Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Moths Without Flames


                  

I had a photo assignment, an Easter Egg hunt sponsored by a local Lions Club. Off I went looking for adorable children and whatever wonder GOD would place in my path.  I did not have to wait long or look hard for either.

I stepped out onto the egg patch and after staking out my turf I looked down 


to be sure I had enough eggs to get some good angles and there it was. 


A bedraggled, battle worn moth. It was pale green, a large body covered in what looked fine white downy feathers. 

   
                 

Antennae that resembled ferns fronds it’s wings in tatters and its body unsteady on its legs.

                       
                                                       Enlargement of the eyes on her wings

I had no idea what I had found but I knew that the rambunctious running of children and the hunting instincts of their parents would crush the delicate creature. I gently moved it to the fence line.

I would discover today as I write this that what I had found was actually a Luna Moth. 

                     
Perhaps she had flown too close to a flame….


This week enjoy Moths Without Flames.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Because of Peter Rabbit

Easter is hopping ever closer and this week I thought about Easter Art maybe  eggs, baskets, the crucifixion, crosses, lilies. I went looking for Easter Bunnies and then in the midst of my bunny hunt I came across a Beatrix Potter illustration of The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

                                             
                                                      Beatrix Potter - Peter Rabbit
Rabbits!

Rabbits are Leporidae which are in the family group known as Lepus. Lepus means “hare” and Leporidae means “those that resemble hares”.

                                     
                                                                      Rabbits


                                            
                                                                         Hare
Rabbits have four toes on each hind foot and five toes on each fore foot. The soles of their feet are covered in hair to provide traction on grass when they are running. 

                                        
They can be found in deserts, mountains, tundra, swamps and forests. They are herbivore except for a select group of Lepus.

El Conejo - Spanish
Kinnen - Scottish
Cuniculus - Latin
Tabu  - Comanche      words for Rabbit


Because of Peter Rabbit enjoy Rabbits. 

Monday, March 14, 2016

American Judges

I was summoned to jury duty last week.  My first time.

I wrapped my head around the idea as though I was going on a safari.  I would view this as an adventure that just happened to take me to San Antonio to view the species we call attorneys in their native habitat.  I woke up that morning somewhat curious and eager.

                                            
Little did I know that my one day adventure would turn into a five day adventure? 

As I sat listening I drew and doodled and before my eyes in the middle of my pages of jury notes was the Judge, my inspiration for a week of American Judges.

                                                  

Enjoy!

Monday, March 7, 2016

Cheesefare

Maslenitsa is an ancient Slavic Sun festival that celebrates the return of spring.  After many long cold months of Russian winter the people are ready for festivities and celebration.

This year the Celebration is from March 7 – March 19.

Other names for this Holiday are Butter Week, Cheesesfare, and Crepe Week. This is the last week during which eggs, milk, cheese and other dairy products are permitted to be eaten.  


This Holiday is much like our Mardi Gras or Carnival.  

                                         
There is much merriment, dancing, horse races, eating and drinking.  The Sunday at the end of festival is known as Forgiveness Sunday. It is a day to seek forgiveness from friends and family and give small gifts.

 It is celebrated the last week before Great Lent, the eight week before Russian Orthodox Easter.


Enjoy Cheesefare!