Queen Butterfly

This summer’s rains have brought a plethora of butterflies. This morning a single queen butterfly flutters past me while I’m on my walk. I see the orange glow of light shining through its wings. “Go little butterfly, go!” I exclaim. And they encourage me in the silent way that butterflies do.

A little further on my walk I look at the ground and pieces of dried Texas ranger flowers and leaves are magically moving, seemingly by themselves. Upon closer look I see the ants under the moving plant parts. It is the subtle sign of the shift of season, the time of year when ants start preparing for the winter. Seeing these small creatures carrying their load, I ask, “Where are you going?” There was no ant hill in sight. With my eyes I follow the single row of ants crossing the street to their home, a beautiful circle of dried flowers. My heart sinks knowing many of them will not finish their work. I want to put up a detour sign, ANT CROSSING.

Abert’s Towhee

At home looking out the window where the bird feeders are, I see mourning doves, sparrows, house finches, sometimes Abert’s towhees scratching the ground like chickens looking for seeds, but there are no more white winged doves, gone for the winter. Subtle, gentle signs of change.

It is hard to believe a full year has gone by since I became a CSLT Board member. Both Marya and Janie finish their terms for serving on the board at the Annual Meeting on October 3rd. I thank them for their time and talents, and for all the many ways they continue to support the operation of this Center.

On Sunday, October 3, during our Zoom annual meeting, Madeline, Janet, Rev. Janis and I look forward to welcoming three potential new members to our board.

I encourage you all to come to the meeting.

–Maria