The heat is rising daily here in the Deep South. And along with it…humidity…that makes for a high heat index.
Today I want to forget about the heat that keeps me indoors and share some of the positive things about summer.
Butterflies!
I currently have 6 Gulf Fritillary chrysalises and at least 3 more caterpillars in enclosures, but the other day when I headed out for my walk, I saw a butterfly hanging on its chrysalis in the wild, on my potting table. I felt such joy to know that one had survived the birds and lizards and made it to adulthood (without my help).
Speaking of caterpillars, I found some beautiful black swallowtail cats. I’ve brought them into a porch and hope they will hang out there, literally.
My friend from Iowa brought back some flower seeds and gifted me a small pot with these sweet flowers that are new to me, lizzianthus.
And I was surprised by a second poetry exchange postcard from Colette. She remembers Sol Duc which is a place we visited while in Washington.
All these things help me escape the oppression of the heat (and the world).
What is helping you through?
Reflections on the Teche 
What a lovely way to see the world (and survive the heat/humidity duo).
Hi Margaret! Here in the Pacific northwest heat is not yet a problem, and humidity is rarely a concern, but I do remember when I was a kid suffering in the Missouri humidity w/ out AC! If I were in the south I’d anticipate evening sunsets while lounging inside during the day. You’re wise to focus on the little things that bring you joy.
As crazy as it seems, I’m treating this heat dome like a snow day/blizzard! I am making the most of being stuck inside by cleaning like a madwoman. And I really AM going to (finally) do some sorting and pitching in the basement (taking complete advantage of its coolness)!! Thank goodness for air conditioning, and my heart goes out to those without it.
I should have cleaned inside. Instead I doodled around in the yard, trimming, watering. Thank goodness for a shower and AC and iced fizzy water!
My son is flying from CA to IN for a two-week visit!
In the heat last Friday, I got an unexpected call from my daughter. She was melting in Den Haag and had taken a trip to IKEA to enjoy their AC. So while Luca napped, we chatted. The summer heat is something to just get through. But as your SLICE documents, it is also a time of unexpected encounters, yours through nature and mine with a phone call! I loved the photos you added. And that postcard! A treasure!
It’s warm here in NJ, but I do appreciate and can remember the summer humidity and heat of the deep South which is significantly more. You are, as you always do, using it as an inspiration to notice the amazing things in nature that pop up any time of year! Those caterpillars make me smile and remember that beauty comes even from the hard parts.
I went from the heat of New Jersey to the extra-heat of South Florida. I’m trying to soak up all the heat and images on this summer road trip. I love your record in photos and words.
If you can believe this Margaret, my house is cold and when it gets colder from the AC, I have to turn on the lowest amount of heat on my movable heater. We have two heating/air conditions in our house and I always have to remind my son to turn up the AC in his loft. So what do I do, admire my flowers, water them, write, and take care of my constant intake of mail.
love the butterflies, especially your wild one. I hope heat is ok or good for them . Perhaps put out a puddler? (Shallow dish of water with pebbles)
We ARE going to have to adapt to time inside, while we remember to be grateful for our a/c… I will miss walking everywhere, and will have to figure out how to be more active inside. Reading your piece makes me feel more proactive
Margaret,
Thanks for sharing those lovely photos of butterflies and flowers and that charming poetry postcard.
Struggling with the heat and humidity here too.
Making it with early morning bike rides, indoor yoga classes and a lovely poetry-writing and birding walk on Saturday where we saw so many great birds and dragonflies that we didn’t notice the heat—as much.
I’d love a poetry walk with birding! Maybe in the fall.
Our air conditioner went out at home, we had to have our ductwork redone and an encapsulation, Dad’s house needed landscape on a quick weekend trip south, and so much going on with a world of uncertainty – – so that butterfly surviving in the wild with all odds against it brings me more hope than you realize. Thank you. I can always find cool air in a public library. It’s a wonderful place to sit and read, write, and sip cool water.