Up Close with a Thistle

 "My life is a brief, brief thing, I am here for a little space. 

And while I stay I would like, if I may, 

To brighten and better the place." 

— Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Friends in the Flowers - Butterfly and Bee

 “Kindness always leaves a timeless deposit 

 on the heart.” 

 ― Molly Friedenfeld

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Bee in the thistle

Print Available - HERE 

Thistle Visitor - Black Swallowtail Butterfly

 “Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.” 

— Mr. Rogers

Print Available - HERE 

Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
on the Thistle.

Inspired by song by The Kinks - Sunny Afternoon 

Print Available - HERE 

Black Swallowtail Butterfly on Thistle

“Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence.” 

 ― Henry David Thoreau

Print Available - HERE 

Male Goldfinch in the Thistle

"Talk happiness. The world is sad enough" 

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Print Available - HERE 

Monarch Butterfly on Thistle

“Life becomes easier and more beautiful when we can see the good in other people.” 

― Roy T. Bennett

Print Available - HERE 

American Goldfinch - Thistle Bender

Dance. Smile. Giggle. Marvel. TRUST. HOPE. LOVE. WISH. BELIEVE. Most of all, enjoy every moment of the journey, and appreciate where you are at this moment instead of always focusing on how far you have to go.

 — Mandy Hale

Although not as brightly colored as her male counterpart, 

this Female American Goldfinch was looking quite

fetching in the thistle.

Available -- HERE 

Pink and Blue

"Butterflies are self propelled flowers." 

― Robert A. Heinlein 

 My artistic rendering of a butterfly on a thistle wildflower created from my original photograph.

Print Available - HERE 

Butterfly on Thistle - Great Spangled Fritillary

"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, 

 "one must have sunshine, 

 freedom and a little flower." 

 ~ Hans Christian Andersen

Print Available - HERE 

Hummingbird Moth

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to
recognize how good things really are.
~ Marianne Williamson

Joy For Weary Hours

Yes, in the poor man's garden grow 

Far more than herbs and flowers— 

Kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind, 

And joy for weary hours.

~ Mary Howitt 

More of my Butterflies - HERE