My Phone Wallpaper

The wallpaper on my phone hasn't changed since I first set it. It's a closeup of a light blue butterfly. I think it's called a Silvery Blue, but I'm no butterfly expert. On my main screen, the image is mostly covered by apps but I have second screen with just a couple of apps, positioned along the bottom, that lets me see it more clearly.

I like this photo. I like the color, I like the detail, the simple clarity of the fine hairs lining the wings. Visually, it pleases me. There is also something I find relaxing about a lone butterfly resting on a clover.

I also like this photo because I remember when it was taken. It was in Yellowstone a couple of years ago on the last "big" summer vacation for the four of us. We were already a few days into our time at the park when we stopped at this self-guided boardwalk in a meadow. Now, compared to bison and elk and waterfalls and geysers, a walk on a hot summer day in a very Minnesota-looking prairie didn't generate a ton of enthusiasm from the boys. As they begrudgingly exited the vehicle, I handed the my camera to B - a peace offering of sorts and an attempt to engage him in the outing.

As we walked along, the landscape was mostly brown and green with a sprinkling of pale blue flowers. B began playing with the macro setting of the camera and took some lovely close up shots of the flowers. Then we noticed the butterfly. It was the same shade of blue as the flowers and disappeared easily amongst them. B made it his mission to carefully stalk it and take the shot I now have on my phone.

When I look at the butterfly photo, I see a beautiful image but I'm also reminded of a determined boy who was a good sport and someone who recognized the simple beauty of a small creature that others might overlook. I'm also reminded that beauty isn't always obvious and grand. Sometimes it's small and tries its best to hide, but we can find it if we take the time to look in unexpected places.