I’m always delighted to see swallowtail butterflies. This lovely one flitted among the plants, gracefully flapping her colorful wings.
Watching her, I was reminded of a four-year-old girl I recently met in the woods. Sporting fairy wings and carrying a magic stick, she appeared very much at home among the trees. She and her parents stopped a moment to chat from a safe distance.
Brimming with excitement, the little girl inquired if I had seen any reindeer. I regretfully reported that I hadn’t yet, but promised I would keep my eyes open. I couldn’t help but grin at her innocent enthusiasm.
The experience remained with me for days. Something about the girl’s unbridled zest for life touched a forgotten part in myself…the part that knows pure joy and craves adventure, and experiences every moment as new and thrilling.
I was so very grateful for the encounter. I really needed the reminder that we all have wings…
(Additional photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)