September marks the migration of the Monarch Butterflies of North America. These magnificent and magical beauties can travel as far as 3,000 miles during the months of September and October. I've been noticing these delicate little creatures adding beauty to my world in the last few days and I can't help but be awed by the journey they will soon be making.

I found out some fascinating facts from Kajohu about these most recognizable of all butterflies and I thought you might be interested to know about their migration, also. In her article Monarch Butterfly Migration she shares some impressive photos of Monarchs along with information that many people probably don't know about these dainty little beauties of the garden. We learn why the migration is necessary and a little about the life cycle of the Monarch Butterflies.

We also learn about a tagging program that is underway and what we should do if we find one with a tag. This will help to better understand the pathways of the butterflies, most specifically east of the Rocky Mountains. A project that any of us can help with.

Butterflies, in general, hold a special meaning in my heart. They are a symbol of transformation and an analogy of the human life cycle. We can often times observe what stage of transformation our lives are in to better understand what needs to be done next in the never ending cycle of our time here on earth. Are we in the egg stage, or the beginning of a cycle? Perhaps we are in the larva stage where there is time to reflect on decisions. We may find ourselves in the cocoon stage where we are developing and making something a reality. Then comes the birth state where we complete the cycle. What a beautiful creature to think of for our own transforming of growth!

Find out more about the enchanting journey that these lovely insects of North America take each year to insure their species survives and prospers. Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me with the gifts and instincts she places in all of her creatures, be they winged or legged, stemmed or trunked.

Visit Monarch Butterfly Migration

Image Credit: Monarch Butterfly Mouse Pad

Special memories are so often caught up between the threads of the clothes we wear. Whether they linger in the worn texture of a favorite t-shirt or among the beads and sequins of an evening gown, certain items have associations full of meaning for us.

You can even find them imprinted into the soles of shoes. Just ask any parent who has pairs of tiny first shoes tucked away long after they ceased to serve any useful purpose. And how many of us have our wedding outfits wrapped up somewhere, never to be worn again but too special to let go?

Then there are gifts and souvenirs, such as a silk scarf from a foreign trip, maybe even a Japanese kimono or embroidered slippers. Or those handmade items that you simply can't throw away. Any knitter will know the hours of work that can go into something as simple as a pair of socks!

If, like me, you have boxes of clothes you can't bear to cut up or give away, SacredCynWear has a very clever idea for you. This fashion lover is carving out a name for herself in her selections of gorgeous clothing in Gothic, Steampunk and Rockabilly styles. It's clear she has a love affair with fabrics, textures and colors that has influenced her own clothing designs. At the same time, as a parent, she has her own stash of adorable items that are a tangible reminder of her little ones as they once were in spite of time racing on.

Small wonder, then, that Cynthia came up with the idea of scanning fabrics and even entire tutus and child-sized pairs of shoes in order to create a unique and very special lasting memory. Her how-to guide Scanography: Memories on Display reveals each step in this process. The results, whether in collages or simply as a digitally enhanced scan, are quite wonderful!

While it takes an artistic eye and some computer skills to create a piece that you can frame and hang on the wall (like the flowers above — also scanned!), the idea is accessible to anyone who owns a scanner. Even a quick scan will preserve a little piece of the past, safe from moths, dust and age. Or, if Cynthia inspires you to take it further, you might just end up with a sensational piece of wall art that will be a talking point for years to come!

Visit: Scanography: Memories on Display

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What do you think of when you hear the word eagle? For me, the bald eagle is an emblem for the United States and I kn0w that they were on the endangered species list until very recently (now moved to just threatened). What more was there to know?

When my friend, Kathy McGraw, said that she was researching an article on Eagle Facts, Myths, Legends and Superstitions, I was excited. Kathy puts a lot of thought and work into her lenses and she has a very popular page on Owls. So, when her lens on eagles was recently published, I was one of the first to take a peek. And I was not disappointed.

Like her owl lens, Kathy presents a reverent look at this majestic bird that represents strength, courage, and freedom. Eagles have been important figures since ancient times. The god Jupiter believed that eagles were so powerful that they could look directly at the sun. In her article, you will learn more myths, superstitions, and facts about eagles and their feathers, as well as find links to resources, folk tales, and laws regarding eagles and their feathers.

Did you know, for example, that there are 59 species of eagles? Many countries have their own legends about eagles and Kathy tells them on this page. Did you know that there is an Eagle repository in the United States, which is the only place to legally obtain eagle feathers?

Besides all of the useful information, Kathy has created some unique and stunning art pieces that show her respect for the power of these birds. A dear friend of Kathy's passed away just as she was getting ready to publish this article and the piece, Eagles as Messengers, was designed the same day she found out that her friend was sick. Kathy doesn't know how to explain it, but she says, "The passing of my friend and this lens has now merged into one and has inspired a project for all people that live alone, tentatively called Buddy Connection." Yes, hard to explain!

Visit: Eagle Facts, Myths, Legends, and Superstitions

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As a teacher, a mom and a past home educator, I always love to find fun, cool new ideas for teaching. I particularly like activities that incorporate different learning styles and lessons that are captivating to kids. It disturbs me a bit (okay, maybe more than a bit) that kids start out curious, investigative and eager to learn, but often end up stifled, contained and not so enthusiastic. So, I also like it when I come across stuff that allows for discovery.

"The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery." ~Mark Van Doren

I came across one such activity through a lens by homeschooler, Rhonda Albom (Pukeko). The lens is called Gross Science – Let's Make Poo and it's all about simulating the digestive process using some food, a few simple kitchen tools and a stocking. It's very educational . . . and I have to admit I also cracked up laughing as I read through it all!

Rhonda taught this lesson to her two daughters and documented it all on her lens. Check out the kid's smiles in the video on the lens! I think they may have giggled a bit too. They were so excited! It was totally captivating to them – - so much so, that they invited their friends over to do the experiment with them! I love how the girls have the "poo" all over their hands by the end! They're right in there squeezing it out of the hole in the stocking!

Not only was it fun, but the poo-making activity addressed visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners by incorporating art, video creation and hands-on investigation. It also allowed for interpersonal learning through the group activity and print or logical learning through work they did researching terminology. The kids were able to express themselves in ways that let their strengths shine, while also being exposed to other styles.

The fun, combined with the different learning styles, grabbed the kid's attention and let them learn and remember it better. I love how Rhonda described it: "And at some point in the fun they actually learned all about the digestive process."

So check out the fun! Learn how to make poo?!? And maybe give it a shot yourself – - the lens describes the activity step by step so anyone can repeat it :)

Visit: Gross Science – Let's Make Poo

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Random word generated: Cumulative

Even though I originally come from the countryside and have lived there for most of my life, I never came across an orphaned animal or bird of any description. Yet, a move to London in the year 2000, has culminated in a total of one failed attempt at a bird rescue, and countless sightings of injured birds which, despite major concerns, we decided to leave well alone. Although we did (my friend and I) made a successful rescue of a poor crow with its feet tangled up in string. We have no idea whether it survived or not, however.

London is terrible for bird injuries as the countless number of pigeons wandering around with only one foot is testament to. So many believe these birds are vermin and should not be fed or encouraged. But, I don't see them in that light at all. They are a very important part of London life and should be treated with respect.

As an animal lover, I loathe to see any animal in distress whether it's injured or suffering from abuse, but sometimes, it's difficult to know what you should do for the best. I admire anyone who performs rescue of birds and wildlife and I can understand totally why you need to be trained and licensed to do so. There are so much you need to know and so much you need to be aware of, too.

This is why I picked out, Bird Rescue by Karendelac for this week's review. Not only is it informative and well laid out, but it also has gorgeous images. For anyone who does not believe or can imagine that birds have feelings, emotions and attachments must surely be prepared to be proven wrong whilst reading this lens. How can anyone not be moved by the series of images depicting the grieving of a sparrow after the death of his mate?

Squidoo lenses like this move me to tears and I so desperately want to do more for bird and wildlife rescue than I already am. If that is what it does to me, I can only hope it does the same to you, too.

Visit: Bird Rescue