Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.~Muhammad Ali
The devil is in the details–so they say. But so is the essence of every living creature. Here are some photos taken over the last year where the details are the highlight of the shot. I “built” this collection around Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, on display at the New York Historical Society. Of course, I couldn’t resist adding shots of a butterfly and a bee. Would you ever expect that a powerhouse like Muhammad Ali would have a surprisingly neat and unassuming signature?
- Butterfly Close Up. Meijer Gardens.

Butterfly Close Up. Meijer Gardens. Shot with a Canon 70D
2. Early Morning Bee. Boston Commons.

Early Morning Bee. Boston Commons. Shot with a Canon 40D.
3. Muhammad Ali’s Boxing Gloves.

Muhammed Ali’s Boxing Gloves. New York Historical Museum. Shot with a Canon 70D.
If you haven’t heard Billy Crystal’s eulogy at Muhammad Ali’s funeral, be prepared for a stunning tribute to a man who called him “little brother” and was his friend for over 40 years–despite their differences in religion and backgrounds. Building bridges instead of building walls. This is my hope as our national conventions start this week and we seek a clear path through the turbulence of this decade.
Categories: Photography
Fabulous post, Patti. Very clever and your images are perfect. I watched the entire funeral (while in Norway) and the tributes were moving and wonderful especially Billy Crystal and Bill Clinton who eloquently handled going last after everything possible was said about Ali. Thanks for this tribute.
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Thanks so much, Jane! What was the reaction in Norway? His fame was world-wide. I agree–Bill Clinton was outstanding too. I’m so glad I caught those speeches when they aired.
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That’s a good question about Norway. I didn’t have any conversations about Ali there. I should have!
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Wonderful tribute.
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Thanks so much, Drake! I appreciate your thoughts.
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fantastic images Patti!
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Hi Cybele. Thanks so much! I value your critique. 🙂
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🙂
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ps: yes that was a great tribute!!
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Wasn’t it great? I love how Billy C. expresses such a wide range of feelings–especially humor. Oddly, it was the ability for everyone to laugh–even members of Ali’s family that had such a powerful effect on me. But why shouldn’t we all laugh? It helps us remember the person we are honoring in all their humanity. Does that make sense?
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total sense Patti!! memories that make us smile are so precious!
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The colours in the bee photo are amazing.
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Thanks so much, Karen! It was shot early in the day and the light was “spot on!”
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Absolutely BEEutiful 🤗
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Oh, Susan. I love your comment!!
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Great photos, this was an interesting response to the challenge!
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Hi Amy. Thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post.
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I just visited the NY Historical Society for the first time a few weeks ago and saw Ali’s gloves. When you were there, did you also see the Hamilton exhibits? Fascinating stuff! I also really enjoyed the Tiffany glass exhibit — each one a work of art. I was thinking about writing a post about it soon.
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Hi Jackie. Yes, I did see the Tiffany glass exhibit and the sculpture of Hamilton and Burr. I hope you do write about Tiffany. I’ll enjoy “seeing” it through your eyes. Thanks as always for stopping by! 🙂
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I understand, it’s All in the Details, so simple,
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Hi, Maria. Yes, it is!
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