Tags
chrysalis, Let's Be Wild New Beginnings, Maracuya Pests, Passionfruit pests, Wild Weekly Photo Challenge - New Beginnings
So I was in a deep painting fog, but ready to take a break. I reflected that Tina on Travels and Trifles posted her amazing photos of the sea turtles; please visit her post HERE – she is a very talented woman! (Plus: one can never see too many of those great little tanks!)
I pondered, ‘What else could I have posted?” – and viola! – I remembered being disgusted when the caterpillars defoliated the maracuya/passion fruit crop.
This week’s theme also makes me think of Tracy Chapman’s CD by that same title, and the song, “Heaven’s Here On Earth.” There seems to be a growing awareness for reclaiming our connection with Mother Earth; enjoy the song while scrolling through the images. Maybe, just maybe, we can find our way back to nature, where our species can heal.
My organic attempts did not work. Squashing the creepy crawliers was my best attack… Many survived, though the crop was destroyed. The survivors later thanked me with an amazing early-morning performance.
Once again, check out the posts on Let’s Be Wild for more images of new beginnings!
While painting, I was also rewarded with an amazing response to the olive ridley images. Thanks, everyone, for the huge smile on my face!!! I think I’ll return to my painting and see if that happens again! (Insert smiley face HERE!)
Robyn Lee said:
Oh z – these are perfect timing – and stunning shots. Feeling a little empty right now — high pain day and hard goodbye — so this was just what I needed to lift my spirits — thank you dear one ~ xo Robyn
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
i can understand your empty nest feelings, and yes, that probably allows that pain to step forward even more. i wish there were something i could do to ease your pain, though you set an amazing example of strength. you are a rock! z
bentehaarstad said:
Ahhh, caterpillar attach, how bad. But then , see, it had a purpose. A great purpose.. 🙂
Life in the 50's and beyond... said:
Stunning photos!
Inside the Mind of Isadora said:
Absolutely amazing images …. great
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
THANK YOU! I’m glad you enjoyed them! z
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
THANK YOU! I’m glad you enjoyed them! z
travelerlynne said:
Nothing more beautiful than to see these lovely winged ethereal beings emerge. I have a couple of host vines just to marvel at this, but they didn’t use them this past year. No controlling nature. Beautiful shots, Lisa.
Gemma said:
I can’t get over the wings! Stunning.! Incredible! Nature. You gotta love Her. 😉
bluebrightly said:
Oh, such a mixed bag – when those caterpillars are all over the plant, eating everything in sight: disgust! But to see a chrysalis unfold into a butterfly – that’s a rare privilege, and your photos of it are wonderful. Aren’t they amazing when they just come out and the colors are so fresh? (I like the Tracy Chapman – nice touch!)
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
you are definitely a visual person, and oh so connected to the earth! the butterflies would be pleased that you appreciated their beauty, even at the expense of the passionfruit! z
Angeline M said:
The photos, especially the final ones are so beautiful! Keep painting!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thanks! it’s 11 p.m, and i had to make myself stop! z
kristc99 said:
Oh wow, wonderful, beautiful! I know, the poor passion fruit, but it seems almost worth it to see those beautiful butterflies emerging. How lucky you were there to see it, and how luck for us. You made my evening by posting those great photos. Thank you 🙂
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thank you! aren’t you up late tonight? (so am i!) i just finished a painting session. many mornings we are without power, so it’s a last-check before sleep!
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
kristc99 said:
I’m a night owl, and if it wasn’t for the rooster and other noisy things in the morning I’d be up half the night!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
i paint best in the wee hours; it’s so amazingly quiet and serene!
Gallivanta said:
You were well compensated for the loss of the passionfruit. So were we!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thanks! as much as i love the passionfruit, i cherished the opportunity to observe the chrysalis!
pommepal said:
The transformation to the butterfly was so well seen and caught by your camera and the stunning shades of autumn colouring, perfect.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thanks! i can picture that butterfly floating through your beautiful gardens!
pommepal said:
Yes we do get some butterflies but not a lot as not many other gardens around here have flowers and shrubs,, they go for minimal, easy care mostly just lawns with a few palm trees
Marie said:
You always find the positive in everything. Photos are just so pleasing to the eye, except those creepy worms. Love Tracy. Again, you know great music. Miss you.
Louis said:
A superb series beautifully captured.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thanks, louis! your photos are always with a sensitive touch. i’m glad you enjoyed these.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
ha! i can hear you saying, ‘creeeeepy’ and then shuddering a bit!
yes, tracy’s song seemed perfect for this post.
thanks, amiga; i miss you as well! the ‘swinging cat’ is awaiting a painting party. too bad you and hank can’t drop out of the sky and help finish it!
z
hughcurtler said:
It’s worth pondering how something as ugly as those caterpillars can turn into such beautiful butterflies! Thanks for sharing, Z.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
true; maybe there’s a lesson for us to remember that the ugliest of character might be worthy of transforming…
JasmineKyleSings said:
Spectacular images!!! How lucky to see such exotic butterfly ‘s where you are!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
si; the blue morphos are pretty special (and elusive) with the rainy season beginning, the landscape is about to explode with growth, and with that new growth, the insects will follow.
JasmineKyleSings said:
Wow! I am so excited to see photos!
free penny press said:
I so needed a “visual” break.. lovely images..Thank you for sharing with us all!!!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
you are welcome! i’m glad the butterflies gave you a visual break, though you’d better prepare for the post that followed! z
pennycoho said:
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Brightens my day. Your words and the gorgeous photographs! Thank you!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thankyou, amiga! i’m not surprised that you appreciated the butterflies!
pennycoho said:
🙂
babso2you said:
Amazing capture of the butterfly emerging! Too bad about the crop!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
when i saw how fast they wiped out the crop, i understood how/why commercial farmers have to use pesticides.
LuAnn said:
Your photos are awesome! I absolutely love this post! 🙂
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
there’s sometime special about experiencing anything that’s ‘just born.’ i always treasured when our mares foaled, and watching those little babes adjust to life in the real world!
The Blazing Trail said:
Happy New Year…and may it be truly a new beginning!
mj said:
You have really worked hard on these pictures… with excellent results…
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thanks! those little ‘hatchling’ butterflies worked hard as well! that was a great morning! z