Monarchs in the Late September Garden

Just a few quiet days at home in late September 2008. The weather was mild and pleasant, and the monarch butterflies were out in full force, taking an interest in the lantana we had growing in pots just outside. I found myself spending a good amount of time watching one of them as it moved deliberately from one cluster of flowers to the next, its orange and black wings occasionally catching the light.

It stayed for a while, seeming unbothered as I got close with the camera. It moved between the bright yellow blossoms and the other clusters that were a mix of pink and orange. It’s always a small highlight of the day when they show up, a moment of quiet focus on something so intricate and delicate.

The rest of the time was just regular life indoors. Here's a snapshot of our kitchen from that time. White appliances, light countertops, and that pass-through window looking into the living area. It's not a space I thought much about then, but it’s interesting to look back on these everyday details. Just a simple, calm end to the month.