The Magic of Mariposas (butterflies)

The magic and wonder of butterflies is somthing everyone has experienced. Today at La Casa, we were able to set free about 10 mariposas. Amalia brought it to my attention about a week ago that there were many chrysalis on the pillars of the carport at La Casa. She assured me that they would be fine if we put them in a container and watched them hatch. At this stage of the game she said they didn't need any food. And she was right. I put them in a container and set them on the shelf right next to Kailee's picture. They began to emerge and we were delighted to set them free.

Here they are...

Mariposas have inspired the walls of the library. When we arrived atLa Casa in May, we began to paint the walls of the library with butterflies......this project continued and has become a part of beautifying La Casa this summer. It is so much fun to paint on the walls here....once you start, you want to keep painting blank walls....cuidado!!! (be careful!!!)

Take a closer look...

This is a story about how the magic of Mariposas originally came to life for me in Lo de Marcos.......

"Butterfly Kiss"

It was one of those perfect afternoons on the beach in Lo de Marcos, mid December, just before the crowds arrive. The sun was shining softly, warming the sand and the breeze moving through the air to make a walk on the beach like something from heaven. Kailee was so comfortable on the beach in her cute little bathing suit and Mexican beach skirt tied around her waist. "Let's take a walk Gramma," and off we went down the beach. She walked a bit ahead of me sometimes......confident and strolling along at her own pace. We meandered down the beach toward the cove .....picking up shells and flicking sand with our toes.....Chatting about everything and nothing all at the same time.... When we got to the south end of the beach, we walked along a ledge created by an ancient lava flow. Looking at the tide pools created in the rock, Kailee spotted a butterfly in one of the pools. It was turned on its back .....The weight of it's wet wings holding it captive in the pool. Kailee quietly reached into the pool and put the butterfly in her little hand. She brought it up to her face and gently blew on it to dry its wings. The butterfly began to move its wings and soon, with Kailee's help was able to fly off. She was so proud of herself ...... I think even a bit surprised that she was a part of saving this little creature. She said, "Gramma, I just know what to do", "I am going to be an animal doctor!" We were both caught in the magic of that moment. We walked back over to the sand and lay down under the overhang of a tropical tree.....looking up into the branches. Watching the birds twitter about and listening to the surf. We talked about what kinds of things animal doctors can do and how special it is "to just know what to do"

time to let them free....

It was about 6 months later that I walked along that beach toward the south end, this time alone with just the sweet memories of my days with Kailee. I walked listening to the waves and enjoying the soft warmth of the sun and the parade of butterflies flying along the water's edge. I would not have believed it possible but for having it actually happen. It did seem like a dream, the kind you have with eyes wide open. As I walked along the shore break, a butterfly landed on my cheek..... fluttered it wings on my cheek for several seconds.....long enough to realize what a blessing this was, then flew off ......leaving me with a "butterfly kiss" and a sign that was unmistakable.......xoxo

WOW....there they go.....

Las Mariposas inspire us to dream and read

Mariposa's inspire the biblioteca walls

We had some fun paining the walls

La Biblioteca is muy bonita

You should try it sometime....muy fun!!!

More fun with paint on the walls

Cameron and Kailee 12-04