Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Damselfly

















And welcome to Melva Loves Scraps!  I hope that you will take some time to look around my blog and learn about me.

My block is "Dragonfly"... or as QM re-named it, The Damselfly.  What a clever name!  I love it!  


My inspiration came last summer when I was participating in the Cloud 9 Blog hop, where all of the participants designed and made an original block.  I believe there were 40+ blocks created and will soon be made into quilts to be donated to charity...  I started sketching...I started with a butterfly block that I had previously made and then moved forward...  I wasn't very successful.  I had something that resembled an ugly bumble bee (right below the butterfly)... 




but with just a few tweaks here and there - once I had the wings figured out, I had the Damselfly!


Did you know... 






Dragonflies are not your average insects. These mysterious and ancient creatures have lived on earth for millions of years, far longer than humans. They sometimes appear fearless and maybe even a bit nosey, not hesitating to land on a nearby twig or even on a gardener’s hat. (from Dragonfly SymbolismIf a dragonfly repeatedly flies alongside someone as they take a morning walk, following the passing of a loved one, what would it mean to them?  For those involved, these real life experiences symbolize hope, immortality, and the afterlife. They offer comfort during a time of need. 






Dragonflies remind me of lazy, laid back summer days.  Especially the lazy summer days at the cottage on Indian Lake that my Father-in-law and his wife, Connie, had in Michigan. 


It was in August 2005 when our family road-tripped our way from Colorado to Southern Michigan.  Paul & Connie had planned a family gathering and we were among the few that were unable to be present at the time that it was planned.  We had already had a trip to Gettysburg and Washington DC planned, but we re-arranged our schedule and showed up as a surprise to Dad & Connie.  Boy were they surprised!  All of the eight siblings and their spouses were present, and all but two of the grand-children.  


It is quite the bunch when everyone is together... 27 in number! (at the time)



 There were giggles between cousins. 
          There was food. 
                    There were birthday celebrations.


 There were card games. 
            There was laughter.  




Some water skied. 
          Some tried to water ski.   
                    Some swam.   


















  
Some tubed.  
            Some floated.   
                      Some paddled.  
                                     And some rested.




















There were chairs, towels, toys, and kids everywhere! 























There were memories made...








These sort of gatherings don't happen much anymore since family members have scattered across the US and the world - from California to South Carolina and Colorado and Texas to Illinois... and let's not forget Abu Dabi!  









Dad and Connie have passed on and our lives has moved on, but we all have such fond memories of this weekend!


This is what "Damselfly" reminds me of...  




So, tell me... 
What does the visit of a Dragonfly remind you of? 


Leave a comment by 11:59 p.m. (Mountain time) May 7th for an opportunity to win a copy of Volume 15. 
There are two chances!

Remember, if you are "no-reply" blogger be sure to leave your e-mail address with your comment to ensure that I can contact you if selected.

Good luck!  And thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Melva




115 comments:

  1. I would have seen stairsteps if you hadn't told me. Great story.

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    1. Thank you. Thanks for sharing in my memories. and for taking the time to comment.

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  2. Dragonflies just make you happy. The way they flitter around and land, ...so much fun!!
    Great pattern.
    Betty K bgk 44 @ msn.com

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  3. Damselflies remind me of warm summer days in the garden. Excellent block!

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  4. Dragonflies are very neat! Love your block!

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    1. Thank you Angie. They are such interesting creatures to watch.

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  5. Dragonflies remind me of my summers spent at a camp in Maine--I spent a lot of time on the lake canoeing and swimming. Love your block!

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  6. I have a dear friend who collects dragonflies, so this block reminds me of her. She might have to get a new quilt this year!

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    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Have fun with the block.

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  7. Dragonflies remind me of my flower gardens as there are dragonflies flittering around all summer. They are so pretty. Your block is on my must do list.

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    1. Once upon a time we had a garden - when we lived in IL - but the ground is just not garden friendly here in So. Colo and the growing season is way too short. But I do love the idea of having a glass of tea in the flower garden watching the butterflies and dragonflies.

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  8. We have a lot of Dragonflies here and they're very friendly, I've always thought one landing on me was good luck.

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  9. I love your block Melva. And I loved the pictures and family story. Butterflies and dragonflies are my favorites. Dragonflies are so pretty to watch because of the way they float around. They remind me of lazy, warm days, of being free to do just what you want.
    Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway.

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  10. dragonflies remind me of lazy summer afternoons when I was growing up.

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  11. Definitely warmer weather - which I am SO ready for!!

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  12. Dragonflies remind me of summer when I was younger. I love watching them hover around the dock at our pond. Thank you for this giveaway!

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  13. Dragonflies remind me of the warm, carefree summer days of my youth!

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  14. It reminds me of the whilygig toy we had as children.

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  15. Dragonflies have always been my favorite insect. I love their iridescence wings. They always seems to cast a spark of joy where ever they flit.

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    1. Thanks Sandra, for sharing you thoughts. I too love the iridescent look as they flit around.

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  16. Damselflies always remind me of camping at Garner State Park which I have been doing regularly since I was a little girl. I even have a dragonfly charm (James Avery). :-) Adore this block!

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    1. In the past we enjoyed camping as well, but since our vintage tent gave out we have enjoyed the comforts of a hotel to sleep in, but certainly still enjoy outdoor activities. :)

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  17. Dragonflies remind me of colorful butterflies flitting among summer flowers. rozz01 at cox dot net

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  18. Dragonflies remind me that it is summer. I used to think they were creepy, but for the last several years I have appreciated their simplicity and elegance....

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    1. I long for the relaxed mood that summer often brings - especially since we had 10" of snow last weekend. It was all gone by Monday afternoon, but ready to usher the winter weather out.

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  19. I think of dragonflys skimming the surface of a lake, snatching bugs out of the path of a frog on a lily pad.

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  20. Dragonflies definitely remind me of summer and times spent with family. I love your block and will have to incorporate it into a project this summer. Thank you. tacdah at gmail dot com

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  21. congratulations. Your block is wonderful. They remind me of good summer times, to slow down and to enjoy what life is before me in the moment. I love the little history you have about them. These are the best kind of family memories.

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  22. I love dragonflies and your block! It reminds of one summer when my daughter was little (she's 29 now). She came running into the house, all breathless, and slammed the door shut. "It's after me! It's after me!" "What's after you?" I asked. "A flying blue pencil,". LOL--a little dragonfly playing with her. One of my favorite memories!

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    1. Thank you for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts, as well as your special memory. Your story is among my favorites.

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  23. When I saw your block and the pictures of your summer, I immediately was taken back to the times when we spent the summers at my Grandmothers farm and I got to spend time with all my aunts and uncles and cousins. Thanks for that. This block would be perfect flying out from the center of a quilt to all four corners. Now to figure out what to put in the center.

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    1. Thank you for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts and memories. I think I would have a rainbow, some cat tails or lily pads in the center of the quilt.

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  24. Dragonflies remind me of going fishing with my Uncle Matt and my brothers when I was little. Uncle Matt has been gone many, many years, but the times spent with him will be remembered a long time.

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  25. Sorry I am so afraid of all flying bugs can't be romantic about them.. love the block thou....
    drhodes9@cox.net

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  26. I am scared of anything that flies.
    auntie.clark@gmail.com

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  27. Dragonflies would remind me of peaceful summer moments. Thank you for the giveaway and the beautiful block.

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  28. Dragonflies remind me of my time at summer camp in Wisconsin. We did not have many where I lived by Chicago, IL. But at camp there were tons. Or, at least, it seemed like it.

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  29. Dragonflies are so beautiful. They always remind me to slow down and enjoy life. Love your block. Thanks for sharing!! Really neat pictures of your family reunion. Diane

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  30. I thought of the strolls along the stream in our local mountains, I see dragonflies there as I watch the egrets and new baby ducks paddle across the stream with their momma's.

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    1. Thank you for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts and memories. A stroll along your stream sounds lovely and relaxing.

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  31. I love your dragonfly block. Many, many years ago, I was a camp counselor and had some time off, so I was sitting by a lake and noticed that there were all of these bugs coming from the lake and climbing up on the plants...slowly each one changed from a bug to a beautiful dragonfly. I had no idea that was part of the life cycle and have never forgotten it after over 55 years. Much like making a new quilt block, it is a wonderful thing. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Margaret, for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts. They are such fascinating creatures to watch.

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  32. A great block - and what a lovely memory for you of such a happy day!
    We have a pond in our garden and I love to sit there with a cup of coffee watching the dragonflies.

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    1. It sounds like a perfect way to wake up in the morning. Enjoy!

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  33. Dragonfly reminds me of summer camping trips by the lakes and rivers with the family.

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    1. We have enjoyed many camping trips, but ever since our vintage tent gave up we have discovered the comfort of a hotel bed, but only after long days exploring outside. Blessings, M

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  34. Damselflies remind me of my neighbor who is a well-published nature photographer. He teaches photographers how to capture them in pictures. They are beautiful creatures.

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  35. A Dragonfly reminds me on long warm summer evenings in our garden
    Thank you for this nice design

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    1. Thank you for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts. I am excited that warmer weather is coming soon so that we can enjoy our evenings on our front porch.

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  36. Your dragonfly reminds me of the freedom we have to "fly" and meet our goals and aspirations.

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  37. Very clever design! A visit from a dragonfly reminds me of what my grandmother told me about them - "They're a sign of good luck!"

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  38. Dragonflies remind me of a pond we would often visit when we were in college. We would have picnics or hike around the pond's perimeter.

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  39. A Dragonfly reminds me of the fun days we have at our cottage on a lake. I love to see how many different colors I can find.


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    1. Thank you for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts. They really are fascinating creatures to watch and such a variety of colors!

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  40. Dragonflies- so delicate and fun to see! All our trips "up north" to northern Michigan feature water and dragonflies. Good, good memories. I may have to make a wallhanging with this block!

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    1. Thanks, Sue, for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to share your thoughts. They really are fascinating creatures to watch.

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  41. Beautiful Damselfly block...dragonflies are a favorite of mine. They remind me of dressed up ladies when I see them. I don't see as many as I used to.

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  42. I live on 18 actress, with two ponds, and we get hundreds of dragonflies! They are gorgeous if you get to see them up close! Since we see so many, they remind me they are eating up those pesty and pesky mosquitoes!

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  43. Dragonflies remind me of my childhood days spent at the creek, the were everywhere.

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    1. They are such fascinating creatures to watch!

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  44. Damselfly's and dragonfly's remind me of visiting my grandparents cottage in the summertime. With siblings and cousins galore we enjoyed many adventures and running "wild" in the great outdoors.

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    1. Sounds wonderful! Much like what my husband was able to experience in his childhood. Blessings, M

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  45. Dragonflies remind me of being on a narrowboat on the canal in the summer

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  46. Sitting in the backyard after supper on a hot summer day as a kid, with my parents.

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    1. Ah, family time. More families need to do this, IMO. Blessings, M

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  47. Dragonflies remind me of the first summer that I lived in my current house. I had never lived anywhere that had dragonflies before.

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  48. Congratulations on getting published...again!! When I think of dragonflies I think that they are feeding on mosquitoes to keep mosquitoes from feeding on me. kthurn@bektel.com

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  49. I agree a dragonfly is the presence of one of my family members who has passed away. It could be my mom, dad, or sister who passed away a few months ago.

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    1. Thank you Joellyn for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts. They really are fascinating creatures to watch.
      I am sorry for your recent loss. May this bring some comfort to you. <3

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  50. Great block. I liked the story you told of Hope going to a person that has lost someone. To me, they remind me that they are eating pesty bugs!

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  51. I saw the fabric I used for my first butterfly quilt.I had gun shot at me because I was holding up the get away car in a strip mall from getting on the freeway. I was stopped at the red light. I did run that light and went on to the fabric store, two blocks away. The store call the police for me, before cell phone. While I was waiting I say the beautiful butterfly fabric from Northcott. From then on anything with butterfly makes me feel alive.

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    1. Thank you for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to share your thoughts and memories. What a frightening story, but I am grateful that you were safe and can find comfort in butterflies and similar creatures. Blessings to you.

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  52. Love those dragonfly iradescent wings, thankful they eat mosquitoes, and they remind me of happy summer days
    Thanks for the lovely block.
    djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  53. Great block! I love to see dragonflies hovering over water.

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  54. I think dragonflies remind me of our summer garden.

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  55. Such a sweet block - congrats! It reminds me of canoeing in the UP with all the damsel flies!

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  56. Very cute block-good name! Dragonflies don't bother anything-I like to see them just hovering around-very soothing! Thank you, Susan

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  57. Fun block. Dragonflies remind me of summers when I was a kid. The sun would be going down but it would light up the side of the house & dragonflies would gather on the wall to soak up the last rays of the sun. Thanks.

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  58. Wonderful block! It brings back memories of going to a wildlife refuge in FL. Dragonflies were always flitting around. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  59. They remind me that even though they are very fragile looking they can fly fast and very far.

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    1. Yes, they do look fragile. I think it is the iridescent markings. Can you imagine the miles they cover?

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  60. One of my cats used to love to hunt dragonflies. One day he caught a HUGE one then immediately ran into the house and under my bed. Took me forever to catch the cat and the dragonfly.

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  61. Dragonflies remind me (especially in our looong Maine winters) of warm sunny days in our all-too-brief summers!

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  62. It makes me think of summer in a garden or near a pond, just relaxing with a cool drink.

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts. They really are fascinating creatures to watch.

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  63. A dragonfly makes me think of summer and my garden.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  64. Reminds me of renewed life, the delicacy of their wings is like a breath of fresh air. Can't wait to use your block. pjrquilter(at)msn(dot)com

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  65. It makes me think of what a wonderful creation they are--so delicate and graceful!

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    1. They really are fascinating creatures. Thanks for participating in the give away. Blessings, M

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  66. My grandma had a dragonfly pin, very sparkly, and I always admired it. Your block reminds me of that. I'd like to include it in a sampler, as a nod to the lady and the memory.

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  67. We have had a boat for over 20 years and we occasionally get dragonflies on our boat. It is wonderful to see different creatures in nature! Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

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  68. Dragonflies remind me of warm summer days and freedom. Looks like you have a really fun family to hang with!!

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    1. Thanks. It is always an interesting time ;) As with any family, there were moments of arguing and disagreements, but mostly fun. Blessings, M

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  69. Great block Melva! I love your story about your family! Wonderful memories! Dragonflies remind me of my husband and his fly fishing!!! He loves telling me about bugs and flies that he ties! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com

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  70. Well I think of a field next to my house when I was a little girl. There was always dragonflies flying there.

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  71. I am reminded of certain time of the summer when there seems to be swarms of them--so fun to watch!

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  72. We don't have a big family,, your vacation sounds like it was lots of fun, lots of love, lots of memories made.
    The dragonfly for some reason always reminds me of being a kid in the Midwest and catching fireflies,, put them in a jar and you have a "light" for the evening. so much fun running in the cool grass trying to catch them.
    Thanks for the memories!

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    1. Having grown up in CO, I had never seen a firefly until I traveled to the mid-west to meet my husband's family. They are just as fascinating as the dragonflies.

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  73. Your dragonfly memories are much nicer than mine! Dragonflies remind me of a horse I was riding getting spooked by a dragon fly landing on it and bucking so hard I fell off!
    allisonpogany at gmail.com

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  74. Your block is adorable! I remember chasing dragonflies and fireflies during the summer as a child. All of the children in our neighborhood would stay out playing until we were called home. Those were great times. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  75. Dragonflies always symbolize slowing things down. If you ever watch one...they have wings that go super fast but for the most part...they seem to methodically enjoy swooping here and there...as if they are taking it all in and frolicking while they enjoy their day. To me it reminds me that life is crazy and can be hectic but i need to slow down and enjoy little things through the speed of it all. (Hope that makes sense)

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    1. Thank you Stacey for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts. They really are fascinating creatures to watch and we could probably learn plenty by modeling their way of life.
      Blessings, Melva

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  76. Dragonflies always symbolize slowing things down. If you ever watch one...they have wings that go super fast but for the most part...they seem to methodically enjoy swooping here and there...as if they are taking it all in and frolicking while they enjoy their day. To me it reminds me that life is crazy and can be hectic but i need to slow down and enjoy little things through the speed of it all. (Hope that makes sense)

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  77. I remember dragonflies during the summer while sitting by the pool.

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    1. Thank you Deb for participating in the Blog Tour and for taking the time to participate by sharing your thoughts.

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  78. Actually don't have too many memories of dragonflies but loved lightening bugs. Thanks for the op to win. rjc2cam(at)gmail(dot)com

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  79. At nite by the bonfire they tell me there eating all the maquetos up.... love watching them.... happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  80. Did you also know that a female dragonfly will drop to the ground and play dead to avoid a male she doesn't like>> Got to love those female's ..

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    1. Oh My! No I didn't know that! I learned something new today. Thanks!

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  81. I have dragonfly earrings....that's about as good as it gets when talking about insects!

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  82. Enjoyed reading about your family get together and seeing all the photos. We just had a wedding and my family was able to come and it made all the difference. I never thought about dragonflies having a meaning. I do love to see them on the lake or flitting around my garden. They are such quirky little beings.

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  83. What a wonderful and heartwarming post explaining the inspiration of your block. My 9 yr old son loves bugs, and anything flying. Unfortunately for me, dragonflies remind me of dinosaurs.... the biting type :) LOL! I however, LOVE your block. Between my son's love for them and your block, maybe I'll be convinced to see those prehistoric-looking creatures a bit differently :) Congrats on your block :)

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  84. It's impossible for me to think of dragonflies as anything other than insects,but I love the delicacy of your design. So pretty!

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  85. I love dragonflies. They look like they shouldn't be able to fly, with wings that shear and tiny. I only really see them if we go to granny's house, as they never appear in the city. I have had one I rescued show up a few minutes later, as if to say thank you =)

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  86. It reminds me for hot summers and fishing. I'm very bored with fishing so I look around a lot!

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