Magic Museum Moments

Today at the Museum they were giving away the thousands of fabric hearts that were sent from throughout the world as part of the Hearts for Christchurch project.  It was hard to choose which one I wanted.  I went for colours that appealed, turned the heart over, and discovered it had been made by Sharon C. in Geelong, Victoria.  I have family links to that area so it was a most appropriate choice, and is now hanging on the cottage wall.

Sharon C's Heart for Christchurch

 I was pleased to be able to identify “my” heart on the Hearts for Christchurch blog.  It was one of 82 sent in April last year from the Regent Street Stitchers and the Geelong Trolley Dolly Cloth Doll club.  It was good to be able to add a ‘thankyou’ comment to the blog which I hope Sharon C. may see.

In the room next to the hearts there is a display of evolving monarch butterflies.  These are relations of the ones that were released at Wednesday’s memorial service.  Volunteers for the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust are caring for the caterpillars and chrysalises, and newly hatched butterflies are released each day.   One was willing to sit on my hand:

Monarch butterfly perched on my hand

Others sat around drying their wings and gathering strength.

Monarch Butterflies

 

The butterflies will be there until 4 March and are well worth a visit.  After all this I was pleased to go up to the Museum Cafe and sit by the window looking out at the magnificent trees.  Our Museum seems more precious now that the Art Gallery is to be closed for at least another year, and special efforts are being made to provide interesting and involving exhibitions.

 

“The butterflies give great delight
as does the heart now in full sight.”