” . . . .and yet they never bruise their Master’s flower, but leave it, having done, as fair as ever. . . .”
From the poem “Providence” by George Herbert (1593-1633)
I went for a walk with the kids yesterday and we came out of the woods into a hot field, hot from the afternoon sun. The smell was wonderful, like dry sun-tea, and it was soothingly busy with the hum of insects.
I sat down with Caleb to rest a minute and then noticed this little moth on a black eyed Susan.
I hate to tell ya . . . . . .I made poor Caleb cry when I took this, ’cause I had to hold push him away at arms length. It was quite amazing that I actually got such a clear shot.
And oh what a lovely dazzling one she was! She arranged herself so perfectly on her flower.
Now, this afternoon, while the children were resting playing upstairs, I sat outside and wrote a letter to my friend Joanna. It was hard to write because I was quite distracted by the sights around me. So much so that I went back in the house to get my camera. I was glad I did because I soon saw a beautiful butterfly.
I thought it was so interesting the way she had to get right down in the flower. So pretty.
This next one was the only one that I actually chased. It was worth it, though. She was beautiful as well and even color coordinated nicely with the purple clover. (yes, from my lawn lol)
I went all over the place after her before I got this photo:
Which one is your favorite?
The rest of the day was fun. The kids had their last scrapbooking class and I bought a few little scrapbooks to work on for fun. I am tired, though, and don’t think I’ll be up very long after the kids go to bed. Rich is working extra long days this week and still isn’t home. Every time I hear a vehicle I expect it to be him.
“Be ready to discover His divine designs
anywhere and everywhere.”
Oswald Chambers
Have a blessed evening!
Good to be Home 
The last one of course!!! Purple and yellow beautiful.Blessings
Hard choice. I think I like the middle one the best. They are all beautiful! You take amazing pictures with your new camera!
The first one ~ and now you have one person liking each of the 3! I’m kind of jealous of your new camera ~ awesome photos.
(Copying? Not a concern here!) Well, they certainly are more colorful than my moth — but aren’t they all so beautifully designed! I tried to get a picture of a butterfly the other day but he/she wouldn’t hold still long enough!
Well, you know that I love and enjoy ALL of your pictures! You truly have a gift. That being said, #1 is my fav. Suz
They’re all gorgeous, Shan. I know you are loving that new camera. I pick the first one. I smiled at your description of taking that one. I can just see you “maneuvering” C. out of the way so you could get the perfect shot. 🙂
I love the pics. Very beautiful!
shanda, those are glorious! i especially love the colors of the last one 🙂
I can’t tell you how much I love butterflies! They are so graceful and beautiful and magnificent, I love watching them fly so silently and artistically, like a dance on warm currents of air. If I had to pick just one of these pictures I think I’d pick the first one but they are all really great.
The first one is my favorite.
Shanda, I love the last one. Of course, they are all beautiful. Isn’t God’s creation amazing? I could just see you holding back Caleb while trying to get a picture. I imagined me doing that to Cole. Oh, he would not be happy! 🙂 I posted pics of your gift to me, on my blog. Have a wonderful night. Get some rest.-Tara
oh, they’re all beautiful….not sure which one i’d vote for, really =)
I’ve visited your blog a couple of times and I’m always impressed with your gift for photography! You capture such beautiful subjects in your pictures!
I pick butterfly number ONE!
AMAZING photos! I think I like #1 best, but they are all great.
Those are beautiful!!! I don’t think I can pick between them — they’re each special in their own way.
Sounds like you had a glorious day…for some reason I couldn’t see the first one, but I really liked the second one…may you have a lovely Tuesday! ~Colleen~
Your talent is astounding. I love them all!
Please thank your husband for me for getting you that camera! These photos were just incredible! I couldn’t choose one over the others. I wish you would do a butterfly calendar. The quality of your work is always a thrill, and your subject material is always so special. I love the way you add scripture or quotes to your posts. Are you blushing yet?
I just can’t believe you actually take these pictures! No magazine can beat them for quality. Maybe you can submit some to one, sometime?!I like the 1st one. The petals around the butterfly provide a nice symetrical pattern!~C
It is difficult to choose a favorite from those three – so I choose each one.
I noticed the other day that my butterfly bush is beginning to bloom, so it won’t be long until I can post some butterfly pictures.
Shanda, they are all beautiful. It is hard just to chose one. You are such a great photographer, you always capture the perfect picture. ~Melissa
Butterfly’s have always been an obsession for me. I have tried taking shots of them but they always seem to lack something. Each of your Butterfly photos looks like a story.
The first one looks like he’s on a raft, floating in a sea of air. The second one appears to be consumed by the Iris. And the third one, it looks like he’s smiling. My favorite is the one delving into the Iris.
All of them remind me of my daughter. When she was young I loved to hear her say “look daddy it’s a flutter-by”. I think I just cried….
They are all lovely… I kind of like the last on the best though. I think you could easily submit them to a publisher who does those bug identification books they are so good! Love You! and I love the little edits that you put in this post.
Brilliant shots!!! The first is amazingly perfect. I have yet to get a decent butterfly photo. I can relate to your chasing the one around.
flit…flit….flit….
I am picturing the process in my mind…
:o)
I chose numero 2. but I have copied all of them to my computer to use for wallpaper. One a day for the rest of the week and then some. My little grandson loves butterflies so I am going to print them up and send them to him.Thanks for once again brightening our day! love and blessings, m in sc
I think the second one is my fav.
OMGoodness, thank you for the all of your pictures, but these really brightened my day. I love them all, but the first two have an intensity about these beautiful creatures, yet the last one has a peace to it when I look at it. God wants us to have intensity for His peace in our lives showing how important it is to walk in His spirit. I catch myself getting caught up in the “flesh/world”, then His peaceful voice comes through and reminds me of His spirit residing in me. God bless you and your sweet family. love, evalyne
Thanks for stopping by my site and for the kind comments. Your blog is beautiful! I like butterfly picture #2. Also, I have never heard of “Shepherd of the Hills” but I will definitely be on the lookout for it.
Thanks again for visiting and I hope you pop over again soon!
PS: I like your little piggie cursor
All are soo beautiful!!!I cannot choose which is favorite!!! All is!!!Glad you took pixs of them!!!Bye for now!!!God Bless!!!Benjamin
Nice to met you…love the pictures!
Five kids..that’s awesome. Look forward to getting to know you better.
heather
I love them all but I think my favorite is the first one.
# 1, but they are all fantastic.
You are such a talented photographer. They are all beautiful!
RYC: I am still shooting with my digital canon rebel xt (same one millermom uses) but I am looking to buy a second camera and use my xt as a back up. You know the more I look at your above photos the more I like the second shot, AMAZING texture on the butterfly. Were you using a zoom?
I like the middle one, where she is so deep in the flower. I have a file of butterfly pictures that I have been saving for a rainy day, but none are as close or nice as yours, all three are really pretty Shanda Banda!
Breathtaking photo’s! I love the last one!
Absolutely STUNNING. I don’t know that I could name a favorite, but that middle one actually made me catch my breath. These may be the most beautiful butterfly pictures I’ve ever seen.