Photo was taken recently at Fota Wildlife Park, near Cobh, Co.Cork (Irl)

A ‘Small Tortoise’ butterfly takes some time out on a flower. This is a very common butterfly which regularly frequents gardens, particularly favouring Buddlea bushes. It is mainly reddish-orange with black markings and blue spots around the border. In contrast, the underside is quite dark. This summer has seen a low volume of butterflies. Last year was the exact oppositie with lots of them everywhere but for some reason they were a little shy this summer.

Thought on Friday – September – 16/09/2011

When we hold back our contribution, our community suffers. We deprive our community, just as we deprive ourselves of the pleasure of offering our gift.’ ~Corrina Gordon

We often take our contribution so much for granted. We live in a consumer society. The emphasis is on using, buying, selling, gathering, storing, hoarding and so on. Much of modern advertising places the emphasis on perfection, a perfect diet, a perfect body, a perfect look and a perfect life. As we know there are few perfect things in life. But placing such emphasis on perfection means that many are shy of their contribution because it falls well short of perfection. What a shame that this should happen. Everyone’s contribution is important and valued. There are things that only each of us can do in our own unique individual way. Your way is important, valued and respected. As the old saying puts it so well: ‘God has given us two hands, one for receiving and the other for giving.’ The best way to give back is to value your contribution. Don’t let others smother or block what you are good at doing. Our contribution whatever it might be does make a big difference. Not just a big difference but the world of a difference.