There was a ton of yard work to do this weekend, like removing mistletoe from trees where we could reach and catching up on watering. Late into the evening last night I noticed all the month old grasshoppers are sleeping in the tops of the boxwood shrubs together. Since it was fairly dark on the side of the house, I had to use my flash on this photo. The grasshoppers don't eat the boxwood they just sleep there overnight till the next day. Then when the sun warms them up they go off to forage again. Sometimes I wonder where critters sleep at night, now I know where the grasshoppers sleep.
I can just imagine the title to this post as the title to a book, can't you? A touch of curiosity, a dash of whimsy, a sprinkling of nature, then interweave some human characters surrounded by mystery. Hope to get to some more clay work today. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
Hello Linda:
ReplyDeleteOh yes, definitely the title to a book. It reminded us of a wonderfully illustrated children's book 'The Hungry Caterpillar' which had pages with holes made into them to simulate the eating habits of the caterpillar!!!
And, how amazing that you captured the grasshoppers in bed in the Boxwood!!!
Hi Jane and Lance, thanks so much, that's the title to another book, In Bed in the Boxwood, ha, if I ever wrote a book I am sure I couldn't think of a title and now here are two.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous title, Linda. But you've already written a book -- you've got the nature posts to transfer into an e-pub. Ohhh, think about it, please!
ReplyDeleteHi Kittie, thanks, that's an idea isn't it. Some would make for some good reading, but what to title that? Ha.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this about grasshoppers. I love the picture too, besides being an interesting subject the colors and textures are great. Are you going to make something with grasshoppers on it soon?
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, thanks, I was looking at them and thinking about that but wondered what I would make, in the back of my mind I am thinking of a movie or something where someone had the nickname grasshopper? Sometimes my memory fails me. I think these grasshoppers get really big and I am sure they cause a lot of damage, but you are right their colors and textures are so vivid - maybe something stylized with a grasshopper would be cool, yeah so many ideas and so little time.
ReplyDeleteI love that photo! it is nice to think about sleeping grasshoppers that would be a lovely book. When my children were little we always read books about animals getting ready for bed I don't remember insects however.
ReplyDeleteLinda- here is a secret that I am sure will be safe with you.
ReplyDeletePlease don't tell that grasshoppers really freak me out. They are one of the few bugs that give me the willies.....can't tell you why but they do!
Wonderful title, wonderful image. Love this post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great title. Please write a little book.... I think those grasshoppers look like metal sculpture in your photo! Love 'em.
ReplyDeleteThey must not be affected by gravity. One of them is clinging to a leaf upside down. Wouldn't you think it would be more relaxing to rest your limbs and sit right-side-up? I'm saying that as a severely gravity-challenged older person!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that?!
ReplyDeleteThey look very pretty. I love insects.
ReplyDeleteLinda- instead of grasshoppers here, it's lizards! Will try and get a pic. Love reading about your continued creativity in general. All the best- Amy
ReplyDeleteGreat title for a book. Interesting shot. Wonder what the grasshoppers thought as the night exploded into light?
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith, thanks, I can see why you don't like them, I think these are the ones I saw in Arkansas that were huge and weren't even afraid.
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa, thanks, I couldn't resist telling everyone about these little guys, they've been sticking together since they were born, interestingly last night they moved somewhere else and I am not sure where.
Hi Barbara, thanks, my friend Cindy in Alaska made a giant grasshopper sculpture but it was natural steel, one with a patina like these would be really cool.
Hi Ms. Sparrow, thanks, you know you are right I didn't even notice that, you wouldn't think they'd be comfortable like that but they didn't seem to mind.
Hi Suzi, thanks, aren't they cool.
Hi Po Wen, thanks, insects are very interesting to watch and I never knew grasshoppers would stay together like this, I suspect once they get older they'll go their separate ways.
Hi Amy, thanks, we have a few lizards here too, but not as many as last year, at least not yet.
Hi Patti, thanks, yes I wonder if it affected their eyes, I hope not.
Hi Lori, thanks, funny how chidren's books imbue personalities to animals and then when we get to adults they aren't thought of that way, and insects the same, wonder if there are any books about insects with personalities, probably.
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