Summer lingers in Nature's School

Our Florida tropical summer surges on, as October fades into November. Wild flowers show their approval of the unseasonably warm temperatures with buttons of buds and beautiful, colorful blossoms. As long as the plants continue to produce such magnificence, flying insects will continue to bask in the sun, doing their part in the pollination process as we (calendar-wise) knock on winter's door.

The weight of the butterflies must be a light whisper to the delicate blooms.

Bright orange was the airborne color of the day as dozens of the same species darted from station to station atop the Lantanas.

Scattered speckles of white adorned their wings and circled their heads.

Suddenly, I spotted one much less colorful and not quite so nimble as all of the others. Obviously, from the same family, it participated in the nectar feast. But, why was it so different?

With closer observation, I realized that it was missing almost half of its left wing. Obviously, the wound was an old one. My suspicion was that its faded color resulted from damage by an earlier accident or predator attack.

Others, so magnificent, no longer were as awe inspiring.

They retained my appreciation for their beauty, but the damaged one held my heart.

Around the lake house, tiny flowers sere scattered, randomly, in the grass and along the lake shore.

The big bang theory goes lacking when I see these intricate creations of God.

It is hard to pick a favorite, when each has such unique beauty.

Buttercups were sparsely scattered in the grass,

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While others seemed comfortable in large numbers.

In many areas families visited with families.

Thank you, mother nature.

The insects thank you, also.

I frightened this fellow, but, caught his very unusual markings before he flew away.

He had hidden his brilliant red on the underside of his wings as I had approached him.

At water's edge a volunteer, about six feet tall, had sprung, seemingly, out of nowhere since I last visited our weekend hideaway.

It is, truly, spectacular. Did I use that adjective, before? It is wondrous.

It is as if God had planted it since our last weekend visit.
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I learned much from nature, today.
I was reminded that God lives and wants us to enjoy His creations.

I mourned a handicapped butterfly that taught me a valuable lesson in life:

If a wounded butterfly can have the heart of a lion, then, maybe I can show a little more determination when things get tough.