Charlotte's Web...

I had a pet spider last fall...a huge one that lived on the front stoop and shocked everyone who rang the bell. People invariably wanted to squash her--"Damn, lady, there's a big-ass spider on your porch!" and actually thought I was odd when I indignantly informed them that I knew and to kindly leave her alone. Of course, when winter came, she did what spiders do...and I was sorry to see her go. It was slightly less devastating than when I read Charlotte's Web when I was six, but still, I privately grieved...
This morning I noticed a web under the back porch eaves...and another spider. I am convinced that is it one of her offspring. This one has chosen a more private, sheltered area to spend the fall. Away from the ignorant cads who would destroy her world with one swoop, yet delightfully just outside the kitchen window. Welcome, Charlotte II...may we have a lovely fall together.

endings...and beginnings....

Summer has come...and gone. School is starting back, the kids are already "one foot out the door". It has been a quite a year so far. I seem to be purging. New job. New car. Hair cut. New carpet. Hopefully some new attitudes and the demise of some old thoughts. New gratitude. New perspective on who I am and what my life has the potential to become. Making room for more joy...