Queen Butterflies and Hurricanes

Volume 19 Issue 10, October 2022

What's New in October?

As I write this, Tropical Storm Ian is wobbling around by Cuba. Like every hurricane season, we watch and wait to see if something will develop, and then we watch and wait to see where it will go.

We’re at the second phase of that now, as we wait to see how the storm will be guided by an approaching front. Today’s forecast is a Category 3 hitting Tampa, but tomorrow will be something very different. So, in the meantime, the West Coast of Florida prepares for a storm of some sort. On the East Coast of Florida, we watch to see if it will trek across the state and come out over our heads. Either way, it’s a time to be diligent. If you would like to read my blog post on how to read a hurricane map, click here.

9-29 Update on Hurricane Ian. It was a catastrophic hurricane for the Southwestern part of Florida. As I speak, they are underwater in Ft. Myers and Naples. The damage has been tremendous. It came across the state and exited about 40 miles to my north. It will be a long time before we know what and who it affected. If you're so inclined, please donate to your local Red Cross or to food pantries. There will be a tremendous need for money in the near future. 

As most of you who read my blogs and posts know, (if you haven't, click here to read my Monarch adventures) I’ve been raising Monarch butterflies this year. I just released 8 new butterflies this morning alone. I kinda overdid it this time and ended up with 29 caterpillars. I have 10 new butterflies riding the storm out in the garage and they will be released later today when the storm bands stop going through.

This beauty was a fluke. I found a Queen caterpillar on my milkweed and gave it a place to transition. Here is the gorgeous butterfly that emerged. I have never seen one in the yard before, nor have I seen one since I released this one a few months ago, but they must be around somewhere!

What’s New

New Earrings:  In addition to fractal earrings, I added some pretty flowers and other colorful beads. 

Thimbles: New Christmas and great grandma thimbles, as well as faith-based thimbles with bible verses.

New Book: The Joy of Jewelry Making Create for fun. Sell for Profit is now available on Amazon in both paperback and ebook formats. 

You will find all of my beads, canes and finished jewelry on my website. www.bluemorningexpressions.com

Until next month,

Julie

Things to Look Forward To: 

New Products:

Pushpins: I have too many themes to mention here, but from teachers to nurses to friends, I am doing designs as quickly as I can.

Necklace Pendants: Working on new designs of necklace pendants and keyrings. 10mm stud earrings are also in the works.

Prints and Posters: Bible verse posters and other art featuring hot rods and more are in production.