Monday, April 29, 2013

Butterflies and Memories

Had the butterflies been pink, or yellow, or blue this cardigan would have stayed in the shop. Butterflies are not my style. These butterflies are orange and black though. They reminded me so much of growing up in Ontario that I had to bring them home.

I grew up in Essex County, home of Point Pelee National Park. Each fall thousands of monarch butterflies gather at Pelee to begin their migration to Mexico. Your timing has to be just right to witness this wonder. The monarchs are only there for a few days before they take flight. Of all the times I visited the park, I only managed to be there once for the migration. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. It's the kind of memory that makes me buy butterfly-infested cardigans when I'm looking for black trousers.


The sweater isn't the only part of this outfit that reminds me of my roots. The necklace was a gift from my Grandmother. She gave it to me while I was visiting her years ago. It belonged to a great-aunt, or a great-great-aunt. I wish I could remember who the original owner was. (That's a hint should any of my family members be reading this. If you recognize the necklace, please let me know who it belonged to.) 



The Shamballa-style, tiger-eye bracelet was a Christmas gift from my parents. My sister and my niece were given similar bracelets. Wearing mine makes me think of family.

The photos are a family affair too. Each week, without complaint, Hubby takes my Visible Monday photos. I'm not his only subject. Below are two of his more co-operative models.





Once again I am linking up with Patti and the stylish rabble for Visible Monday over at Not Dead Yet Style

FYI - Rabble is the term for a group of butterflies. I feel it is an apt description for the wonderful women who insist on being visible week after week. 

11 comments:

  1. Love your sweater, and I am going to borrow the "rabble" terminology, adore that! Thanks for coming over to Vis Monday and have a great week ahead.

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  2. Ah, such a lovely, lovely cardigan! I am fan of butterflies too--we see them here for a while in the fall. I assume they are making their way to Mexico via Texas? In any case, they and you are gorgeous :-)

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  3. Thanks Patti. I'm thrilled to be part of the rabble!

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  4. Thanks Rosiecat! There is a map of their migration route on the website I linked too. The map isn't labelled, but if my really poor geography is right, it looks like the monarchs do pass through Texas on their way to Mexico.

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  5. Laurie your cardigan is amazing! Just the perfect outfit to celebrate spring.

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  6. Thanks Sabine! It's nice to think that spring is finally here!

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  7. What a pretty sweater! How nice that it brings back such sweet memories.

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  8. Thanks Val! I'm glad this sweater caught my eye. It's nice to be reminded of such good memories when I open my closet.

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  9. I love your blog every time I get to read you! Rabble! Have to remember that one... and your completely perfect outfit. This is one I'd love to wear. Gorgeous, girl. Jewelry, too.

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  10. Aw, shucks. Thanks Jan. I got the sweater at Riokis. I don't know if they have it in the states, but they are online. www.rickis.com Looks like it's still available.

    Rabble rabble!

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  11. Sorry Jan, I meant RICKIS. Long day at work. I think I got the website right though.

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Laurie the Monkey Queen