Finally - a butterfly

Monarch on purple coneflower
Wisconsin, August 2009

I haven't seen many butterflies in recent years. When I was a child, there were so many caterpillars and butterflies and moths every summer. And such incredible variety. While I've seen a good number of bees enjoying the coneflowers and lavender in my little garden this year, this is the only butterfly I've seen so far this summer.

After spotting this butterfly through the kitchen window, I ran to find the camera, tripping over dog, cat and threshold to get these two photos before it happily fluttered away. The things I do to post something on my blogs!
:0)

Did you know that even the monarch is now at risk because of loss of habitat and climate change? If you're interested, click here, for more information. Or simply type something like "monarch butterfly endangered" in your search engine to find links to information.

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
and find your shoulder to light on,
to bring you luck, happiness and riches
today, tomorrow and beyond.
~ Irish blessing

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and I hope you encounter a butterfly or two on your journeys.

*****
I'm adding this little note at 3 p.m. because I saw a little hummingbird dancing among my petunias a little earlier today! A few years ago we had a hummingbird stop by at least once a day, and I found a tiny little nest in a tree in the fall. Hummingbirds are not a very common sight around here, so I always get a little excited when I catch a fleeting glimpse of one.
:0)
Now there's a gentle, much needed rain, before the steamy, hot weekend that's been predicted. I love the sound and the smell of a gentle rain.

I wish you butterflies,
hummingbirds,
and miracles in your life.
Time to enjoy the people you love.
And the wisdom
to appreciate
whatever little surprises
and whispers of genuine goodness
may come your way.
~ Angela Recada

(inspired by our dear
Renee at Circling My Head)