Eating Grass in MN

Fascinating patterns. Stunning contrast. Big lovable ears.

Cool Down Tiger

The tigers at the Minnesota Zoo live in an outdoor habitat with tall grasses and lots of trees, which makes it difficult for the humans to get a good glimpse. Today, this guy was soaking it up in plain view. Lately, our humidity has been around 72%, so water in all forms is required. Love those big paws. Swat.

Butterflies in My Stomach

After our long on-foot journey around the trails at the Minnesota Zoo we stopped at one last place -- the butterfly gardens. Few things have given me the inspiration to pull out my watercolors and paint again. But the butterflies did it! What's so perfect is that I have photos like these to look at! I haven't been excited about painting for so long. Did someone finally slip the magic "now you have a subject - no more excuses" potion into my protein drink? I do feel a bit floaty.

There I stood only last week at a small-town county history museum. I couldn't miss the group that was milling about the gift shop and among the exhibits. Most were decked out in safari outfits - fully rigged with binoculars, nets, compases and ye ole' butterfly field guide. My specific thought was, "Butterflyers are too geeky and wierd for me!" I'm pretty sure I must have been staring and crossing my arms at the same time. 

And so it goes, with equal marvel I'm ready to capture my first butterfly with brushstrokes.