Pacific Grove Monarchs

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

Yesterday, Alan and I made our annual trip, down the coast to Pacific Grove, also known as "Butterfly Town USA." It's called that because each year thousands of Monarch butterflies choose this small coastal town to do their overwintering in. Actually, the monarchs can be found in giant clusters all along the pacific coast, but this is one of the largest colonies. It is estimated, this year, that there are about 15,000 clustered in this grove alone. It is nothing short of majestic!

I have been going to see the butterflies in Pacific Grove for years, but this year is perhaps one of the best in terms of numbers of Monarchs. It's most peaceful way to spend a November day as I can think of, and that's why I go there, to find some peace and quiet beauty. I wish autumn never had to end, I look forward to it all year long, and it seems like it never lasts quite long enough. Sigh. If you enjoy photography, and you live in California, you must go see the butterflies of Pacific Grove!

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

-Maya Angelou

"Once I read a story about a butterfly in the subway, and today, I saw one. It got on at 42nd and off at 59th, where I assume it was going to Bloomingdales to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake - as almost all hats are."

-Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) You've Got Mail

-Carly
"Butterfly Town USA"
Pacific Grove, California
November 19th, 2008
Afternoon

The Overwintering Of Carly

"I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man."

-Chuang Tzu

Each autumn, the Monarch butterflies begin their overwintering process. They travel thousands of miles, to the coastal trees of California and Mexico to spend some time in the warmth of the sun. It's part of their survival. Well, since I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I have been identifying with the butterflies somewhat. See, I used to love the cold weather. I would be just the opposite of those afflicted with Seasonal Affected Disorder. My depression level actually improves with the cold, dark days of late autumn and winter. Daylight savings time is practically a holiday to me. LOL. Any excuse to celebrate right?

Unfortunately, with the onset of Fibromyalgia, came swelling and deep pain in my hands, legs and feet. Last winter it was so bad at times, I couldn't sit and type an entire entry at one time, I had to use the draft feature and comeback later to finish it. The Fibromyalgia was a new diagnosis, and I hadn't learned a lot about dealing with it. But now I am almost an expert on how to care for myself during the autumn and winter. All that is involved is altering my lifestyle a bit. LOL. Easy for me to say. LOL.

Actually, it hasn't been all that difficult to change my lifestyle, and my hours. So now, instead of staying up until Alan leaves for work at 5:00 AM, I go to bed no later than midnight. Elvis wakes me for breakfast at about 7:00 AM, which gives me a chance to get my gardening, and my housework done well before noon. And it also gives me a couple hours to work on my entries, without cutting into Alan/Elvis and Me time. :) I get tired easier these days, these autumn days, so, if I want to still be an amateur photographer, as well as a wife, and mommy to the world's most animated cat, and a blogger, I have to accept the fact that I must change my wicked, wicked ways. :) I even have some help from H. P., who I usually text with in the wee hours of the morning. He is my buddy, so he is there whenever I need him, which makes him a good friend indeed. I am a lucky overwintering girl!

"What Is Seasonal Effective Disorder?" WebMD

Monarch Butterfly In North America FAQ

-OndineMonet
"Overwintering"
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
October, 2007
Afternoon