by 33 people |
Cycle of Life
This story is more about a friendship then it is about Monarch Butterflies.
People say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I am hoping that these pictures of "my" Monarchs help tell my story.
Discovering A New World
About 6 months ago my boyfriend and I decided to quit our jobs, sell all of our worldly possessions and move halfway across the world. With two suitcases in hand we arrived on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa.
I Don't Understand What You're Saying
Now on this island the people speak Spanish. The thought of learning a new language excited me. I thought "Wow, how wonderful it will to be able to communicate in something other than English". So after the first two weeks of being in sort of a culture shock I enrolled in some intensive classes. Ok, so these classes were a little too intensive for me and I quickly realized I wasn't a "language person". Instead of flourishing I became introverted, shy and afraid to make mistakes. I was becoming the opposite of who I was. Those classes ended and new ones began.
The Beginning of a New Friendship
Four months after my first Spanish course my boyfriend and I "randomly" walked into a health food store. The woman there was very polite and helpful. And for some strange reason I could understand some of what she was saying. Ok, not everything but it was like the first time my ears communicated sounds to my brain and put them into shapes of words. She spoke slowly and with patience. She invited me to come back to her store and practice my Spanish with her and in return I would help her with her English.
Growing Like a Caterpillar
For the first couple of weeks I visited her on a regular basis painfully trying out my Spanish. Her compassion was so heartfelt and genuine. She understood exactly what I was going through. A few years ago her family took on the same challenge; they moved across the world and of course needed to learn the language if they were going to survive.
It was during one of these visits when she told me about her Monarch butterflies. (mariposas de monarch) "I grow them", she said. "I love butterflies so much that I went on the internet to find out which plants attract them". She showed me her plants and the new vibrant little caterpillars (orugas) munching away. Each day I would return and watch with wonder; they grew so fast and with such purpose.
It was during one of these visits when she told me about her Monarch butterflies. (mariposas de monarch) "I grow them", she said. "I love butterflies so much that I went on the internet to find out which plants attract them". She showed me her plants and the new vibrant little caterpillars (orugas) munching away. Each day I would return and watch with wonder; they grew so fast and with such purpose.
Magical Monarchs
![On the Wings of the Monarch [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41TQ07R7CPL._SL75_.jpg)
The Start Of Something New
Then one day the caterpillar hung upside down and started spinning its cocoon (capullo). Amazing! It looked like a jade pendant dotted with gold. Each day I would return and we'd exchange our languages with the jade jewels as our companions.
Two weeks later one jade cocoon turned translucent and I could see the neatly folded wings. "It'll be born tomorrow morning". The following morning I arrived and waited like a child expecting a gift. And what I gift I received! The cocoon open and through a bit of a struggle a small, damp butterfly emerged. After pumping blood into its wings the butterfly started to grow into a strong, beautiful magical insect. A few hours later it flew away and continued on its journey.
Two weeks later one jade cocoon turned translucent and I could see the neatly folded wings. "It'll be born tomorrow morning". The following morning I arrived and waited like a child expecting a gift. And what I gift I received! The cocoon open and through a bit of a struggle a small, damp butterfly emerged. After pumping blood into its wings the butterfly started to grow into a strong, beautiful magical insect. A few hours later it flew away and continued on its journey.
A Priceless Gift
My friend gave me a plant with caterpillars as a gift. Now every morning I water my plant, check on the caterpillars or cocoons, and anticipate the birth of another butterfly. During this routine I often reflect on how my journey to a new country, learning a new culture and language and meeting new people is much like the life cycle of a butterfly.
There are times when I am eating up knowledge, other times when I need to rest, and more times than not I struggle, but I take comfort in the knowledge that I have a new friend and one day my wings will be strong enough to take me on new journey.
There are times when I am eating up knowledge, other times when I need to rest, and more times than not I struggle, but I take comfort in the knowledge that I have a new friend and one day my wings will be strong enough to take me on new journey.
A New Strength
A Dedication to You
Please know that whenever I see a Monarch Butterfly, no matter where I am in the world, I will always be reminded of the kindness that you have shown me. Thank You! You truly are a wonderful friend.
Birth of a Monarch
I was able to film the birth, or emergence, of this Monarch. I am always fascinated by the strength and grace that these magical creatures possess.
Birth of a Monarch
http://www.squidoo.com/monarchs One of many Monarchs that I have reared. This video shows the last of 4 stages, when the Monarch emerges, or is born from its crysalis.
curated content from YouTube
My Progress
Each day my Spanish is getting better and better. My sentences are short but I can talk in different tenses. I think it will be years before I can talk and express myself like I do in English, which is okay because I'm learning in a beautiful place.
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- ruilevi ruilevi Nov 18, 2009 @ 8:25 am
- Beautiful lens and subject,5*!
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- aaimeep aaimeep Oct 15, 2009 @ 6:12 am
- Thank you for making this! Very recognisable!
I am going through much of the same after moving to Germany (I am Dutch). It has been 4 years now, but the communication is still limited and 'mistakes' is my middle-name :). A few weeks ago my partner and I decided to start speaking German at home too. A great challenge, but I like challenges!
I wish you much luck and beauty on your journeys!
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- Piksychick Piksychick Sep 8, 2009 @ 10:58 pm
- I forgot to mention that I am still very good friends with the woman in my lens. She is currently immigrating to Canada and her English has improved by leaps and bounds. I am incredibly proud of her. And I know that this friendship will last a lifetime.
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- Piksychick Piksychick Sep 8, 2009 @ 10:54 pm
- Just a little update: From Tenerife we moved to Caracas, Venezuela where my Spanish became a necessity. Although I am NOT fluent I do enjoy the conversations that I do have. We are currently in Montreal, Canada where I am taking my first week of French classes!! I have great intentions to approach this language differently. So far, I love it. Thank you all for reading my lens. Hasta Pronto!!!
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- eccles1 eccles1 Sep 8, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
- How very very beautiful !!
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Great Information about Monarchs
- Monarch Butterfly: Journey North
- This site is geared towards educating people about the characteristics, ecology, habitat, and conservation of the Monarch Butterfly. Great for both students and teachers!
- Hinterland Who's Who
- Information on Monarch Butterflies in Canada.
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