname you The Butterfly Lady...just wonderful!!

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    1. Thanks Deanna-if feels good to help populate the dying number of monarchs.

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  11. I think it is fascinating that you raise butterflies and love when you share pictures. Me, I would probably have gazillion pictures of each and every stage, especially the 'leaving the nest' point. My friends would probably cross the street to avoid looking at my "Brag Book" (now known as iPhone album) and my family would worry for what was left of my thread of sanity as I beg upon them a slide show of butterfly photos each holiday. In other words, I would be photographing the daylights out of these flying works of art.

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    1. Lol-well my friend-u haven't seen my phone pics-and the very first round of Monarchs I apologized to my IG peeps for the photo bombing! I've sinced curved my photo enthusiasm a wee bit-until-my critters hung in interesting places-which I'll be sharing here real soon!!

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  12. How fun and interesting that must be. I can understand your enthusiasm for photographing them and your photo here is lovely. We had some milkweed this year in the weed patch next door and I was hoping to see some Monarch's because I thought I read they like the milkweed. Also, thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. Appreciated. ~hugs 'n have a great day~
    Smiles,
    Peabea

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    1. Be patient...that's ALL Monarch critters eat.

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  13. Gorgeous butterfly! I enjoyed reading about your monarch adventures.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed and thank you for taking the time to read my story!

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  14. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing your monarchs.

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Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. Your comments always put a smile on my face. Hope to see you again real soon.