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OF STORY-WEBS AND BERRY BUSHES

8/23/2011

4 Comments

 
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The raspberry patch gets lots of attention from me this time of year while I wait impatiently for our late berries to ripen.  Because the garden is in the middle of our fields of wildflowers, new plants like butterfly weed and milkweed often try to establish themselves inside the garden fence.  When I found a thriving colony of purple asters among the berry bushes, I decided they had to go.  They are shallow rooted and easy to pull.  The next day, in the gap where the asters had been, I spotted an amazing spider web, the early morning dew marking each strand of the intricate web.  Next day the web was still there but now occupied by the largest spider I had ever seen.  I ran for the camera but could have taken my time because Ms. Spider stayed in the same place for three days until high winds tore down her delicate scaffolding.  I tried to find out more about this beautiful creature that instilled panic and wonder in me by its sheer size.  So far I know no more than what I can see.  Ironically, I caught a review on NPR of a new book about “Charlotte’s Web,” and its creator, E.B. White.  The host even played parts of the audio version of this classic read by the author, with his charming Eastern accent.  I have not watched spiders in a barn like he did—only in the open.  But like White, I feel the urge to spin a story about this handsome creature, which is now safely housed in iPhoto, where her likeness is frozen in time to inspire me but where her bite cannot harm me .   


4 Comments
Mary VanderGoot
8/30/2011 12:08:24 am

Beautiful picture and nice blog, Carol. Spiders are amazing. They are great architects and remarkable survivors. I wonder how they got such a bad reputation. Thanks for giving this one good publicity.

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lindy
10/28/2011 03:03:30 am

Aloha Carol
Wow beautifully written! What a wonderful creature showing us in its own way how to stay intent on the calling. Just being in perfection what he was and fulfilling his purpose in that moment. Thank you for sharing
Lindy

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Carol Rottman
10/31/2011 02:25:03 am

Nice to hear from Hawaii! Oh, to be as single-minded as that argiopes spider.

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Fern Jessop
8/22/2014 01:54:04 am

Hi! I know your birthday is in Aug. Do you remember Freddie and I? We enjoyed our visit so much. Whenever your birthday is, we would like to celebrate it with you and take you to lunch or dinner. Will that work for you? I believe you will have my email address and can respond there. Have a blessed day!

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    ALL NATURE SINGS  
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