Dragonflies

I am not a big fan of bugs. The biting, crawling, stinging and especially the itching they might offer me does not put them on my top 10 list of favorite things.

In their own strange way, I'm sure they all must be here for some purpose. Still, in my perfect world, I would not lack without them. I should, however, clarify that I do not despise all insects, there are a few that are lovely to look at. One of these beautiful creatures is the dragonfly.

I know many of you might question how I could decide on such a creepy bug as to be my favorite. Perhaps it is the size of them you dislike, or the thudding sound you might hear and feel when one suddenly lands on you. Or maybe it's seeing the fearful gasps and pointing fingers of those around you, and realizing that one of these creatures is crawling up your back and no one is willing to remove it. Moments like these, you wonder why the universe doesn't put eyes on the back of your head or give you longer arms.

When I look at dragonflies, I think of magical creatures. Their long tails, transparent lace-like wings and the beautiful colors on their bodies, make them look like tiny mystical dragons. It is also amazing how their four wings can each move independently. Not many other insects can fly forwards, backwards, upwards or downwards.

Did you know that dragonflies have been known to represent good luck and to bring good fortune to anyone they land on? They are also believed to be symbols of guardian angels or a sign of a deceased loved one watching over you. ♥

I don't want one as a pet, and I admit that I too have felt the fear when one of these creatures decided to make me its landing site. I would rather enjoy the beauty of these insects by surrounding myself with inanimate dragonfly artwork and collectibles. Over the years, I have purchased or been gifted many necklaces, earrings, windchimes, coasters and artwork pieces that depict these magnificent creatures. These creatures have been the inspiration for many of my own art pieces throughout my life.

Years ago, while sitting at an outdoor restaurant, I sketched a rough design on a receipt of a dragonfly, incorporating my children's initials. Over the years, this design has been refined and modified several times. The final design incorporates the initials of my children as the body, along with a heart in the center made up of my husband's and my initials. It is finished off with two dots at the tail, in honor of the two tiny souls I loved, but never had a chance to meet. This design is the logo on my website.

I have always talked about getting my design tattooed on my arm and at the beginning of this year I finally did it. This dragonfly tattoo is a symbol of strength, new beginnings and good fortune. It is my creative expression of how very important family is to me.

Above all... Be creative and express yourself.