Here I go again apologizing for being a sometimes, almost never blogger. I was in Arizona for 10 days, just returned yesterday with the same snow still on the ground. So that was part of the reason, but come-on the last time I posted was Valentine's Day and that was Feb 14th and this is March 7th. What the heck. Anyway, I had a really, really great break from our snow & cold, stayed busy the entire time, saw 3 movies, went to Tucson, visited the zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Butterfly Garden. Went shopping, out to a birthday lunch, tagged along while Joyce bowled and enjoyed a leisurely lunch after with a new friend. Out to dinner practically every night, quick trip to Superstition Mountain, and perused the Swap Meet where I bought 3, yes 3 purses. Oh the list goes on and on, needless to say I am in recoup mood today. Taking a breather before the next round of events here at home begins.
While there I met up with my gal pal, photography lover & blogging buddy at Focusing On Life, Terri Porter to visit the Butterfly Wonderland and the Desert Botanical Garden. Thought I would share just a few of the gazillion photos I took while there. Visiting the Butterfly Wonderland is truly a treat. Flying free and landing anywhere their wings decide. I had them in my hair, on my arm, in my hand, on my back. I could feel them when they landed, but only just slightly. So here a few of those glorious winged creatures.
This one had just hatched from the cocoon, so she is brand spankin' new!!
Loved the way the light shined on her wings. Hmm is it shined, shinned or shone??
Whoa, this is almost too close....
OMG, nature is just incredible!!
Each one is just drop dead gorgeous.
Look at the way the light illuminates the antennae!!
If you hop over to my collaborative blog "Focusing On Life" you will see a variety of the green in Arizona, along with a couple more butterflies.
I spent 10 glorious days in the desert, but it's always nice to return home. My kids were indeed glad that it was me who opened the door last night. So many wags and kisses, ahhh the love of a dog is unparalleled.
Joining Madge at "The View From Right Here" for her weekly Top Shot
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
Until next time....
Simply Stunning shots of these amazing butterflies. I loved each and everyone.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely amazing pictures!!!!
ReplyDeleteWHat a way to refresh one's mind & soul - in the dessert heat. Gotta give you a whole new outlook on the vast whiteness. Love the butterflies - such beautiful shots, as always, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHi Deanna, I'm wondering if you used the macro lens for these? Also, did you use the tripod? I know - too many questions. I'm practicing with my new macro lens but my results are nothing like your superior images. Yours are so vivid and crisp. Did you pay these butterflies to pose or what? Hope your snow soon melts and you can share your Chicago spring.
ReplyDeletesounds like an awesome time. lots of activity for you - flitting about just like a butterfly. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Deanna, you're one busy gal.. and three purses.. you are a woman after my own heart! Love the exquisite butterfly images, do you use auto or manual focus? Thank you for coming by sharing your creative photography on the Weekly Top Shot, #168!
ReplyDeleteThird times the charm... it worked! :-)
ReplyDeleteDeanna, these definitely should be made into cards; just beautiful each and every one. So glad you were able to get away from the snow for awhile. I know your babies were so glad to see you....
ReplyDeleteGlorious butterfly photos Deanna, what an amazing place to visit - with camera! Must have been nice to have a break away form home and the snow.
ReplyDeleteAll beautiful shots! I need to visit some of the butterfly gardens here in Florida. Now I'm motivated after seeing these. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Deanna! I am just so thrilled that you enjoyed your winter break so much. As I looked at your gorgeous butterflies I couldn't help but anticipate the wonderful time we're all going to have there together in November. I just wish our very own Butterfly Queen could go with us. Although we might never get her out of there.
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous pictures!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing all the detail of these beauties :)
Have a wonderful Sunday
【ツ】Knipsa
Yes, they are drop dead gorgeous my friend. So good to hear you are out and about enjoying life.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got away to warmer climates!
ReplyDeleteThese are just amazing butterfly pictures!
Wow! Sounds like a wonderful time and the butterflies are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a great trip and love your butterfly shots. Bet that desert botanical garden was also great! When I was in Phoenix, my friend stayed an extra day and went there too.. she loved it. Guess I will have to go back and see it. Glad you are home safely, and don't worry about the frequency of your blogging. This is for fun and not an obligation! Hugs to you
ReplyDeleteWow! These are amazing captures Deanna! Thanks so much for visiting my blog since my recent return. xo
ReplyDeleteMarvelous captures...sounds like you had a terrific vacation♪ http://lauriekazmierczak.com/palmed-orb/
ReplyDeleteWhat fun- to escape this awful winter weather. I don't blame you for staying as long as you could. Awesome shots of the butterflies!
ReplyDeleteStunning captures of these beautiful creatures.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! These photos are amazing my friend. I LOVE everyone of them... Sounds like you had an awesome time my friend.
ReplyDeleteHugs~