Look who came for a visit :: Friday Foto

While home on the morning of the 4th of July, getting food ready for the BBQ with friends, and my kiddo’s bike decorated, this fellow lighted upon a cable that runs through our yard.  I debated whether or not to get my camera, wondering if I’d even have time.  I always keep my camera out and close by, so it was within arm’s reach, but I needed my zoom lens – and I knew I’d have to shoot through the window. I scrambled to make the switch, the whole time thinking that surely it would all be for naught.

But this dragonfly was just content to hang out and I would like to think that maybe he was posing for me?

Just look at that little ‘smile’!

Click to see a bigger version of me!

I have heard that a dragonfly is a symbol of good luck; so I did a little research to see if my hunch was true or not.  What I found was pretty impressive for such a small, fragile being.  There are a variety of myths and stories associated with the life of a dragonfly; but one striking aspect associated with the dragonfly is change.  It’s considered to be an agent of change and self realization, and around the world, the symbolism takes on different meanings…

• To the Japanese, it symbolizes summer and autumn; the Samurai use it as a symbol of power, agility and best of all, Victory.

• In China, people associate the dragonfly with prosperity, harmony and as a good luck charm.

• Among Native Americans, it is a sign of happiness, speed and purity.

All that for such a delicate creature – it would seem to be enough, but there is so much more to know about a dragonfly. They represent so many positive traits and a depth of character I think most of us strive to achieve.

What really made an impression on me was the idea that a dragonfly symbolizes power and poise. It’s can move in all six directions and can move at an amazing 45 miles an hour, hover like a helicopter, fly backwards like a hummingbird, fly straight up and down and on either side.  And, it can do all this while flapping it’s wings just 30 times per minute – mosquitoes and flies flap theirs 600 and 1000 times!  Superfly!

The awe inspiring aspect is how the dragonfly does all this with utmost simplicity, effectiveness and power…

“the dragonfly has 20 times as much power in each of its wing strokes when compared to the other insects.  The best part is that the dragonfly does it with elegance and grace that can be compared to a veteran ballet dancer.”

So, yes, in my book, this all represents good luck.  I felt that we had a very special visitor stop by and sit awhile; a visitor that is usually flying, whizzing, and  hovering in all directions, too fast for the human eye to fully appreciate. I am so glad he sat for a bit and long enough for me to capture the moment.

Here’s wishing you a good luck kind of weekend!

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