At last! The chrysalis stage had darkened over a few days, with each day showing more and more of the lines and details of the butterfly to come.
On Sunday, while I was teaching my Sunday Studio Workshop at home, friend Laurel sent these pictures. Suzanne also sent a video of the entire opening up.
Way cool, I was sorry to miss it. But here is the pictorial proof for you to enjoy. The first of the caterpillars has now gone through its stages.
Four generations in a year? It's true! Read on...
The four generations are four different butterflies all going through the four stages of egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly in each generation.
The generations occur from February/March when monarchs come out of hibernation to when they migrate in September/October to warmer climates.
More next time on the stages of each generation. The ones in my booth--four of them--are all in chrysalis form at the moment.
The milkweed plant at the edge of my Sawdust Art Festival booth is doing its job well. A little over a week ago, the first Monarch flew around, landed on the plant several times, and then apparently moved on.
A few days later, two caterpillars were spotted munching away on the leaves. Then, one of them left the plant and wandered back and forth across the 2x6 beam above, finally settling after two days on a spot near the corner post.
Meanwhile, two more caterpillars appeared. One of the original two found a spot to make a cocoon near the edge of the planter.
The jewel-like cocoon formed is truly a miracle with the metallic gold line circling it and the silk formed from which to hang. Amazing!
The other two caterpillars were not to be seen when I checked this morning, but I am sure, with closer inspection, I will find them at some point in the day.
I have learned so much about Monarchs and their life cycle since this all began, both from guests and fellow artists, and--of course--Google.
More next time of what has been learned.
And, once again, the words of Rainer Marie Rilke come to mind: Everything is gestation and then bringing forth.
You can watch the progress in Booth #205 at the Sawdust Art Festival.
While there is a wide variety of artwork in my Sawdust Art Festival booth (#205) this year, there is a strong feeling of nature going on. I have originals and prints featuring crows, of course! But, in addition I have been blessed for the second year in a row with baby birds.
This year, the nest is tucked tight up under the roof above the power strip. All day there can be heard chirping in hunger and the garbled chirping of feeding time.
There is a potted milkweed plant at the corner of the booth. Because of the monarch butterflies I had painted large and small, I thought it might be fun if I could attract the read thing. Well, as of today there are three caterpillars readying to become monarchs. The cocoons are so lovely and jewel-like that I await them with eager anticipation.
It may take a bit more tidying to keep the booth clean with all this nature going on, but it is so worth it and I thoroughly enjoy the many conversations sparked with festival guests.
Won't you come visit? We are open 10 to 10 every day through September 1.
