Spangled

I love these beautiful big butterflies, Great Spangled Fritillaries.  I haven't seen as many as I usually do this year so it was a surprise to find two of them nectaring on a small buddleia in my garden.  And, amazingly, they allowed me to get very close which was fortunate since I only had a macro lens at the time.  One had some nibbles gone from one wing, but this one was in near-pristine condition.  A little bit of beauty.

Plans are underway to take care of my friend.  One of our close little group is going to spend the weekend and into early next week with her; then she is coming to our house for however long she wants to stay.  I am hoping some time out in our garden will help her to start healing her broken heart.  She lost her soul mate, the love of her life, this week.  The spiral of events happened over several weeks but were unexpected and sudden and awful.  We all loved him and feel his loss, but none so much as her.  

Give someone you love a big hug today and take time to just enjoy each other.  Life is so fragile and so unpredictable.

xo
Debbi