Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Butterflies and hummingbirds

My garden has two butterfly bushes and my neighbors have a butterfly bush too. I've got an old clawfoot bathtub in the backyard, something left behind by the previous owners of the house, that I've planted a mini-field of wildflowers in, and there are various other foliage that's been sprouting flowers recently, including the crepe myrtles. These colorful plants have attracted some very beautiful visitors to my yard all summer.

Now summer is ending.

I see meaning in most things. I believe that the natural world shares its experiences with us in a mystical way, if only we're open to the idea.

So, with that in mind, I've spent the summer looking for some meaning to life while watching in awe as butterflies of all species and all colors -- some black with blue spots, some orange and black, some yellow and white -- flitting from flower to flower and flirting with the warm (often hot!) August breezes. I've also watched ruby-throated hummingbirds zip and zoom from tree branch to feeder and back again, myself in awe of their grace and speed and just how tiny these creatures are in comparison to the blue jay who happens to be sharing the tree.

I discovered some things about the butterflies and hummingbirds. They each hold symbolism and meaning in different cultures and in many traditions. For me, these beautiful creatures symbolize freedom, life, beauty, new beginnings.

Summer may be ending, but life goes on, with each day holding the promise of a new beginning.