The club and its phases of life.

I love to go to the club and watch the generation gaps between the Yearlings, Bucks, and Stags.  And, of course, let's not forget the Caterpillar, Cocoon, and Butterfly.  No matter which room or activity you are involved in, the play of nature is always the same.  Especially during the Spring and "new beginnings" when the animals begin to shed their outer layers and try to use up the fat stored for winter.

Let me illustrate.  In the weight room, the Yearlings are the ones that are strutting around, doing more strutting than actual lifting . . .  . unless a caterpillar slithers by.  They are the ones in the latest fashion accessories, flexing when they think their being watched, and if they get the chance . . . . off comes the shirt.  They don't have any horns to speak of yet, but it doesn't stop them from tossing their heads and challenging the more mature.  Some of them have definitely eaten well with their shiny hair and rippling hides, but lack the confidence to mingle with the elders.

Now you have the Bucks.  Undeniably these are the ones that have emerged from the "immature" phase and have entered that "middle, can't quite get it right" phase.  Clothes are still somewhat coordinated and in fashion.  The Bucks spend a lot of time lifting and grunting in between checking themselves out in the mirrors trying to convince themselves they still look like Yearlings.  They blow their horns loudly, stamp their feet, and make a good show.  What they lack in hair and hide, they try to make up for in huffing, puffing, sweat, and the telling of "When I was. . . . "

And then you have the Stag.  He is regal, sure of himself, doesn't bother with the young ones, and is basically there for himself.  His clothes don't match and he doesn't care, the hair is usually a mess, he doesn't strut for the insect varieties . . . . but smiles at everyone . . . . realizing he isn't a Yearling and looks ridiculous trying to act like a Buck and will probably die trying.  Enjoys the flattery, but moves beyond it.  Love these guys!!!

Not to be outdone we have the other species of life, which begins with the Caterpillar.  Oh, yes.  She is primped, primed, and stamped with approval.  Nothing is out of place from her shiny attennas, her fancy outfits, down to her bristling fur.  Her job is to bring Yearlings and Bucks out to play.  Activities are usually done with one eye on the mirror and lots of smoothing and grooming.  Lap swimming is where the greatest performance takes place.  Each Caterpillar works to outdo her competition.  They jump in the pool and try not to mess up their antennas or fur.  If any are brave enough to actually pretend to swim, their minimal outfits don't allow for all swimming strokes or even a pace quicker than a slow slither.  They are good!!!

The Cocoon is very similar to the Buck.  Kind of in hybernation, not wanting to be a Caterpillar anymore . . . basically because she knows she can't . . . . and trying to be dignified as she moves toward Butterfly, kicking and screaming all the way.  Outfits are still more on the showy side than practical, but it doesn't quite make it.  After all, no one wants to admit they've outgrown their first set of colors.  More interested in prolonging the onslaught of the Butterfly, the Cocoon spends a lot of time sweating, then making excuses for why the antennas are drooping, fur is dull, and colors are fading.  The Cocoon still smiles at the Yearlings, realizes they can't pass the Bucks, and avoid the Stags like a plague

The crowning jewels are the Butterflies.  They are marvelous creatures.  They spread their wings and fly.  Not only have they matured to the fullest, they are not afraid to show it.  If the antennas are not quite straight or shiny, that's okay . . . . they'll just wilt with the bodily exertions.  If a comb doesn't quite make it to tame the fur, that's okay . . . . a hat, ponytail, other interesting gadgets, or just leaving it as morning greets them is just fine.  There is no pretense as to the purpose of their visit.  Their outfits are very practical, if not commical.  If they "don't have it", they don't care and aren't going to hide it.  They are lovely and each one is unique and beautiful.  Their job, of course, is to keep the Stags from hurting themselves and add balance.

Today, my Butterfly was emerging.  I had the outfit, my nails were done, I walked with a little pluck in my step, and . . . . I'd forgotten to do anything with my fur.  I'm one of those that it takes all night for my fur ro reach such magnitude and splendor.  Half of the fur still looked like I was still in bed and the other half looked like it was trying to run away.  I certainly didn't pull it off with the dignity of a Butterfly, but spluttered right along with the best of them.  I'm a Caterpillar living in the body of a Cocoon and in complete and utter denial that I will EVER turn into a Butterfly!!!