Bella Summer Nights

Posted on by Miriam

She came seemingly from nowhere. We named her Bella.

She deserved a beautiful name, the butterfly that flew into our camper van while we were camping this week.

It was hot and perhaps she was seeking refuge, though even during pockets of rain and coolness she stayed. It was as if she didn’t want to leave.We’d been camping at Wulwa Riverside Caravan Park. A last minute summer reprieve during a hot spell by the mighty Murray River.

The setting was idyllic and our week consisted of us mostly immersed in the water. We floated continuously up and down the river with our noodles, gliding with the current, going with the flow.

On the water we barely needed to swim, the river had a force and power of its own, taking us downstream in its wake.

Even Harry felt it’s force.

Yet still we directed ourselves to where we wanted to be. The shoreline, at the sandy bank, near our campsite.

We always have a vestige of control, even if it seems illusional.

After three days of luxurious relaxation and with the caravan park booked out for the coming Australia Day holiday weekend we had to move on.

Next stop unknown but we all agreed, with hot temperatures forecast it should be somewhere around water so we set our sights on the picturesque mountain village of Mitta Mitta.

Tucked away in a peaceful valley at the foot of the pristine Snowy Creek we found our secluded camp spot. That’s where we spotted Bella, but not before another peaceful, fun few days in the water.

In the fast flowing creek, we tentatively walked and balanced on rocks, finding that perfect position so we didn’t take a tumble.

We sat amongst huge submerged boulders and cooled ourselves off like we were in a whirlwind spa, refreshing and invigorating.

By night time we were ready for another alfresco dinner cooked on the barbecue.

With the flowing creek in the background, a chorus of birds and frogs around us and a nice drop of red wine it was an idyllic setting.

Eating in the great outdoors is simply bliss. Is it any wonder I love camping so much?

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Later it began to rain and so we retreated inside. Even then, the sound of the rain pattering on the roof was cosy.

Thunder rumbled in the distance and Harry, terrified of storms, became my shadow. Every so often a huge boom rocked the night air as though Mother Nature was getting over a hard day and letting off steam.

Still Bella the butterfly hovered above us. The door was left open and she had every chance to leave but it was as if she’d chosen to stay.

Every time I got up to move she flew up and fluttered around my face.

Camping this week has been a wonderful chance to do some moon gazing. While we were away the moon was distinctly in its quarter phase.

In just a few days we’ll have a chance to see a lunar phenomenon not seen for 150 years. This Super Blue Blood moon eclipse will grace our skies and apparently be quite prominent over Australia.

Shame we won’t still be camping.

Still, I’m grateful for everything. The time I’ve had to relax, to plan and to think about what’s important to me.

This lead up period has been a time of writing out my goals and setting intentions for the year ahead.

A few weeks ago I planted my dreams by writing out a letter to the Universe. Then a page from an unknown yet meaningful book appeared on my front lawn.

Next week I’ll elaborate on how finding this page lead to my latest song collaboration with Deb and Rob.

Signs, butterflies, pages from books … life really is a continuous journey full of mystery and divine guidance. There’s so much we don’t know and understand. But, just like the butterfly that hovered in our van, I’m excited as to how life will unfold

What I do know is that my heart and mind is wide open. Small things affect me greatly. I never thought I’d write about a butterfly yet somehow these little insignificant signs seem much bigger than they appear.

Let’s stay open to those signs. Whether we’re out in nature or at home, they’re all around us, in this illuminating time of transformation and expansion.

It’s up to us how we meet it.

Did the butterfly visit to let me know that life is temporary and to embrace the now?

Did it fly in to remind me that everything is precious and fleeting yet everything we do leaves a mark?

Perhaps both or did it just need a haven for the night?

Let’s keep our eyes open to the mystery that surrounds us, the joy in the most simple things.

May we all continue to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, the beauty in the simple moments and the opportunities and blessings that exist in front of us.

In light and love as we continue the journey

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96 thoughts on “Bella Summer Nights”

  4. I’m a big believer in signs and fate too Miriam. This is fabulous! Today I’ve been heavily thinking about my intentions for this year too and throwing everything at heading in the direction I want to go. Reading all about decluttering your life and mind etc… to let in what you need. Small steps to big dreams maybe. I will,be looking out for that big moon too. Best wishes. Glenys ✌️🦋

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  7. A) you make camping sound like something I would actually like, when in fact, I have never had very much luck with it at all. It’s been eight years since the last time I tried. Maybe it’s time for me to start thinking about trying again! B) I love the pictures, and the blog- it made me feel peaceful and happy. C) I absolutely believe in signs, and gentle nudges from the other side. You feel it when you are headed down the right path. I think the only thing that messes us up is ourselves, getting in our own way. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. Thanks for reminding me to get out of my way! Beautiful post. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much for your wonderful comments. I hope you do give camping another chance, maybe 2018 will be the year for new ventures and adventures. Can’t hurt hey? And you’re absolutely right about those signs and nudges from the other side. Sometimes they’re obvious but we choose to ignore them. No more hey. Here’s to stepping aside to let all that wonderful stuff in. Thanks again and warmest wishes to you. x 🙂

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  10. Beautiful post Miriam both in pictures and words. Some photos I just want to keep as art.
    I do especially love the butterfly visitor; yes, I think it was a sign and you will see. I had this happen with butterflies
    before. Amazing creatures and so beautiful.
    You just enjoy the feel of new adventures on the horizon and the ones you have.
    miriam

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  13. Who has a pet butterfly?! Only Miriam! Bella is a beauty; quite the visitation!

    This whole post made me rethink my own aversion to camping (once, something I loved to do, then became a hassle to do, now…who knows?) and I enjoyed the imagery, both in photo and in prose.

    Thank you for lifting our collective spirits, Miriam!

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    1. A pet butterfly, love it! Actually Tom, it did feel a bit like a pet, at least a temporary one, haha.
      Seriously though, thanks for your kind comment. Glad if I could conjure up some nice thoughts and images of camping. As you can tell, I have absolutely no aversion to it. Cheers.

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  16. Thank you for the reminder that life is a continuous journey and we need to keep our eyes open to the mystery and messages around us. Another beautiful post!

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  17. Miriam your camping trips so remind me of our motorhome days, and what a fantastic waterhole. I so miss hearing the rain on the roof, B.L.I.S.S. Here’s to many more trips for you both and for us to enjoy reading about!! 🙂

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  19. Thoroughly enjoyed this – warm summer days and nights, camping by a river, butterflies – it is -15C here, so really appreciated the outdoor warmth of your words and photographs.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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  20. Wonderful post Miriam. I don’t camp because I don’t enjoy a crowd! You and your family find such wonderful idyllic places. I live in Melbourne too and I think it may be time to explore a little more and to be more adventurous. I love the sign that Bella bought to your trip too. Happy days. X

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    1. Oh, I don’t like crowds either! That’s why we always try and find those off the beaten track places. So many great places around here. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and stay cool. xo

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      1. Thanks Miriam, I’m going to try talking the hubs into a more adventurous retirement for us both. Staying cool is not easy at todays 40degrees, but I’m trying. More concerned about the cat at the moment. Silly girl won’t stay inside. B x

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        1. You’re right Barbara, today’s an absolute cooker. I had the same thing with Harry who likes to burrow into the dirt. Fortunately I’ve managed to coax him inside. xo

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  21. That water looks lovely. As usual, another super post from you.
    Signs are everywhere if we are open. Sometimes it is hard to work out what question they are in answer to though, so having an open mind and heart increases the chance they will find the right place to settle. Much like your butterfly.

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  27. Hi Miriam! I just nominated you for The Blogger Appreciation Award. I am telling you this just so you know, if you don’t want to do all the stuff the award entails, I totally understand. I never imagined this would be so awkward. Hahaha! Anyway, you are appreciated! 🙂

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    1. You’re so very kind and I really appreciate this. Like I just wrote on your blog I haven’t done awards for a very long time but it makes me happy that you thought of me. Don’t feel awkward, I’m touched at the mention. Thank you. 🙂

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  28. So of course I have looked up and read about the symbolism of butterflies. The obvious is the representation of transformation, but what I found interesting was it had questions the butterfly asks us, like to accept the changes in our lives as casually as she does. The butterfly transforms from egg to caterpillar to cocoon to butterfly all within a month. How would we do if we went through so many significant changes in such a short time span. The butterfly also asks us what is our attitude towards change, how does this affect us, can we accept who and where we are, if not, do we believe we can change this, if so how will we react to the changes to come. Do we believe in our greater good, can we allow good to flow into our lives naturally, are we willing to take the long soul’s journey to be the best we can be? (this info came from whats-your-sign.com) Such great questions Bella has brought!! She also asks us to keep the faith as we go through these transitions in our life. Oh I love that Bella came to spend time with you. What a wonderful time you all had and the scenery is just gorgeous!! More beautiful memories for your mind’s memory book!! Big Bella Hugs!! xo 🙂

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    1. I knew you’d look up the symbolism Deb. I did too though my revelations weren’t exactly the same as yours. Interesting how quickly a butterfly morphs but what I wasn’t aware of were the questions that she asks of us and it made me really think. Thanks for this added info my friend and for always being so open to the wonders out there. I’m so excited to share Wednesday’s post on Planting Dreams. Big hugs to you xo 🙂💕

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      1. I found the questions asked part quite intriguing and knew you would too!! Loved your drops of hints in this post of your coming post. I am sooo excited for it. I’m even going to write something down on paper that I want to rid myself of and burn it in a candle that night!!! Very exciting!! Big Super Blue Moon Planting Dreams Hugs xo Ha do you think I fit enough into that hug… 😉

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  31. What a beautiful way to live life-Like you, I now notice signs and omens, more than ever. A butterfly is considered a good omen, but other signs seem very personal and you just seem to know somehow, it was a sign. Make a wish on the blue moon-I am!

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    1. Thanks so much Michelle. Yes, signs are all around us aren’t they? We just have to be open. I certainly will be wishing on the blue moon. Such a special time we’re part of right now. Warmest wishes to you xo

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  33. Wow!! Secret of those ‘signs’.
    Absolutely, universe gives us signs we just have to see and think about it.
    Life is meant to live in ‘now’
    Great post!!
    Rather than being busy with the gadgets it’s good to observe our surroundings.
    Sending positive vibes 🌼🌼🌼

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