May 31, 2020

Think on These Things

swallowtail 4

Every year about this time, the Dwarf Korean Lilacs (Syringa meyeri) perfume the neighborhood, and the butterflies really start to congregate in the garden. I've seen a couple of monarchs and several tiger swallowtails. This female swallowtail had my heart aflutter because it was right outside the kitchen window and I was able to grab my camera fast and get a few shots (though through a screen). Something didn't seem quite right, though.

swallowtail 1

It wasn't until I downloaded the photos from my camera memory card that I realized she had two severely damaged wings. Her tails were completely gone. Wow, something must have tried to take a bite?

swallowtail 3

Yesterday was a very sad day for so many reasons. The country and the world are sick and hurting and grieving. It's been hard to move forward.

swallowtail 2

This persistent, beautiful survivor provided a sign of hope.

swallowtail 5

On a difficult day, it was helpful to think on this simple thing.

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"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."    ~Philippians 4:8 KJV

30 comments:

  1. A lovely way to consider such a difficult and sad day.

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    1. Thank you, Linda. I think we're all still trying to process it all.

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  2. Beautiful post Beth. Whispering Hope...

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    1. Thanks, Lisa. Time to listen, observe, and ... always ... hope.

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  3. Yes. A big and peaceful contrast with all that is happening. In England we are getting a lot of news about the riots and demonstrations in the USA.

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    1. Our reports are saying that there are peaceful protests around the world, including in the U.K.?

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    1. Indeed, Carla. Hard to find the words, but prayers help.

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  5. Thanks for these photos and words of wisdom. The beautiful patterns of the shadows on the butterfly wings are serendipitous.

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    1. You are welcome. I've been seeing many tiger swallowtails this season. We always have some, but they seem more plentiful this year.

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  6. Thanks for your post, Beth. We need more messages of this kind now, as well as a commitment to unravel the conditions that led to the turmoil and address them with action rather than empty promises as we've done all too often in the past.

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    1. You are welcome, Kris. I couldn't agree with you more on your points. So much work to do and listening and adjusting.

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  7. Your butterfly and pictures I have seen of reconciliation, bring some hope.

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    1. It is difficult to find hope sometimes, but it is necessary.

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  8. Beautiful! Both of the flower and butterfly!

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  9. Fabulous butterfly shots. It is a comfort to have so much beauty to focus on when terrible things are happening outside.

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    1. It helps to focus on hope and beauty. Blessings to you and yours.

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  10. The riots began at sundown on Pentecost. I know because we have been counting down the days in hopes of the later day out pouring of the Spirit. This was not what we expected.
    Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry

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    1. Oh, the times we are living in! Peace and blessings to you.

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  11. Very true, Beth - simple calms the mind.

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    1. Indeed, Margaret. There's no doubt that simple beauty is worth appreciating--in any time.

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  12. I will "think on these things." thanks for sharing.

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  13. Very poignant and an excellent post!

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    1. Thank you. Sometimes nature helps put things in perspective, doesn't it?

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  14. That is a beautiful and comforting quote and post.

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    1. I'm glad you found it comforting. These are tough times.

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  15. Beautiful photos. I've been seeing black swallowtails, but no tigers,

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  16. Much love to you Beth. It's been a terrible time.

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