Ladybugs

One of the simple joys in Oakhurst is spotting the Bug Lady. It took me the longest time to figure her out. She drives around town in a red VW beetle with black spots. How cute! How clever! And I kept seeing her parked at the Western Sierra Nursery here in town. Duh. She owns it. I guess she drives around in a precocious vehicle just because..... I’m a bit of a ladybug myself. Red is one of my favorite colors and I don’t mind standing out in a crowd. For more on ladybugs, read Jill’s post here.

When Evan was turning 3, I purchased little magnifying glasses, plastic tweezers and bug cups for party favors. The night before his birthday, I also purchased a bag full of ladybugs and released them into our yard. My little bug-lover was born in March when aphids begin their attacks in the Bay Area and ladybugs are for sale. How fortunate that we could enjoy such a silly insect hunting party! What kind of cake did I serve? Bugs Life probably. Ahhhh... those were the days, when I went out of my way just because.....

Roses. Once upon a time, I had 8 on our little suburban parcel. Mr. Lincoln was my favorite and I miss him still. If you follow my blog you know that last year, the deer were having a field day with my new roses. New roses were my attempt to recreate the glory days of suburban living while living in mountain area hostility! The deer were reading my “out to lunch” sign and helping themselves to a budding harvest. Then came the voles... but that was a blog for another day.

Both pesky critters and ladybugs alike are plentiful here in Oakhurst. I’ll take ladybugs anytime! Last year they were ALL OVER my garage! Watching them transform themselves was wonderful. Have you ever walked through a swarm of them? I guess it’s another one of those local enjoyments. Not everyone has seen a rattlesnake, but many of us have a ladybug story to tell. I guess it’s why many of us live here, to commune with nature, endure its surprises and revel in its wonder.

Ladybugs. Not cacophonous creatures like the bullfrogs our friends have to put up with on their property or creepy like the bats in another friend’s attic. Ladybugs are polite (they don’t bite), protective (they eat aphids) and even generous (they let you touch them). For all the larvae they littered my house with last year, not a mark was left when they were gone. Eventually, they flew away home leaving not a trace, but a pleasant memory. They gave us enjoyment just because....... Ladybugs are friends.

Ladybugs. Pretentiously beautiful but humble in heart. You’ve heard the cry, “A ladybug!” Time stands still. Everyone wants one to have and to hold. Don’t you always count their spots? Don’t you marvel at their movement? Don’t you sigh when they finally fly away? Simple joy in a blessed moment.

Last week my friend sent me a garden flag. What can I say? It’s not my birthday. It’s not a holiday. My friend sends me something beautiful and sweet just because..... SHE is a ladybug and when I am with her, time stands still. I count her admirable qualities, marvel at her pure motives and sigh when she drives away. Such friends never bite, protect you from enemies and are generous enough to let you in to the treasure chest inside. Such friends are always more than welcome and every moment shared is blessed.

Ladybugs. Simple joy. Just because.