Saturday, August 25, 2012

Hummingbird Moth Visit


Today was a day where I let the world "bring me along". After a very productive visit to our  Public Market (such a great time of year for all the fruits and vegetables),  we went to breakfast.  During breakfast, a very touching story was shared by a total stranger.  My heart told me to "do something nice" and I did.  Feeling very good about that, I moved on with my day.


I love my gardens and felt the need to be "quiet " in them and let the happenings of the day sink in.


One of my favorite trimming jobs is my butterfly bush.  I was deeply absorbed in making sure that I was carefully pruning this lovely bush ... a labor of love. I heard the whir of my hummingbird wings and turned to see if they were joining me at one of their favorite bushes too. But, what I saw was NOT making sense. About 3 feet from me was this little one inch hummingbird (or so I thought he was a hummingbird). I kept watching him, rubbing my eyes to make sure I was really seeing him as best I could.


Of course my brain went right to my camera.  Darn! How am I going to go get my camera and get some shots of my new "friend".  I had to try.  I slowly backed up (mind you, he didn't seem the least bit concerned about me or my movement).  Once i was at a safe distance, I dashed into the house, grabbed the camera and slowly approached the bush ... and he was still happily there! I snapped like crazy.  (Because he was moving so much and darting in and out of the branches, it was hard to get a good shot).


Once done, I thought, OK, just exactly what is this beautiful little creature. That's when I jumped on FaceBook and then started doing some research. 


The magnificent little creatures are NOT hummingbirds but rather moths.   They go through all the stages of a moth, larvae, cocoon and emerge as a mimic of a hummingbird. They aren't as nervous as a hummingbird and I'm guessing they aren't as territorial either. What I have also learned is that you don't get to see them often.



So, I am taking this as a message from the universe that an act of kindness was noticed.


Because I was "in my world" and "listening", I had the chance to learn .....


... learn one more thing about the great gifts of the universe.


They come in many forms and ways, any time, and they may not be obvious unless you are open and receptive. It's all about being present ......listening, looking and remaining receptive. What a great day.

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