Saturday, July 27, 2013

Dragonflies




 

I took these photos on my walk today. I'm pleased with how they turned out, considering that I have to time everything perfectly and hope the shot is in focus with my ancient camera (because I can't tell without my glasses, and since I don't need them for distance, I don't bring them when I'm out walking). There were lots of dragonflies darting around the pond today--the first sunny day in nearly a week. (Click on a photo for better viewing.)

Have I ever mentioned that the title of my finished novel is Dragonfly? It's set in 19th century Massachusetts. The heroine is a young woman who studies dragonflies and makes detailed paintings of them. In the story, she encounters the fantastic, finds herself at the center of a dangerous mystery and falls in love. At the heart of Dragonfly is the frailty of human perception. I hope to tell you more about it one day. ♥

Right now, I'm heading out back to sit by the pool and read.  I haven't yet finished The Firebird, by Susanna Kearsley, but I've decided to put it aside. It's a bit slow paced for me and lacks a compelling conflict. I had the same trouble with Winter Sea. However, both stories started with a great idea, and Kearsley has a nice storytelling voice. Instead, I'm reading some of Leo Tolstoy's short works and enjoying every minute of it. I think I will bring out my colored pencils and illustrate some of my diary entries, too. After that, maybe I'll take a swim before it's time to get the grill going for supper. : )

10 comments:

  1. I love the synopsis for your story, it reads so beautifully - a real lure. Somehow, the words capture the delicate old-fashioned but magical nature of the story. And how great for you to get such wonderful photographs of dragonflies!

    I am so looking forward to the inevitable day when your book comes on sale :-)

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  2. Oh, you have such a difficult life.... :D

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    1. Well, I try to keep my chin up, you know. ;D

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  3. Those are great photos! I couldn't get those with my fancy camera. ;-) Thanks for telling us more about your book!

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    1. Thanks, Brandy. I'm beginning to develop an affection for my old, cheap, bulky Kodak. I do think it takes a better photo than the newer and more expensive camera which broke on me a few months back.

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  4. I confess, as a child I feared the dragonfly! As an adult I think they are beautiful and wonder what my problem was as a child. I think santa should gift you an new camera and some progressive lens (for glasses). I wear progressive lens with a teeny tiny correction for distance-now I can see!!!! Love your photos :)

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    1. In researching my novel I read a lot of dragonfly lore. Apparently, they were known as the "Devil's darning needle" and some feared that the dragonfly could sew your lips shut. That story scared me a little.

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  5. I'm glad you decided to trust your other senses to get the dragonfly shots -- they are very nice indeed. My first question after reading your novel synopsis is how did the main character become so interested in dragonflies? I guess I will need to read the book and find out for myself!

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    1. Unfortunately, that little bit I shared really doesn't tell much about the story. I hope to provide a better blurb in the future. For now, I must keep everything a secret. : )

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