Today I will see my world as a butterfly. I will fly close to the earth and softly alight upon a red daisy. I'll enjoy the flower's sweet nectar, see my reflection in the rain drops and be mindful of each moment of the day. I will not examine or classify. But rather explore with my eyes and find the Earth Mother's answers in my heart. It will be a great day! #Lostinthewoods #Discoverwisconsin #EightyAcresPhotography #Naturephotography #DunnCounty #Midwest #Wisconsin #Trave

Each year I place a monarch caterpillar and plenty of milkweed leaves into a mason jar and bring it into my home. It sits prominently upon my kitchen counter and in about twelve days I witness the birth of a new monarch butterfly. This chrysalis is near the end of its cycle and you can see the butterfly's wings. It is always an exciting day as I release the new monarch and it begins its new journey. #EarthMotherssecrets #Butterfly #Discoverwisconsin #wisconsin #Naturephotog

Each summer pink and red coneflowers invite swallowtails to flutter amongst the Eighty Acres gardens. They sip the sweet nectars, and lay their eggs on ash, cherry and lilacs leaves. Once the egg hatch the caterpillars employ a variety of defense mechanisms including their brown and white color that resembles bird droppings, fake spots that look like snake eyes, and if disturbed emit a foul smelling acid designed to discourage the attacker. Swallowtails do not migrate like t

The Earth Mother sent a monarch butterfly to Eighty Acres this week. The monarch was dressed in black and orange with white spots and spoke to me in a language I understand, but am often afraid to utter. Birth, change, and sometime in the future making way for a new generation are all a part of my life's journey. Just as the monarch, I hope that each day of my life can be filled with the joy, excitement, courage, and beauty the monarch shared with me today. #Eightyacresphot