rainbows, monarch follow-up, color and stories

post #213
        Two weeks ago, a lovely brief rainbow happened in our county.  I saw it by chance, from our house which is in a hollow (Appalachian speak for the space that's between two hills.)  I just had time to take a few quick snapshots.  Soon after that, I drove to the local fire department fish fry fundraising auction, and, again by chance, had a great conversation with Cynthia McAuley.  She grew up here but lives now with her family in Lexington.  She asked me if I had seen the rainbow!  It turns out she had taken a great photo of it on her cell phone.  So, here are two photos of the same rainbow (sort of) AND another guest artist on my blog!  Thank you, Cynthia, for coming over to talk with me and for being willing to share your amazing photo.  (Notice the double rainbow visible in Cynthia's image.)

from where I was

from where Cynthia was

       Speaking of color, while spending some time last week sitting out in the chill trying to sell my art wares, I met Rosemary Fannin.  She made this log cabin design quilt. We had tables near each other, and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I love the colors she uses.  She made the second quilt using a totally different color scheme.  I can't do what she does, but I sure can appreciate the hard work required. Persistence is a good trait for us artists to cultivate!

just a corner of another of her quilts

These colors are more the tool I need as a photographer. I love Sharpies.  I use them to sign books or write info on the back of photos I give to, say, someone who let me take his or her photo.  This photo was taken in the University of Kentucky Art Store, where I buy most of the paper I use for my photo note cards.  I couldn't resist making this photo.  All those Sharpies!  All that color!!

      

      Now to touch on last week's post about Monarch butterflies.  I had a lot of viewers!  Thank you all for sharing my enthusiasm.  I just heard that two young grandchildren I love, ages 5 and 3, were totally taken by the ten minute video where the Monarch caterpillar disappears into its own hanging green bag.  
     Also, I asked Rachel how she managed to get a sticker label onto the monarch's wing.  She sent me the instructions from MONARCHWATCH.org    I highly recommend this site for those interested in knowing more about these treasured creatures.  Here is a quote from the site that explains clearly about the monarch migration patterns: 

       In all the world, no butterflies migrate like the Monarchs of North America. They travel much farther than all other tropical butterflies, up to three thousand miles. They are the only butterflies to make such a long, two way migration every year. Amazingly, they fly in masses to the same winter roosts, often to the exact same trees. Their migration is more the type we expect from birds or whales. However, unlike birds and whales, individuals only make the round-trip once. It is their children's grandchildren that return south the following fall.
      
      I am spending this weekend working on my note cards (more on why next week), so I want to include one more photo.  It shows how I have temporarily taken over the kitchen counter as I inventory how many copies I have of some of the prints I use to assemble my cards.  I don't have time to make a totally professional shot, but at least this gives a flavor of some of my work. I have posted many of them on this blog over the past four years.
       I feel as if these images are my friends. They each have a story.  Actually, we all have stories and tell them in many ways, gifts we can give each other throughout our lives.