"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

The past few weeks I have been out on my bike in search of nature. So far I have images of a Great Blue Heron and a mother duck with her ducking. 
Yesterday I went to the Escarpment Sanctuary in search of frogs and turtles.  Since I have been there many times before I knew to cover myself liberally with a deep wood bug spray.

 Last evening the bugs were worse than usual.  There were frogs in the area all right.  I could see movement in the grass however I could no longer see the frog once they hopped into the green, plant covered pond.

                              The pond cover was so thick with algae it looked like peas soup.

                            
  If you looked closely at the water you can see their little heads pushing up through the green cover and could hear their voices calling in the hot July evening air.

 I have been actively in search of nature in my neighborhood.

Last evening while I was sitting on my deck nature came to me. 

A butterfly landed on my leg. 

 I thought it would only stay for a few seconds then leave.  To my delight the butterfly stayed on my leg for about ten minutes.  At times it opened it's wings in a completely relaxed position.

Once or twice the butterfly flew away then came back to land on me again.

 " There is a Native American legend that says, " If you have a secret wish, capture a butterfly and whisper your wish to it. Since butterflies cannot speak, your secret is ever safe in their keeping. Release the butterfly, and it will carry your wish to the Great Spirit, who alone knows the thoughts of butterflies. By setting the butterfly free, you are helping to restore the balance of nature, and your wish will surely be granted."

                  " The butterfly is a reminder to make changes when the opportunity arises.
              Change and transformation are inevitable for us all, but it does not have to be traumatic.

Butterfly symbolism is also closely tied to the idea of spirits and souls. It has been used in many religions and cultures. In the western world, the symbol of the butterfly stands for freedom, fun and joyous times.
                                       It is also symbolises a state of naturalness and purity."

An Irish blessing :

 "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."

I wish you the peace and beauty of the butterfly.

May you have a very creative day ;~)