My office was on a pile of rocks near the beach, at South Padre Island. I was thinking about our three weeks on the road, when a fluffy, black caterpillar crossed over my flip-flopped foot. I kicked it into next week. In my defense, I didn’t see it until it was flying through the air.

We were both fine, with err on the side of caution.

This week, I am hosting the Lens-Artist Challenge with a focus on, What’s Bugging You? I think the true challenge here, is that encounters are rarely purposeful, and bugs are never willing participants. We happen upon them and well, you know, twenty-five photos later that perfect bee finally plops itself down on a lavender-thistle, or we capture it peeking from behind a kangaroo-paw plant.

Love macro? This is your week, but hang on. I know not everyone loves to be up close and personal to bugs.

Perhaps your preference is a bug’s-eye view from under a flower, or in a canyon where you feel small. Spiderwebs? They, along with wasp nests, are fascinating works of art. In many parts of the world, bugs are considered a delicacy, so maybe “bug or buggy” has a completely different connotation for you.

That is for you to decide.

At Carlsbad Caverns, we descended 830′ into the earth, and while we were there to learn about the bats, I gained a far greater appreciation for ants. Did you know that in addition to aerating soil, and dispersing seeds, an ant can lift and carry fifty times it’s own weight? For me, that translates to the weight of a hippopotamus. After three hours underground hauling a backpack…

I will give them the nod they deserve.

At White Sands National Monument, I crossed my fingers, faithfully searching for the albino lizard, the white pocket mouse, and a moth recently discovered in the park. No luck. In fact, since we arrived midday, we didn’t see any wildlife except for the bees who took ownership of the water fountain.

I didn’t leave unhappy. The darkling beetle was ever-present, so you might be surprised when I tell you I never found one. Instead, I was privy to its meticulous prints and adventurous journey.

Butterflies? I can’t let this week go without butterflies. I could talk of their arduous, metamorphic journey, or how I am personally enamored with the intricate detail on their wings. I won’t.

Instead, I will simply share how much I love their cascading influence on our smiles.

They master the art of leading us into, believing in, the sunny side of everything, don’t they?

So…What’s Bugging You?

I will wait.

Wind Kisses, Donna