Berries, Butterflies and Birdsongs

Let me explain the title:

Berries reminds me to bear fruit as God enables me, and to not compare the quality or quanitity of my fruit to others. In nature each plant serves a unique purpose and thrives in certain conditions-- Just like people. * I'm also reminded of the juicy blackberries and black raspberries I found at Prairie Pond Woods retreat house. * And earlier last week I was delighted to find a mulberry tree right here at our condo complex! I grew up with one, so this discovery was a special pleasure.

Butterflies reminds me of the three species I met yesterday at Prairie Pond Woods.

A huge Zebra Swallowtail floated across the front porch to greet me and the other house church women as we arrived.

Then, on our hike Natasha spotted a Mourning Cloak.

And all along the way we saw huge Great Spangled Fritillaries!
Birdsongs remind me of the time of solitude when I let myself listen and hear all that was going on in nature around me. Deep breath . . . ahh . . . relax . . . reset . . . recharge . . .

Bonding --another word I should throw in here because that happened too. Here's a picture of the great women I went with: Who's ready to go back again? "Maybe in autumn," we all agreed.

WRITING UPDATE: This week Tuesday is my writing day. I mapped out quick edits to three chapters. Usually I do one chapter a week, but these have each undergone previous rewrites so maybe it'll be possible to knock off all three of them. I'll let you know.

Thanks for checking in on me!