The butterfly counts not months but moments and has time enough. – Tagore

We’re so lucky to be close to Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz where Monarchs overwinter. They arrive in October and stick around until February, nestled among sheltered coastal groves of eucalyptus.

Look closely, this vine is loaded with HUNDREDS of Monarchs.

On a cold day they will huddle together in masses with their wings closed looking like dried leaves or clusters of pinecones. On a warm day they will begin to flutter about, an enchanted grove of waking wings .

OK, so Maybe I can’t BE the butterfly, but I can be in the moment.

I can also resolve to plant some milkweed and support the protection of native habitats to help these inspiring creatures on their awesome migration. This bunch will lay the eggs that will hatch, turn into caterpillars, feed on milkweed, turn into the chrysalis that will develop into the Monarchs that will begin the first leg of the journey to the Rockies. Good luck to them all and may we see their great great great offspring next winter!