If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.
~Author Unknown
Dear gardening friends:
I've been away from blogging, visiting blogs--and even gardening--for a few days. I promise to get back into the swing of things now.
But I had a good reason for my absence.
I was helping my youngest pack and prepare for a semester in Europe.
So, you see, I've been a little preoccupied. She made her way safely to her destination. And while I'll miss her and worry about her every day...
I know it's time to give her wings to fly.
Letting go and giving wings is a daunting moment . . . it gets better.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynne. Parenting is tough stuff. Your kids grow up, but you still think of them as 12-year-olds. ;-)
DeleteAs the mother of three adult children, I know how hard it is to give them their wings, but I also know the pride that comes when they soar! I am wishing your daughter a safe and wonderful semester in Europe.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb. I'm sure she'll have a wonderful experience, and she's with good people. My son studied in Florence for a semester, so I've been through it before. But each kid is different. Your advice is wise.
DeleteHow exciting for your daughter to be able to spend the semester in Europe! Yes, I know how hard it is to let them go, especially so far away, but the time will fly faster than you think. As Deb says, I know you'll be proud of her for soaring, too.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful butterfly photos, and how appropriate!
Thanks, Rose. Good point: Time does pass quickly, doesn't it? I'm proud of her for being so brave--I never would have had the nerve to travel to Europe by myself at that age.
DeleteWhat an exciting, scary, and difficult time for you both! Beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteYes, so true! Thanks for your kind comments.
DeleteNo excuses needed, your daughter comes first! I've been there, my kids have spent six months or so in Quito, Ecuador, and St. Petersburg, Russia. Hope she has a great experience!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jason. Wow--your kids have had adventures, too! I'm sure she'll have a great experience. I'm a little jealous at the same time I'm worried. ;-)
DeleteIt's hard to let go, change is always difficult. Hope things go well in Europe and she will be back before you know it.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous butterflies, the blue one is beautiful.
Thanks, Karen. My feelings are a bit scrabbled just now. On the one hand, I'm happy and excited for her, but I'm also worried. And then there's that bit of jealousy ... ;-)
DeleteFabulous captures of the butterflies! It is hard to give them wings...my daughter just came back from a two month stay in Costa Rica. So glad to have her back safe and sound. Now we are on vacation in Michigan and I haven't had many opportunities to read blogs either. Lots of catching up to do when we return home. I hope your youngest has a great experience in Europe!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karin! I generally have trouble capturing moving objects, so I was happy to get a few passable shots of butterflies. My daughter was in Costa Rica for a band trip a couple of years ago. How did your daughter like it?
DeleteBeautiful pictures of the butterflies, and so appropriate :-) I understand you are a bit jealous of your daughter, going off on her own like that, but you know, with her being away, that just gives you an excuse to visit her – and perhaps visit some blogging friends while you are abroad anyway! You are welcome anytime :-)
ReplyDeleteI know...we would really like to visit her in London. We're just trying to juggle expenses with other travel (including the Italy trip) coming up. If we do make it to London, I would love to see your garden in person. Maybe just for a quick visit... I'll keep you posted, Helene. :)
DeleteOh I know how you feel! It is hard, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYes, and it sounds like you're going through a similar experience, Linda. I'll be thinking about you and your son, too.
DeleteStudying abroad is a big priority for my daughter, too. She's hoping to find a summer program next year for 6 wks or so that will also give her college credit. Helping our kids learn to fly seems to be a theme across several blogs right now. But if we held on to them as caterpillars, they'd never become butterflies. I know that's a corny analogy, but it's true. She's going to have an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteIt does seem to be a common theme. Good luck to your daughter! There are so many amazing opportunities for our kids these days!
DeleteWith butterflies in decline this year, it is wonderful seeing them n your garden. Beautiful captures. London sounds like a great place for summer study.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. Actually, I've only seen a few butterflies in my garden and I haven't been fast enough to catch them with my camera. These were all taken at state parks. The monarchs were also very plentiful up at our cottage earlier this summer. I'm hoping I'll see some caterpillars on the Milkweed up there this weekend when we visit. My daughter is in Paris now, but she'll be studying in London during the fall semester.
DeleteHow wonderful that your daughter can spend a semester abroad. It is hard to watch them leave. They do fly home again. I have had so many butterflies this year in my garden and it is good to see you have as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Layanee. Yes, she is having a wonderful vacation now, and I'm sure the fall semester will be a great experience. I haven't had many butterflies in my garden because it's very shady. But I've seen a lot at various state parks--where these photos were taken. :)
DeleteThat was a beautiful post! How exciting for your daughter to get to study in Europe! It's a blessing we have a variety of ways to keep in touch these days. I have had lots going on, too, and will for the next week or so.
ReplyDeleteYes, Gardening with Nature in Mind is an open group. I like it when those who are not in our area post to let us know where they are.
Thanks, Sue. Yes, she's very fortunate and she's having a wonderful time. I will join in the Facebook group then. Thanks!
DeleteHow exciting for her - and what a change for you. I hope she has a wonderful time in Europe. Beautiful photos of all those butterflies.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet. She seems to be having a wonderful time. The studies in London will begin in September, so she's enjoying this free time. I'm terribly jealous. ;-)
DeleteWishing you both joy and peace...it is I think harder on the parent and we as the child do not see that...what a fabulous opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna. That's very true! She's having a great time, and I think she's going to really enjoy studying in London. I'm happy for her, even though I miss her.
DeleteHow sweet, you both must be so excited at this special opportunity. It's good to hear she is enjoying her time already.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos too.
Thanks, Shirley. Yes, it has been fun to see her photos via social media and to talk via skype. It's so much easier to stay in touch over distances these days!
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