Google Definition of Dud: “Noun – A thing that fails to work properly or is otherwise unsatisfactory or worthless.”
Ecuador – The claro USB modem internet system is a dud! It receives no signal at my friends’ property, and in “Mindo Proper” it receives a signal, opens pages slowly, but will not send an email! Sigh, Paradise DOES have its frustrations!
Paradise also provides a bounty of beauty and enough material to keep me happily painting for – EVER! Here are some images that illustrate perfect consolation prizes for lack of internet!
Although I prefer to work from life when drawing or painting, my reference photos provide great details and trigger memories of beautiful moments!
This moth (above) guarded the kitchen doorway for an entire evening and flew away the following morning!

(Guard? Did someone request a guard for the door?! I volunteer!)

Fighter Pilot Reports for Duty!

I volunteer to be a spy! (Or perhaps a model for drawing?)

I’ll be the personal greeter!

In progress – “Trocitos” (Pieces) Watercolor
The images provide a tickle of a preview for this week’s Timeout for Art, which will hopefully soar out of the gate later tonight.

Soar? She’d better soar back to the property and restock our sugar supply!
Thanks, everyone, for your amazing support! Time to return to the Garden of Eden! Z
Gorgeous photos!
Sorry to hear of your technical difficulties! Hopefully you will have them corrected in a timely manner. Great photos though!
LOVE the moth images! Didn’t know that Claro did internet. I have a Claro cell phone.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
so sorry about the claro, we tried it when we first arrived. Bought the stick and time and barely could open the internet. Mananet not much better, will be going to DSL in a couple weeks. Great photos , love all of them !! Hope all is well and you’re enjoying your time in Mindo..looking forward to seeing you soon amiga, hugs 🙂
That last comment was from Mary, but I wanted to comment quickly on how much I appreciate these close up photos of insects. You know that I love to get up close and personal with God’s little creatures myself and I know how much patience and timing is involved in getting these shots.
I am always amazed at the intricate details in even the most “plain” moth or butterfly!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos!
What a beautiful collection of photos. Great reference material to last you for ages and I agree with John. What patience to take these pictures combined with right place, right time. Your captions and photos made me smile. Thanks, Lisa and enjoy the rest of your time even if you are having technical problems.
I agree, these are stunning photos, and reflect a good eye, determination…and a lot of patience! Thanks for sharing!
Duds – Australian slang for pants or trousers. As in “Get up and get your duds on, mate, we need a beer!” Sorry about your dud though, CLARO are not as claro as they like to think they are. Great to have you back online. Beautiful moth photos too – a bonus! Tony
The beauty of Nature around you is way more important than your internet connection BUT I do feel your pain and frustration. Here’s to better connectivity and more beautiful pictures!
ja! yes, you are so right, and in another month i should have slightly better internet. to choose between fast internet and total immersion in nature and its beauty – ja, nature trumps! thank you!
Wow. These are amazing. I just showed to my teenage daughter who is very impressed. Take care, BTG
Yes, you certainly have some gorgeous butterflies & moths in Paradise. I look forward to seeing how the Trocitos piece comes out – I like the idea very much.
Best bouncer I have ever seen at a door, kitchen, or other! Great post as always!!
INTRICATE INDEED !
Wonderful photos!
I’ve missed you Lisa, good to see all your beautiful photos, now I wonder what you will give us for “timeout for art” this week
Maybe paradise wasn’t suppose to have internet? Would it really be paradise any more?… But I certainly understand your frustration, I know from myself how upset I get when I can’t communicate with the rest of the world. When internet isn’t working, it’s good that paradise has more to offer. Those moths, butterflies and hummingbirds are so beautiful – and you have captured them beautifully.
Amazing captures!
Such stunning photos that you captured Lisa! 🙂
Beautiful creatures. Looking forward to the next Timeout for Art. If the internet doesn’t timeout on you 😦
I wonder if the russet insect is the behe-moth it appears to be.
Great photos Lisa. Time to accept the things you can’t change eh? So frustrating but no doubt it will have a positive outcome.
That first photo is especially beautiful Lisa! Happy Thursday!
Love these Lisa!
It is an amazing world, not the least in your paradise, Z! 🙂
Was missing you and your art. Sorry for the snail’s pace but it gives you a chance to paint the snail! 😉
Stunning pix, Lisa. Be seeing you, sooner rather than later, I hope…
There are a lot of duds in Australia as duds is an Aussie word for cloths.
Google does not know everything.
Nature will always give joy to the artist or any one who takes the time to appreciate her wondrous sights. Your art helps to open the eyes of the less observant. This is one of arts many attributes.
Thank you for helping others take a fresh look at the world around them.
I always enjoy your posts.
Great photos Z! Love the one of the grasshopper on the glass!
Lovely shots, Z.
janet
My first response was to think – are these real? So much beauty in such tiny creatures, and a little humor in your commentary! I did see a little black and brown moth, about an inch long, yesterday. It wasn’t as splendid as these, but it had wings, fluttered and seemed perfectly happy. I hope you’re having happy days despite the frustrations of technology!