The end of the month is tomorrow. How did this happen? It only seems like yesterday, I kicked off the April A-Z Challenge and now it’s drawing to a quick close. *sigh* Which brings me to the letter prompt for today.
On our second trip to Cades Cove this month, I was fortunate enough to capture the below photo of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly aka Tiger Swallowtail.
This type of butterfly is common in many parts of the US and Canada. The male is bright yellow where the female is either yellow and black or black and blue. The darker form is more common in the southern states. I believe my little lovely is a female after looking at different pictures on the web.
Nothing speaks spring like seeing butterflies outdoors. Attracting a Tiger Swallowtail to your garden is easy with a little planning by choosing the right nectar (Butterfly Bush, Dianthus Family, Petunia, Mexican Sunflowers, & Chastle Tree) and host plants (Sweet Bay & Willow).
My flower garden needs a complete make over. It is a little too late to get started this season. However, I will aim to buy the best annuals and perennials that say welcome to these lovely creatures for next spring.
Would you like to see yellow butterflies in your garden?
It’s time to visit my lovelies. Grab a cup of coffee and join me, my first stop takes me to Time Out For Mom. This morning Les wants to know, Are you good at Small Talk? Awkward Silences? What are your tips on how to be a good Conversationalist?
This is a tricky topic. I like to think I am fairly good at small talk, but I do have a period of warming up before I ease comfortably into a conversation. I don’t consider myself shy. However, if I am around a group where everyone seems to know what’s going on with the other, then I am the odd person out of the loop. To be honest this is just the way it is in most circumstances. I find it helpful to do the how are you doing and talk about the weather thing in melting my insecurities or nerves or a little of both. The thing that drives me up the wall is when the other person isn’t very interactive after covering the generalized stuff. This area I need help in desperately or maybe there is nothing I can do about it, if the other person chooses to not look for other topics to discuss. One person cannot expect to carry the conversation alone. What do you think? How do you handle yourself in these sorts of situation?
For now, did someone say coffee? Oh yes, that was me. Hee-Hee! It’s time to get another refill of Joe. As luck has it, my last stop takes us to Starbuck’s home state to visit Stacy Uncorked who does what she does best ~ random musings on Random Tuesday Thoughts ! I’m gonna to join her linky party now. Wanna come with?
What do you have on your plate today?
Have a terrific Tuesday!
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I didn’t know that about the swallowtails…that they’re darker in the South!
None the less…she’s beautiful … you captured her perfectly!!
Hahaha – just read Les’ answer – I’d be absolutely there joining you with my camera and we could all go butterfly hunting (without nets!)
Beautiful pic, Cathy!
I would love to attract more butterflies to my garden!! I’ve got the plants for bees — and some of those are also for butterfiles — but I seem to attract more bees. (warning – be careful when planting the flower “Bee Balm” — the title should give you a hint! ha). I think my backyard is a bit too noisy in the summer though for these calm beauties to feel welcomed. And the girls both have butterfly nets. LOL
I think small talk is just a few minutes to get each person in the conversation comfortable, find some common ground, or something interesting — if beyond that the other person is a Clam; not much you can do. But everyone has something that interests them and will draw them out: you just have to find it. It can be like pulling teeth with some. Just don’t ask something that requires a one word response – I think that’s the key.
And I think you and I would do just fine. And if we ran out of things to talk about for a spell, or wanted a break, you know we’d just pick up our cameras and go share some nature.
Love your butterfly picture. Keeping a conversation going takes 2 people.
Wow. Nice butterfly. They are so pretty flying around in summer and spring.
I learned how to make small talk dealing with patients while working at a chiropractor’s office, but I struggle in large group situations. The introvert in me just has trouble being overly social.
Ohhhhh! What an awesome shot of that beautiful butterfly!!!
I’m like you – when I’m in a crowd of people who already know each other, I tend to be on the quiet side and simply listen to the myriad of conversations going on around me. Then there are times when I’m in a small group setting or find another ‘oddball’ in a group where I start to babble on and on and on.
I have really developed an appreciation for the many butterflies and moths. The Yellow Swallowtail is always a favourite! I found one in my basement a couple of years ago, and still cannot imagine how it got in there.
P.S. I agree, it takes two to make a conversation!