The evenings of Winter draw around us. In the northern hemisphere it is time for eggnogs, Christmas sleigh rides and snowy outings. The Winters of Australia fall in the middle of the year, when we all are thinking about tax returns and the end of the financial year. Our Christmas is still six months away, and then it will be hot and weather for the beach. It is ironic to me that even so, our Christmas cards and decorations are colourful pictures of snowy landscapes, our Santas still dress in the warm red suits and long boots and we still expect a hot roast dinner in the middle of the day.
Fortunately, it is slowly changing.
Easter rabbits are now Australian Bilby’s, Christmas Santa wears a red swimsuit and his sleigh is pulled by Kangaroos.
However, our winter is still considered the perfect time for weddings and romance.
Below is a painting of a spider’s web by Patsy Seager. She challenged me to write a short story with a romantic flavour. Here is the story it inspired. As always, if you are interested in buying any of the art featured in my blog posts this year, please direct message me.
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Butterfly Bravery.
In the light of the winter evening sunset, Dana shivered, and stood looking at the web in front of her. She was heartbroken. John had rejected her.
The butterfly spasmed, and a large spider ran toward its victim. Dana couldn’t watch. She plucked the beautiful creature from its fate, dislodging a leaf that had blown into the same web.
That’s when she noticed the flowers.
Why was life so cruel? She had given John her heart and couldn’t believe he had not felt the same.
She opened her hand and let the butterfly free. It flew to the nearest flower and alighted there, as if it was catching its breath, then with a daring leap jumped into the unknown. Then it fluttered away, disappearing into the gathering darkness.
Dana carefully took the gumnut flowers from the web and turned to walk away. Now the spider was bereft of its meal, and the decorations as well.
She sauntered down the hill towards the village, thinking about the next move she should make.
When she looked up, she saw John running towards her. She stood still, as if she, too was, like the butterfly, resting on its flower. What was she going to do?
“Dana,” John breathed loudly as he reached her, bending and placing his hands on his thighs as he panted. “Forgive me, darling. I can’t live without you! I should never have said what I did! I was so confused. But I love you … please take me back.
Dana thought of that butterfly.
The gumnut flowers fell to the ground. She took a deep breath and flung herself into his arms.
Available to buy – children’s picture books – a little about bravery:-
John Jabiru sets an animal free, too
Both books are AU$18 each plus postage. If you are interested. please Direct Message me.
If you wish to see other books written by Maureen Larter, or Published by Sweetfields Publishing, feel free to visit.
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Read. Eat. and Dream. 