SPC: friend of the cicada

 

When time is generous to me...or rather, when I give myself the time to tend to my creative whims, I participate in the very provocative art community project called Self Portrait Challenge.

This month's theme is SELF PORTRAIT AS...{fill in the blank} 

This summer has felt like a ginormous playdate, for my kids. Roller skating, playing in various waters and schlepping from one park to another. I'm honestly going a little batty. Packing snacks and water bottles and extra clothes in case of accidents. Pushing  little one on the swing and saying, "You're flying like a little bird!"  Making small talk with parents who are clearly uninterested in making new friends and wishing I could just settle into a book or get something 'done.'

It is a miniscule and silly complaint. I'm aware of that ;)  And yesterday, whilst hanging out at a lovely park with several friends, I found an opportunity to goof off with the the shed pupae exoskeleton  of a cicada, an insect I have very fond memories of and whose summer song makes living in the south, where we have our very own special "wet" heat , bearable.

And here's a photo I took a year or so ago of a cicada emerging from its pupae. I 'm posting it here because it is relevant and because my new friend, Kelley, requested it. When I found this little lady, she was quivering and I remarked to my son that we would have plenty of time  to observe her because her wings appeared to be made of a thin green gelatinous substance that I thought would surely need time to strengthen before flight would be possible. Within minutes that amazing little newborn creature was gone!

 

Comments

[Tammy]

Beautiful portrait! That second picture was amazing...thanks for sharing it :)

Warriorwife

[Sarah]

Very pretty picture!

[kim C]

I love those things, we dont have them here. Great portrait

[kathleen]

that second photo is inSANE!yikes! i love it!
i hope you are staying cool in the heat!

xo

[Nikki/Bedazzzled1]

Very creative and nicely done self-portrait. The second photo of the cicada emerging is outstanding and fascinating.

[Julie]

What a photographer you are! I *hate* cicadas but found beauty in yours which redeemed it a bit for me.

I love your comments about mothering in the summer. Ahhh... Enjoy. They are fleetingt years.

Julie

[Kim]

You were veyr patient to get the cicada hatching! I am very excited about the self-portrait challenge place. Thanks for sharing it.