A long time ago a friend said to me, "meet them where they are.". Whenever I feel annoyed I say this to myself. It is short, succinct and covers all beings. Charlotte's Web is truly special and timeless.
I understand the words, but there are times I simply cannot meet a human where they are. It doesn't happen very often, but there are times. All other living things, yes, for certain. xo
I love E.B. White. His books have a special shelf near my reading chair. I can't wait to read Charlotte's Web to granddaughter Julia when she comes to visit this summer.
Charlotte was a sweet children’s story. As I read this it occurred to me that we are not all that different from other species on this planet that kill and even eat their own, that violently claim and protect both their mates and their territory. The difference to me is that other species are programmed in such a way to allow no deviation from their instinctual drives, whereas humans have evolved with a level of intellect that allows the to self-reflect and consider the bigger picture. Yet, here we are acting on those same animal impulses that drives other species. Beautiful photos too - enjoyed reading this, thank you for sharing. 🙏🏼
Very true, Tracy. We are also the only species that complains or avoids our work, etc. I think there is much to learn from our animal friends, and as you suggested to hold ourselves to higher standards of our abilities that are uniquely human. Thank you so much for your comment and for being here.
This was a beautifully written reflection on a very important subject. Would that we all be able to call forth the gentle embrace of difference you describe. I am sending this on to a friend who is a kindred spirit with you and will encourage her to subscribe. I think she will be uplifted and heartened, too. (And she just finished her certification as a Master Naturalist…at age 80!
Lovely. I have not killed a spider on purpose since I killed a giant cane spider who'd laid her egg sac on my window in Japan. I still remember all her babies floating to the ground under the spray of poison. I gathered them in the morning, with their mother's body, and buried them in the garden. I have not killed since, feel guilt and shame remembering my carnage borne of horror and disgust, and always appreciate spiders (from a distance) and thank them for the work they do. They don't scare me anymore. We are finally kindred.
Can you make a painting tutorial with a spider? They are strangely romantic creatures as much as chilling
I loved Charlotte’s Web as a child, and still do. We read it to our daughter when she was little, and hope to read it to her kids if and when she has them. I am in awe of spiders, and rarely even remove them from my house. Instead, I greet them (“Hello, spider! How are you today?) I am grateful for their presence, mesmerized by their webs—especially when sunlight shines on them—and must confess that I avert my eyes when a bug is caught in that same stunning web. I often go on long walks, during which I greet birds, ants, mice, trees, and flowers. If no-one is around, I’ll often speak to them, hoping they feel the love and connection I experience in their presence. If others are nearby, I will just stand with them and communicate in my mind and with my eyes. My walks give me a sense of my place in the world, and I relish them.
I know just what you are describing, Audrey. I extend to plants and trees, and even stones, bodies of water. I really understand. Thank you for sharing this. I am in awe, too!
the wonderful, technically well-crafted essay on your admiration for "Charlotte's Web" was pure delight. Borrow the book I sent to Rick and read the poem, "Upsetting the Balance of Nature." It was my experience with a spider's web; I took pity on thee captured bug and freed it before he became dinner. Also, I was thrilled to know that you know of my watercolor sister, Lynne Haggerty. Such a small and wonderful world I(we) live in.
I used to have that instinct, to free the captured bug, but then realised the spider would go hungry, or the hawk would go hungry, or the fox... I imagine that is what your poem is about... and I will read it! I've seen Rick carrying your book around for days. :) And yes, small, yet vast and wonder-full world. Thank you Chuck!
I have made peace with preparing meat. Some of us are meat eaters, just like the hawk and the fox. But I do understand that feeling! I have been in conflict with it my entire life. I hope you will reread Charlotte's Web, Kristen 🩵 Thank you for being here.
I love this! You take me through a walk to different places and bring it back home at the end. I loved the book as a child, loved reading it to my kids and shed a tear watching g the movie with them. Great job
Thank you so much, John. Would love to read about your experience of reading Charlotte's Web again! I can't even imagine the places it would take you. Your essays are always fascinating meanders. Thank you for reading :)
My dad read it to me along with the Hobbit and wind in the willows. I read all those to my own kids, now they are grown and in college. It was a gift to have that time, I wrote about it some
This should be published. Life and all surroundings are amazing
It is published :) Right here, for all. Love you.
I meant for the whole world to read!!! It enlightens our load on some days.
Began reading Charlott’s Web and absolutely love it 👌🏼
And you post is so nice too 😽
Oh I know you will love it! Thank you, Agnès xo
A long time ago a friend said to me, "meet them where they are.". Whenever I feel annoyed I say this to myself. It is short, succinct and covers all beings. Charlotte's Web is truly special and timeless.
I understand the words, but there are times I simply cannot meet a human where they are. It doesn't happen very often, but there are times. All other living things, yes, for certain. xo
I love E.B. White. His books have a special shelf near my reading chair. I can't wait to read Charlotte's Web to granddaughter Julia when she comes to visit this summer.
This doesn’t surprise me 🥰
Charlotte was a sweet children’s story. As I read this it occurred to me that we are not all that different from other species on this planet that kill and even eat their own, that violently claim and protect both their mates and their territory. The difference to me is that other species are programmed in such a way to allow no deviation from their instinctual drives, whereas humans have evolved with a level of intellect that allows the to self-reflect and consider the bigger picture. Yet, here we are acting on those same animal impulses that drives other species. Beautiful photos too - enjoyed reading this, thank you for sharing. 🙏🏼
Very true, Tracy. We are also the only species that complains or avoids our work, etc. I think there is much to learn from our animal friends, and as you suggested to hold ourselves to higher standards of our abilities that are uniquely human. Thank you so much for your comment and for being here.
Loved the essay and awesome photos.!
Thanks ☺️
This was a beautifully written reflection on a very important subject. Would that we all be able to call forth the gentle embrace of difference you describe. I am sending this on to a friend who is a kindred spirit with you and will encourage her to subscribe. I think she will be uplifted and heartened, too. (And she just finished her certification as a Master Naturalist…at age 80!
Thank you so much, Lisa, and thank you for sharing. Oh I love hearing of such achievements, as your friend has accomplished. Thanks :)
Lovely. I have not killed a spider on purpose since I killed a giant cane spider who'd laid her egg sac on my window in Japan. I still remember all her babies floating to the ground under the spray of poison. I gathered them in the morning, with their mother's body, and buried them in the garden. I have not killed since, feel guilt and shame remembering my carnage borne of horror and disgust, and always appreciate spiders (from a distance) and thank them for the work they do. They don't scare me anymore. We are finally kindred.
Can you make a painting tutorial with a spider? They are strangely romantic creatures as much as chilling
I actually have! We did webs, but a long time ago. But it might be fun to try again.
Thank you for your story. I felt it in my heart. ♥️
Maybe I could make a small tutorial to share here! Thank you so much, Jessica.
I loved Charlotte’s Web as a child, and still do. We read it to our daughter when she was little, and hope to read it to her kids if and when she has them. I am in awe of spiders, and rarely even remove them from my house. Instead, I greet them (“Hello, spider! How are you today?) I am grateful for their presence, mesmerized by their webs—especially when sunlight shines on them—and must confess that I avert my eyes when a bug is caught in that same stunning web. I often go on long walks, during which I greet birds, ants, mice, trees, and flowers. If no-one is around, I’ll often speak to them, hoping they feel the love and connection I experience in their presence. If others are nearby, I will just stand with them and communicate in my mind and with my eyes. My walks give me a sense of my place in the world, and I relish them.
I know just what you are describing, Audrey. I extend to plants and trees, and even stones, bodies of water. I really understand. Thank you for sharing this. I am in awe, too!
the wonderful, technically well-crafted essay on your admiration for "Charlotte's Web" was pure delight. Borrow the book I sent to Rick and read the poem, "Upsetting the Balance of Nature." It was my experience with a spider's web; I took pity on thee captured bug and freed it before he became dinner. Also, I was thrilled to know that you know of my watercolor sister, Lynne Haggerty. Such a small and wonderful world I(we) live in.
I used to have that instinct, to free the captured bug, but then realised the spider would go hungry, or the hawk would go hungry, or the fox... I imagine that is what your poem is about... and I will read it! I've seen Rick carrying your book around for days. :) And yes, small, yet vast and wonder-full world. Thank you Chuck!
My mom read Charlotte's Web to me when I was very young ( I am 74 now) and parts of that book pop into my mind sometimes still.
I have been a vegetarian for many years , and now I even find it troubling to prepare meat for my husband....
I have made peace with preparing meat. Some of us are meat eaters, just like the hawk and the fox. But I do understand that feeling! I have been in conflict with it my entire life. I hope you will reread Charlotte's Web, Kristen 🩵 Thank you for being here.
I love this! You take me through a walk to different places and bring it back home at the end. I loved the book as a child, loved reading it to my kids and shed a tear watching g the movie with them. Great job
Thank you so much, John. Would love to read about your experience of reading Charlotte's Web again! I can't even imagine the places it would take you. Your essays are always fascinating meanders. Thank you for reading :)
My dad read it to me along with the Hobbit and wind in the willows. I read all those to my own kids, now they are grown and in college. It was a gift to have that time, I wrote about it some
https://open.substack.com/pub/johnroden/p/gold-star-attendance?r=5ib1o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web