dragonfly

by Bill Tiepelman

Guardian of Changing Times

The Dragonfly’s New Year’s Resolution It was December 31st, and deep within the forest, where the trees whispered secrets and the rivers chuckled like gossipy grandmothers, a dragonfly sat pondering its year. This wasn’t just any dragonfly. Oh no, this was **Donovan**, a dragonfly with iridescent wings that shimmered with the hues of all four seasons. Donovan was the kind of dragonfly who’d seen it all: frosty mornings, rainy afternoons, sultry summer nights, and far too many pumpkin spice latte cups discarded by hikers. “Another year gone,” Donovan sighed, sipping nectar from a tiny mug. (It wasn’t actually a mug—it was a dew-covered acorn cap, but a dragonfly’s imagination is a powerful thing.) “What have I accomplished? Did I grow as a dragonfly? Did I live my truth? Did I eat too many mosquitoes? Probably. But regrets are unbecoming of my species.” Despite his musings, Donovan was feeling the same weight many adults do as the calendar threatened to flip: the crushing existential dread of **New Year’s resolutions.** The Resolution Brainstorm “Okay, Donovan,” he muttered to himself, “Let’s get serious. If humans can convince themselves they’ll ‘go to the gym’ or ‘stop binge-watching shows they’ve already seen,’ then I can set my own goals.” He grabbed a leaf, dipped a twig into some mud, and began to write. Fly more. “I spent way too much time resting on branches this year. I’ll zig-zag more dramatically in 2024!” Cut back on snacking. “Fewer mosquitoes, more… uh… smaller mosquitoes?” Learn a new skill. “Like hovering upside down? Or synchronized flying? The other dragonflies would LOVE that!” Find love. Donovan paused, blushing slightly. “Okay, maybe I’ll just try not to get ghosted by another mayfly.” As the list grew, Donovan began to feel something unfamiliar: hope. Sure, his resolutions sounded silly, but wasn’t that the point? Life didn’t have to be a grand spectacle—it just had to be his own little adventure. The New Year’s Eve Celebration That evening, the forest buzzed with excitement. Animals of all shapes and sizes had gathered by the glimmering pond for the annual **New Year’s Bash.** A family of raccoons hosted, naturally, because raccoons know how to throw a party. Fireflies provided lighting, owls DJ’d with their soothing hoots, and the frogs? Oh, the frogs croaked in harmony like a drunken karaoke choir. Donovan showed up wearing his finest sheen of dew, his wings catching the glow of the fireflies. “New Year, new me,” he whispered as he tried to mingle. He chatted with a squirrel who couldn’t stop nervously nibbling on an acorn, complimented a ladybug on her perfectly symmetrical spots, and even exchanged awkward pleasantries with an intimidatingly large beetle who claimed to “invest in aphid futures.” When midnight approached, the entire forest gathered near the pond. A wise old turtle climbed onto a mossy rock, clearing his throat to deliver the annual countdown speech. Reflections and Revelations “Another year comes to a close,” the turtle began, his voice slow and steady. “We’ve survived storms, droughts, and… whatever that weird human camping trip was. But look around you now. We are here. Together. And that, my friends, is enough.” The crowd erupted in cheers, croaks, and chitters. Donovan felt a surge of warmth—not just from the fireflies, but from within. Sure, he’d made a list of resolutions, but maybe, just maybe, he didn’t need to achieve every single one. Maybe the act of hoping, of dreaming, was enough to flutter into the New Year with purpose. As the countdown began—“10! 9! 8!”—Donovan turned his face to the stars. He thought of all the zigs and zags he’d taken this past year, the near-misses and the perfect landings. Life wasn’t perfect, but it was his. “3! 2! 1!” “Happy New Year!” the forest roared as fireflies lit up the night sky in spectacular patterns. Donovan felt a small tear roll down his compound eye. “Here’s to flying higher, laughing harder, and maybe eating one less mosquito… but just one.” And with that, the dragonfly launched himself into the air, his iridescent wings glowing brighter than ever. The New Year stretched ahead of him, vast and uncharted. And Donovan, the dragonfly with four seasons on his wings, was ready to face it all. The Moral of the Story So here’s to us, the Donovans of the world. Life doesn’t have to be flawless or meticulously planned. It just needs us to keep flying, dreaming, and showing up—sparkling wings and all. Cheers to a funny, hopeful, and joyfully imperfect New Year!     A Dragonfly's New Year Wish Oh, the dragonfly perched with its colorful flair, Wings of four seasons, a wardrobe so rare. "Another year passes, oh my, what a ride, But here’s to new chapters with laughter as our guide!" Winter was frigid; we froze in our tracks, Spring teased us with allergies and aching backs. Summer? Too hot—sweaty pits were a curse, And fall brought pumpkin spice (and receipts in our purse). Yet onward we go, with a toast in our hand, To a New Year ahead—unmapped, unplanned. Let’s shed off the old like a molt in the sun, And embrace every challenge, each new laugh and pun. Remember last January? The gym was our vow, Until February hit—"Eh, maybe not now." But this year is different, we swear we’ll succeed, (Though snacks during Netflix? A non-negotiable need.) The dragonfly whispers, "Just go with the flow, Let life’s breezes guide you, don’t row against snow. Your wings may get battered, your path not a line, But with humor and hope, you’ll do just fine." So here’s to mistakes, and to growth when we learn, To taking small steps, to the pages we’ll turn. The New Year awaits us, like spring's early bloom, Let’s laugh in the chaos and sweep out the gloom. Raise your glass high, let’s toast in good cheer: "To a funny, hopeful, messy New Year!" Bring the Magic of the Dragonfly Home Celebrate the beauty and hope of the seasons with products inspired by "Guardian of Changing Times." Tapestry – Perfect for adding a touch of seasonal magic to your space. Canvas Print – A stunning centerpiece for your wall art collection. Puzzle – Enjoy piecing together this intricate artwork during cozy nights in. Fleece Blanket – Wrap yourself in the warmth of this enchanting design. Click on any of the links above to explore these unique products and make the spirit of the dragonfly a part of your world!    

by Bill Tiepelman

The Gnome and the Glittering Dragonfly

Deep in the heart of the enchanted Blackthorn Forest, where mushrooms glow and trees gossip louder than the village blacksmith, lived a gnome named Thimblewick Featherfoot—“Thim” to his friends, if he had any. Thim wasn’t your average gnome. He hated gardening, scoffed at baking pies, and, worst of all, despised mushrooms. Instead, he had a singular obsession: riding dragonflies. Now, riding dragonflies wasn’t exactly encouraged among gnomes. For one, dragonflies were notoriously difficult to saddle. They were also prone to fits of ego if you complimented their wings too much. But Thim had spent years perfecting his craft, whispering sweet nothings to the glimmering insects and bribing them with honeydew and compliments like, "Oh, you magnificent flitter-beast, your wings could shame the stars!" On one fateful morning, as the sunlight filtered through the forest canopy in golden beams, Thim stood at the edge of the babbling Brooklynn Stream. Clad in his finest red hat (with a jaunty tilt, thank you very much) and freshly polished boots, he whistled a jaunty tune. Moments later, his pride and joy descended from the treetops with a dramatic flourish. Her name was Glitterbug—a dragonfly the size of a corgi, with eyes that shimmered like disco balls and wings that refracted light into rainbows. "Ah, my glorious Glitterbug," Thim cooed, adjusting his glasses. "Ready for another daring escapade?" Glitterbug didn’t respond verbally—she wasn’t that kind of dragonfly—but the enthusiastic flap of her wings told him she was game. The Takeoff Strapping on a harness made of enchanted spider silk (don’t ask where he got it), Thim hopped onto Glitterbug’s back with the grace of a potato rolling off a table. “Onward, my majestic steed!” he cried, pointing dramatically toward the horizon. Glitterbug launched into the air, and Thim immediately regretted skipping breakfast. The rush of wind slapped his face, and his stomach did somersaults as they careened over the forest canopy. Below, squirrels paused mid-nut-chew to gawk, and a family of raccoons applauded politely. Thim waved back, feeling like the hero he always knew he was. The ride started smoothly—too smoothly, in fact. As they soared over the Whispering Pines, Thim spotted a flock of pixies having a tea party in the clouds. He tipped his hat to them, but they only glared back. "Oi, Glitterbug!" Thim shouted over the wind. "How about we show those snooty pixies some real aerobatics, eh?" Before Glitterbug could protest (or maybe she was just thrilled by the idea), Thim pulled the reins, and the dragonfly spiraled into a corkscrew maneuver that would have made a hawk jealous. The pixies gasped and spilled their tea. "Gnome!" one shouted. "You’ll pay for that!" "Put it on my tab!" Thim hollered back, laughing so hard he nearly fell off. The Trouble Begins As they soared over the shimmering Moonlit Marshes, things took a turn. A sudden gust of magical wind—likely stirred up by an annoyed wizard with bad aim—sent Glitterbug veering sideways. Thim clung to the reins for dear life, his hat flying off into the marsh below. "My hat!" he yelled, scandalized. "That was limited edition!" Worse still, the gust had brought unwanted company. A flock of Gremlock Crows, infamous for their love of shiny objects, spotted Glitterbug’s iridescent wings and decided they’d like to add her to their collection. "Shoo!" Thim shouted, waving his arms. "She’s not for sale!" But the crows cackled and dove after them like feathery missiles. "Glitterbug, evasive maneuvers!" Thim barked, and the dragonfly obeyed. They looped and zigzagged through the sky, narrowly avoiding the snapping beaks of the greedy birds. At one point, Thim grabbed a stale biscuit from his pocket and hurled it at the crows. "Fetch, you winged hooligans!" It worked, momentarily distracting the flock as they squabbled over the snack. But their relief was short-lived. Just as they escaped the crows, they entered the territory of the dreaded Fangtooth Fishers—giant, airborne fish with glowing eyes and a penchant for anything gnome-sized. The Great Escape "Oh, come on!" Thim groaned as one of the fish lunged at them, its mouth full of needle-sharp teeth. "Why does everything in this forest want to eat me? I’m mostly beard!" Glitterbug darted left, then right, dodging the snapping jaws of the fish with astonishing agility. Thim, meanwhile, rummaged through his bag of tricks. He pulled out a vial of Pixie Dust™ ("Guaranteed to Sparkle") and hurled it at their pursuers. The cloud of glittery powder exploded in a dazzling display, confusing the fish and sending them floundering back into the marsh below. As the dust settled, Glitterbug flew higher, carrying them above the chaos. Thim let out a triumphant laugh, patting his trusty dragonfly on the head. "That’s my girl! We make quite the team, don’t we?" Glitterbug buzzed in agreement—or maybe she was just hungry. A (Mostly) Happy Ending They eventually landed safely back at the Brooklynn Stream, where Thim collapsed onto the mossy ground, utterly exhausted but grinning from ear to ear. "What an adventure, Glitterbug!" he said, reaching for his bag. "Next time, we bring snacks and a helmet. And maybe a flamethrower." Glitterbug gave him a look that clearly said, "Next time? You’re kidding, right?" before fluttering off to rest on a nearby flower. As Thim lay there, staring up at the sky, a passing squirrel dropped his hat onto his chest. "Ah, you magnificent tree rat," Thim murmured. "You’re invited to the victory party." And thus, Thimblewick Featherfoot’s legend grew, cementing his reputation as the gnome who dared to dream big—and occasionally got chased by flying fish. Somewhere, deep in the forest, the pixies were still plotting their revenge. But that, dear reader, is a story for another day.    Bring the Magic Home Love the whimsical world of Thimblewick Featherfoot and Glitterbug? You can now capture the enchantment of their daring adventures with beautifully crafted products inspired by "The Gnome and the Glittering Dragonfly". Perfect as gifts or for adding a touch of fantasy to your daily life, these items are a must-have for any fan of magical tales! Tapestries – Transform any space into an enchanting forest scene with this stunning artwork. Puzzles – Piece together the magic, one puzzle at a time, and relive the adventure! Tote Bags – Carry a bit of whimsy with you wherever you go with these vibrant, practical bags. Metal Prints – Showcase the brilliance of this fantasy tale with high-quality metal prints that capture every dazzling detail. Explore the full collection and bring home a piece of the magic today! 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by Bill Tiepelman

The Aetherwing Illumina

In the twilight of the world known as Aetheria, a realm draped in the fabric of dreams and the quiet murmur of starlight, there thrived a creature of such splendor that it seemed to be a figment born from the very essence of beauty itself. This was the Aetherwing Illumina, a dragonfly whose wings were a living masterpiece, crafted from the dreams of artists, the whispers of poets, and the silent prayers of old souls longing for a glimpse of the divine. As it took to the air, the Illumina's iridescent wings beat with the gentleness of a lover's sigh, each flutter casting ripples of radiant light across the firmament. These waves of brilliance painted the skies of Aetheria with a palette so vibrant that the colors bled into the world below, bestowing life where there was none and hope where it had waned. The Illumina was not merely a feast for the eyes, but a wellspring of magic—the keeper of Aetheria's most arcane secrets. Its body was a living tapestry of fractal designs, each swirl a story, each line a verse in the grand poem of the cosmos. The eyes of the Illumina, large, lustrous, and brimming with the wisdom of the ages, saw beyond the veil of the physical realm, peering into the delicate weave of time and space. With the coming of night, the Illumina embarked upon its dance of creation, a silent ritual that brought the world to a standstill. Its wings spread wide to embrace the dark canvas of the sky, painting it with the light of life. Wherever the tips of its wings touched, stars burst into existence, and where it glided, galaxies unfurled in a silent ballet of cosmic dust and celestial light. The flight of the Illumina was the artisan's brushstroke upon the universe, the sculptor's deft hand in the ether, the composer's symphony played out in the grand amphitheater of the heavens; with each movement, it conjured the awe of creation. The Aetherians, the children of the stars and inheritors of the silent world of Aetheria, revered the Illumina as the highest priestess of beauty and mystery. They would gather each dusk in silent pilgrimage, their eyes wide and hearts open, reflecting the luminescent spectacle that unfolded above them. The dragonfly's nightly performance was a sacred reminder of the beauty that lay veiled within the folds of night—a beauty that revealed itself only to those who dared to look beyond the confines of reality and into the boundless realm of what could be. And so, across the eons, the Aetherwing Illumina continued its eternal ballet, a silent guardian of all that was beautiful in the realm of Aetheria. It was the whisper in the wind that spoke of wonders unseen, the shimmer in the water that hinted at depths unknown, and the dream in the heart that promised adventures unbound. It was the embodiment of the unceasing dance of creation, an ethereal spirit forever weaving the fabric of existence with wings dipped in the magic of the aether.     The mesmerizing essence of the Aetherwing Illumina, revered guardian of beauty and magic in the realm of Aetheria, has now been captured in an exquisite cross-stitch pattern available for those who wish to bring a piece of this ethereal wonder into their world. The Aetherwing Illumina Cross Stitch Pattern is a testament to the fine art of needlework, offering a richly detailed and vibrant portrayal of the dragonfly whose wings weave the fabric of the universe. Embark on a stitching journey that transcends the ordinary, as you thread your needle with the colors of creation itself. This pattern is more than a pastime; it’s an invitation to partake in a dance of hues and textures, reflecting the fractal beauty of the Illumina’s wings. Each stitch is a note in the symphony of Aetheria, each color blend a reflection of cosmic wonders. As you stitch, we invite you to share the progress of your masterpiece with a community of like-minded artisans. Our Facebook group, Unfocussed Stitchers' Haven, is a gathering place for those who draw inspiration from the magic of Aetheria and the Aetherwing Illumina. Post pictures of your progress, from the first stitch to the last, and watch as the Illumina comes to life under your skilled hands. Engage with fellow enthusiasts, exchange tips and tricks, and celebrate each other's achievements in a supportive and excited community eager to see the tapestry of Aetheria expand through your craft. With the Aetherwing Illumina Cross Stitch Pattern, you are not just creating art; you are echoing the ancient dance of creation that the Illumina performs each night. Your finished piece will be a beacon of beauty and craftsmanship, a stirring image that captures the heart of Aetheria and ignites the imagination of all who gaze upon it. So we call upon the dreamers, the artists, the storytellers, and the creators to join us in bringing the Aetherwing Illumina into our world, one stitch at a time. Share your journey with us, and together, let's fill the tapestry of our lives with the light of the stars and the colors of dreams. Infuse your daily life with the enchanting magic of the Aetherwing Illumina, a creature whose splendor is matched only by the universe itself. We have meticulously crafted a line of products that encapsulate the ethereal beauty of Aetheria's most revered creature, allowing you to surround yourself with its magnificence. The Aetherwing Illumina Gaming Mouse Pad: Elevate your gaming experience to mythical proportions with this exquisitely detailed mouse pad. Not only is it a surface for your daily quests and virtual battles, but it's also a piece of art that inspires with its fractal designs and the radiant dance of the Illumina's wings. The Aetherwing Illumina Tumbler, 20oz: Sip your favorite beverages from this tumbler that's as practical as it is mesmerizing. The double-walled insulation keeps your drinks at the perfect temperature, while the Illumina design serves as a vibrant companion to your day, reminding you to find magic in every moment. The Aetherwing Illumina Jigsaw Puzzle: Assemble the mysteries of Aetheria piece by piece with this captivating jigsaw puzzle. It's not just a challenge for the mind but also a journey for the soul, as each piece brings to life the intricate beauty of the Illumina's wings—a perfect way to bring family and friends together for a shared adventure. The Aetherwing Illumina Poster: Transform your space with a poster that's a window to another world. This stunning visual piece captures the essence of the Aetherwing Illumina, inviting you to gaze upon its beauty and lose yourself in the cosmic dance of Aetheria. Hang it in your home or office to inspire awe and wonder in all who pass by. Each of these products is a tribute to the Aetherwing Illumina, designed to bring a touch of Aetheria's timeless beauty into the everyday lives of those who yearn for a connection with the otherworldly. Surround yourself with these pieces, and let the legend of the Illumina spark imagination, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the magic that lies just beyond the veil of our reality.