Project 365 d-156

     My daughter had her school friend birthday party today, and the air was full ff the screeching, loud, and giddy- chatter of girls! My father was there too, but was wisely staying out near the vegetable garden. Meanwhile, I was busy filming the whole event on my HD Flip camera. Suddenly the chorus of silly noise seemed to flow in unison, and the change made me take note of the reason. All of they young ladies were pointing at my Father who had dared to enter the garage where the party was taking place. He stood there not knowing what they were all pointing at. Only when one of the young ladies blurted out, "You have a butterfly on you!". He half smiled as he looked the best he could over his shoulder to see for himself. Indeed there was a beautiful butterfly perched just below the top of his shoulder. They squealed with joy at the dis-believing look on his face. My Father slowly reached out an extended finger to see if it would crawl into his hand. Just as he dis this the butterfly lit, and landed on the wall above the entry door.

     It was time for me to get involved.Putting down the flip; I got my camera and long lens to try and turn this moment into a photo. Slowly, I walked up to the butterfly and stuck out my hand in hope to do what my Father had not. It accepted my hand and seemed to limp onto my finger. It was at that point I suspected that it might be sick or injured. Walking out the entry door; I carried the delicate creature to the closest flower bed, and transferred it to some waiting flowers. It just sat there fanning it's wings back and forth. One wing seemed to jitter out of sync with the other. Backing up then crouching down on my knees; I began to photograph. It felt like it was a scheduled appointment with a willing subject, and I squeezed off many frames from different angles. At any moment, I expected him/her to fly away and for the session to end. It only ended when my memory card read full. Whatever was wrong with it; I was sure there wasn't anything I could do about it. Maybe a little video would be nice too, so I headed in to get my flip. Upon returning to the flower hospital my friend was gone. I scanned the air hoping to see that it had indeed flown off and was going to be OK. It was nowhere to be found and the video was not to be. Maybe I will see him/her again before it turns cold, but God only knows. Still, I was thankful for the special experience that fluttered into my day, and onto my memory card.

Happy Shooting.