Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life. Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I usually run with a theme. I am taking you back to Enlighten this week, but we are starting in town rather than in the Parliamentary Triangle. On my way to do my shift at Lifeline I spotted not one but three 'Illuminated Mini Beasts'. The beasts are brightly coloured neon insects, which will remain in the city centre as part of the Enlighten festival.
Starting with the Swallowtail Butterfly.
Then the Neon Cuckoo Bee which is apparently native to Sydney. They rely on other bees to raise their young and lay their eggs in the nests of others.
Finishing up with the Cicada. Apparently this cicada hums when touched, but I went past early in the rain and it refused to sing for me.
It was a very, very busy and draining shift at Lifeline so I was grateful for these colourful treats.
There is still more to come from Enlighten but it can wait for another post.
Keep your fingers crossed for me please. Our Balloon Spectacular started yesterday and I am heading off shortly before dawn (in a couple of hours) in the hopes of seeing them take to the skies.
Those are really impressive. A lot of work went into creating them I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: They are impressive. They are interactive too, but it was too early in the day for the interactivity to be turned on when I came through.
DeleteGorgeous! Even the fly. :)
ReplyDeleteSandi: They are gorgeous - and there was no fly.
DeleteFantastic insects. And I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): There is always room for quirky fun in my life and these tipped the bill. Our fingers were perhaps not crossed tightly enough. Some balloons took to the air, but we will go back tomorrow.
DeleteThose insects are GORGEOUS! What colours and detail! Delightful, EC, and you captured them well.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how draining Lifeline work must be. I'm glad you had these beauties to turn to.
jenny_o: It is very tiring, but also very rewarding. Remembering these bright beauties helped though.
DeleteP. S. I wish and hope you get to see the balloons ...
ReplyDeletejenny_o: We saw some balloons and thoroughly enjoyed them. Wind kept the majority on the ground and we will go back tomorrow.
DeleteThese are exquisite, almost sci-fi in appearance, otherworldly.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the balloons.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: Otherworldly is how I saw them too. I love them.
DeleteThe feature balloon this year is spectacular - and if from Canada.
Those made my day! You are a pleasure to know and to visit
ReplyDeleteCloudia: What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.
DeleteSo amaizing!!! Great Pics!
ReplyDeleteBjxxx
Ontem é só Memória | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
Teresa Isabel Silva: Thank you.
DeleteSpectacular creations, I'm sure children would love to see these.
ReplyDeleteJohn "By Stargoose And Hanglands": Welcome. This child certainly loved them.
DeleteThe Bee is rad!
ReplyDeleteTilly Bean: Welcome. The bee is amazing isn't it? I would love to see a real one.
DeleteI hope you got to see the balloons launch. I used to love that when we lived in an area that did it too. I could stay for hours and watch. These bugs are great, a lot of work, for sure. And I never thought I'd say any bug was great, just for the record. ;) I saw your message about teaching, thank you for responding. I would consider tutoring. It's certainly worth looking into a bit. :) Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Thank you. It was a mixed morning. Some balloons flew, but most didn't. So we will go back tomorrow.
DeleteI am a fan of insects, I think that many are beautiful, but I know that many are not. I am really impressed that you liked these ones.
love those wonderful insects
ReplyDeleteSue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer: Aren't they great?
DeleteIf I make any typos, EC, they are because my fingers are crossed!!
ReplyDeleteSuch colourful, quite brilliant creations.
Have yourself a great week...don't over extend yourself. Take good care. Cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: Thank you. Cross them again tomorrow please. It is a busy week ahead but there will be some fun as well. Jazz thanks you. Please salute your furry overlords for me.
DeleteLooks like a wonderful exhibit, Sue. I would have enjoyed going there with you.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: It was a sneaky exhibit. There were no signs alerting anyone of their presence and they were spread out inside (and outside) a fairly boring mall. I was incredibly lucky that my path to Lifeline took me past all of them. I would have welcomed your company though.
DeleteFingers crossed! And I LOVE these spectacular critters. Thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. Please keep them crossed for at least another day. Aren't the insects a joy?
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful pieces of art, celebrating the glories of nature. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I really liked the celebration of nature and I am glad you did too. I hope your week is lovely.
DeleteThose insects are wonderful - and your photos have shown them off beautifully.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that you saw lots of balloons ascending in the dawn - I'm looking forward to seeing those shots!
Alexia: Thank you. It was challenging photographing them inside in muted light. We saw some balloons today and I am hoping for more tomorrow.
DeleteHard to single out a favourite, but I think the cuckoo bee might take the biscuit. Thank you.
ReplyDeletedinahmow: I really liked the cuckoo bee too. Like you, it was hard to nail down a favourite.
DeleteWhat great photos, these are beautiful artworks! :) thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a wonderful weekend :) We had a date night last night which was awesome :)
Away From Blue
Mica: Welcome and thank you. I am glad your date night was wonderful and hope there are more to come.
DeleteBeautiful photos, and even more, a fervent wish your balloon festival is all you want it to be.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Many thanks. The balloons this morning were a mixed bag (too much wind) but I took lots of photos and will be back tomorrow. I am still smiling at the memories made though.
DeleteLaurie: I didn't know that you were up to visiting blogs at the moment. I am sorry, if I had known I would have described them more fully. They were intricate, colourful and spectacular.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous post and I hope the balloons yield equally interesting photos for you. These insects look pre-historic...
ReplyDeletee: Thank you. Todays launch was patchy but there are rather a lot of interesting photos. I am hoping for more and better tomorrow.
DeleteBeautiful! The butterfly is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThank you for continuing to share yourself with those who need a lifeline. It's so necessary and yet so much strain on those, like you, who end up absorbing much of the emotional turmoil while helping.
River Fairchild: I really liked them all and refuse to even attempt to choose a favourite.
DeleteMy current mantra is: If they can live it, I can listen. If it hurts to hear (and sometimes it hurts badly) how much more painful it must be to have to live it...
Very interesting insect sculptures with lots of color.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: I thought so too. They were a lovely splash of colour and whimsy.
DeleteOh I do hope the balloons get up off the ground this time. I remember last year there wasn't enough wind. The insects are gorgeous, they'd brighten up a garden for sure.
ReplyDeleteRiver: The problem this morning was too much wind. Erratic gusts of win. Some balloons took to the sky but most were grounded. We will be back tomorrow.
DeleteI really, really liked the insects and would happily make a home for them in the garden.
the transition between winter and spring isn't easy and one feels it acutely, luckily you have show us a way out with the colorful butterflies and winged insects
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: Thank you. I am longing for a transition between summer and autumn. Summer is never my favourite season and this one has been very ugly indeed.
DeleteIs there seriously a Neon Cuckoo Bee? I'm fascinated. Thanks for sharing these wonderful sculptors. Keeping my fingers crossed for your Balloon Spectacular. Have a great week. Jo
ReplyDeleteJo: There definitely is a Neon Cuckoo Bee. This link will take you to an article about them. The Balloon Spectacular was a mixed blessing this morning - so we will go again tomorrow. Mind you, I still took nearly three hundred photos.
DeleteWOW! Big damn bugs! Seriously, quite wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBill: I think they are wonderful too - and there are signs up assuring people they don't bite.
DeleteFabulous Butterflies, colouring, are they REAL, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I wish. How I wish.
DeleteGreat photos. I really enjoyed seeing those very colourful insects, and I am sure they were even better in real life. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRosie: They were a treat. It was early so there were virtually no people around and I could wander round them taking photos to my heart's content.
DeleteAre the mega-mini beasts made from metal and glass, or something completely different? They're beautiful. Thank you for being there for others EC, and may your balloon spectacular fill you with smiles
ReplyDeleteKim: Metal, glass and plastics. They were a heap of fun and two visits to the Balloon Spectacular later I have been filled with smiles. The T-rex didn't take to the skies though (pouty face).
DeleteI love sculpture, not every specimen but the art form in general and these are no different.
ReplyDeleteCuckoo bees! who ever thought the noble bee would have such an evil incarnation! :)
kylie: I didn't know about them either. It is a pretty beast - though its behaviour isn't. I agree with you about sculpture. I am a big fan.
DeleteThose are beautiful neon sculptures. I read a little blurb about Cuckoo bee and they are characters.
ReplyDeleteRick Watson: The Cuckoo Bee is totally unexpected isn't it? Which shows my ignorance.
DeleteAs an artist, I am especially pleased to see these colorful insects. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJ C: I am an appreciator rather than an artist - and loved them.
DeleteHi EC - these are really special ... particularly the bee and locust - but such talented artists. Fascinating about the fact you were taking the photos in the rain - after all that's gone on. Take care - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: We have had a fair amount of lovely rain recently. I welcome each and every drop. It was even nice to be taking photos in the rain.
DeleteWhat magnificent art! I love the brilliant colors.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: They really brightened up a dull shopping mall. Yay.
DeleteWhat an awesome collection of colorful beasties! I must learn your secret to making cicadas be quiet!
ReplyDeleteHoping you had a good morning with the balloons.
Have a wonderful week!
Wally Jones: Our long, long drought seems to have silenced our cicadas. I never thought I would be sorry not to hear them but I am.
DeleteThe balloons yesterday were a bit patchy, so I headed out again shortly before dawn today. And am smiling.
I hope your week is lovely too.
Now those are beautiful insects one can love. Hope you had fun watching the balloons, can’t wait to see your photos.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: I did love them. I took nearly 300 balloon photos yesterday and more today. There will probably be several balloon posts.
DeleteWow, those are beautiful. Even the cicada is pretty and I've seen enough of those in person to not like them. lol
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I haven't seen or heard a real cicada in years. I did enjoy this one.
DeleteIf I had to choose I'd say I like the 2nd best. And the third, 2nd best. Love them all though. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I am grateful I didn't have to choose a favourite. I really welcomed them all, and am so glad the city found a home for them (albeit temporarily).
DeleteI like the second one as well, Sue. So pretty!
ReplyDeleteBtw...
Happy Women's Day! ^.^
Hot guys: They are lovely aren't they? Women's Day has been and gone here - but I did enjoy it. Thank you.
DeleteWow! Those are delightful and so detailed! Good luck with the balloons!
ReplyDeleteJono: I do miss your blog. Are you planning to start bloggging again (hint, hint). And thank you. The balloons were a bit patchy, but the smiles were/are broad.
DeleteThe pictures are great. It must be so much fun to see such creativity up close. I admire and am grateful that you have the energy to attend all these community art exhibits. I also especially admire your work with Life Line.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: Thank you. I get a lot from Lifeline and hope to be able to continue for some time to come. I am a beauty addict too, and will seek it out where ever I can.
DeleteI think they are all amazing! I'd love to see them in real life. Great set of photos!
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: I really like them too, and am sad that they are only temporary.
DeleteSuch amazing and beautiful butterflies. Great shots of the artwork.
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: I think they are lovely too.
DeleteIt's all so beautiful. I miss the days when we could easily go to Washington, D.C., for cool exhibits.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I am endlessly grateful that I have so much to see here, most of it within a half an hour trip from home.
DeleteWow - how magnificent!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: I thought so too.
DeleteWow, Wow, wow! The butterfly and the cicada. Soooo pretty. Really fun to see.
ReplyDeleteThe Happy Whisk: They were wonderful to see. I still smile thinking about them.
DeleteThat Neon Cuckoo Bee is really eye catching
ReplyDeleteHaddock: It is isn't it? I learned from it too. I had no idea there was such a beast and had to ask Captain Google about it.
DeleteThey are all three super cute! And underneath the cuteness lies a ginormous amount of creativity and hard work for sure.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a brilliant time with the balloons!
Nilanjana Bose: As you know I am an appreciator and I appreciated the beauty AND the hard work. The balloons were lovely. I had to go back for a second visit but didn't begrudge it at all. I may head in to Lifeline early on Thursday to see if I can see them from a different perspective. I am definitely a balloon tragic.
DeleteOh WOW...these insects are absolutely stunning!!😊😊
ReplyDeleteI wish we had exhibits like these here!
I hope the balloons were successful, and that you had a really great time...
Love and hugs ❤❤❤
Ygraine: February/March are festival months in my city. There is a lot going on and I only ever skim the surface, but love what I see. The balloons were, as always, a joy.
DeleteHuge hugs to you.
No contest. All spectacular. Thanks for showing.
ReplyDeleteFurry Bottoms: How lovely to see you. I hope that life is treating you kindly. And yes, I agree, they were ALL lovely.
DeleteOH - insects give me thr creeps - even wehn sculptured like that.
ReplyDeleteThey are quite colourful though.
:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: They are indeed colourful. I don't mind most insects. Leeches give me the squicks though.
DeleteOh wow those are fantastic.. so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHena Tayeb: I thought so, and am glad you agree.
DeleteThey're creepy and yet very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTake good care, EC.
Rawknrobyn: I didn't see the creepiness, but did see the beauty. I am lucky there. I am ok - how about you?
DeleteI hope you got to see your balloons. These sculptures are lovely! They must be extra beautiful at nighttime.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. I did see the balloons, though it took two trips. There are hundreds of photos some of which I will undoubtedly post.
DeleteSo colorful and lovely. I can imagine the balloons. Have a great time and thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYolanda Renee: They are lovely aren't they? Many, many photos of the balloons will appear here shortly.
DeleteAwesome sculptures:)
ReplyDeleteKinga K.: I think so too, and am sorry they will only be here for a short while.
DeleteThese are beautiful and so colorful. I am glad you had them to lighten your mood after your shift. Love the colors!
ReplyDeleteHoping the balloons were a success and that they were able to take off. :)
~Jess
DMS ~Jess: They are incredibly vibrant aren't they? The first day some of the balloons were able to take off. So I went back the next day and more took to the skies. I may even try for a different perspective on Thursday.
DeleteNever thought insects can be so much fun :)
ReplyDeleteashok: And so beautiful...
DeleteAgnes Agnieszka: I agree. I think they are a decided improvement and I wish they could stay.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, what marvellous exhibits. They would brighten anyone’s day.
ReplyDeleteFriko: They certainly brightened mine. I have to go into town again tomorrow and I do hope they are still there.
DeleteSuch pretty bugs! Although I'd be terrified to meet one of that size in person.
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Aren't they lovely. Bugs don't bother me. Snakes do, and I appreciate their beauty from a very long way away.
DeleteWow! Wow! Wow!
ReplyDeleteThese three 'Illuminated Mini Beasts' are just amazing, I do like them, great photographs.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: I said wow a lot too. They were a totally unexpected treat.
DeleteThose are astounding, thank you so much for hosting!
ReplyDeletemessymimi: It is my pleasure and I am glad you liked them.
DeleteSeeing bugs in this form make me not be afraid of them, EC.(lol) Quite beautiful. Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: I am glad to hear it. I thought these were lovely.
DeleteWow, they're spectacular! So complex, just like their namesakes. I'm glad they replenished you a bit after your tough shift.
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: They did, and were needed. I am so very grateful for the art which is abundant in my city.
DeleteFascinating. Glad they aren't spiders.
ReplyDeleteJ Cosmo Newbery: I would happily watch spider constructions too. Our peacock spider is a beauty.
DeleteThose are glorious!!!! Thanks so much for sharing and sending good vibes!!
ReplyDeleteJemi Fraser: I thought they were glorious too. I revisited them when I went into town this week - and still love them.
DeleteWow, wow, wow. I would love to see those.
ReplyDeleteSnowbrush: Aren't they wonderful? They were the highlight of the Enlighten festival for me.
DeleteTruly, truly stunning!!! I would sing for you, if I could! LOL! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Thank you. The crow you drew for me lives in the bookcase beside the bed and DOES sing for me. Each and every day.
DeleteAs always I'm grateful to see your photos of enlighten. How nice that these structures will remain in your city.
ReplyDeleteI'm late to comment, but I do hope you made it the balloon launch.
Myrna R: Thank you. I did make it to the balloon launch - and loved it.
Delete