Blue Dasher Dragonfly
Beauty is a strange phenomenon. Chase beauty and it is likely to remain just beyond one's grasp. Be still and patient, however, and it will often quietly appear and announce its presence. Sometimes it's the dog that has laid down and rested her head on your foot; sometimes it's a shaft of late evening light breaking through the trees; and sometimes -- as late yesterday in my backyard -- it's a dragonfly flitting around a dry hosta stem, calling one to examine its glorious architecture and to discover its name.
According to some brief research, the dragonfly that graced my world yesterday afternoon was a Blue Dasher, a member of the skimmer family. "Dasher" is appropriate, of course, because this little guy can flit from sight in a nanosecond and return just as quickly. "Dashing," however, would also be an accurate description. Looking at the photo above, I ask myself how I would respond upon finding one of my own species in a turquoise goalkeeper's mask, a tiger-skin vest, a gossamer tutu, and light blue stockings. The Blue Dasher, however, brings it off with both style and élan, as if to say, "if you like Matisse, you're going to love me."
According to some brief research, the dragonfly that graced my world yesterday afternoon was a Blue Dasher, a member of the skimmer family. "Dasher" is appropriate, of course, because this little guy can flit from sight in a nanosecond and return just as quickly. "Dashing," however, would also be an accurate description. Looking at the photo above, I ask myself how I would respond upon finding one of my own species in a turquoise goalkeeper's mask, a tiger-skin vest, a gossamer tutu, and light blue stockings. The Blue Dasher, however, brings it off with both style and élan, as if to say, "if you like Matisse, you're going to love me."
The two photos above were taken yesterday. The three below were taken of another Blue Dasher this morning. Needless to say, it's time to add the Blue Dasher to the list of things for which I am grateful.
"Deep in the sun-searched growths the dragon-fly
Hangs like a blue thread loosened from the sky."
Dante Gabriel Rossetti
P.S. Below are three shots taken this afternoon.
These photos are absolutely spectacular, George.
ReplyDeleteRe the turquoise mask, tutu etc - you're obviously not familiar with some of the nightclubs in Nottingham!
Yes, George, he (or she)'s a beauty. Here in the UK dragon flies used to be called ' devil's darning needles.' You are right - beauty is everywhere often where one least expects to find it. Lovely photographs.
ReplyDeleteYou've done glory to the glorious. The bokeh colors enhance this little dancer. I love what you wrote about if you saw one of your own kind done up in that attire, wow.
ReplyDeleteShots #3 and #5 sure look like he's looking right at you, what a rush.
Just gorgeous, George (I just had to write that; try saying it five times, fast. I bet you never had anyone say that before, haha.)
To Solitary Walker,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, and, no, I am not familiar with the nightclubs of Nottingham. My wife and I have spent considerable time in Key West, however, so while I have not see it all, I have seen a great deal of bizarre fashion, if fashion is what you would call it.
To Pat,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments. I like that notion of the "devil's darning needles." Now I know what these guys are up to.
To Ruth,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments on the shots. As for "Gorgeous George," I must admit that I am old enough to remember the guy wrestling in black and white on Saturday night television.
Among all your other amazing talents, we must add photographer extraordinaire to the list. Exquisite shots George! (I'm still not really back - this is just an illusion.)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the generous comments, Bonnie. I'm glad you liked the photos of the Blue Dashers. I readily accept the illusion of your presence and eagerly await the reality of your return.
ReplyDeleteOne would certainly notice a fellow member of our species dressed in a turquoise goalkeeper's mask, a tiger-skin vest, a gossamer tutu and light blue stockings but I'm pretty sure one's reaction wouldn't be 'oh how beautiful!:):)
ReplyDeleteDragonflies and damselflies however are often like flying jewels - your photos are brilliant.
Rowan,
ReplyDeleteThanks. I like your description of dragonflies and damselflies as "flying jewels." Perhaps that should have been the title of my piece.
You inspire me to just sit quietly outside with a camera. But your photographs are exquisite.
ReplyDeleteKristi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments. I heartily recommend sitting quietly in a beautiful place and waiting for something glorious to make its presence known.
great photos! I enjoy watching dragonflies
ReplyDeleteThe dragonfly's wings in the 5th photo look like glass. All the photos are beautiful, but I love the last one!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments, Sage.
ReplyDeleteWanda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments. I, too, love the last photo. It's so acrobatic!
George - Your blog is beautiful. Our mutual friend, Anna Harding, sent me to your blog to learn about your walk in England. (I did a similar walk in 2004 on the Ridgeway Path.) Seeing what you have done with words and images inspired me to begin a blog, Wake Up Call. Visit at lindalouwakeupcall.blogspot.com. I am posting now about a pilgrimage I took to Iona, Scotland in June. Thanks for the creative nudge. Linda Mastro, Easton
ReplyDeleteTo Linda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind and generous comments on my blog. I'm delighted that my efforts have inspired you to start your own blog, which I plan to visit, read, and follow. In a very short period, my blog has led to rewarding friendships with many in the blogging community, both in this country and abroad, and I'm sure that yours will yield similar results. Thanks again.
Fabulous shots, George.. .. I enlarged each one.. the minute detail I love...
ReplyDeletewell... dragonflies are one of my favourite things.. maybe it is the size and the delicacy in contrast to the fact they are called dragons.. they almost seem tame .. or is it that they show no fear... beautiful
To Gwen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments. This continues to be a fun project. I seem to be photographing the dragonflies each day, primarily because it allows me to closely observe them. They are fascinating creatures which, odd as it may seem, appear to have personalities.