Spiders and Savoring

Companions in the tenderness of fall

The spider pictured above took up residence this September in our front camelia bush. It’s one I’ve allowed to become covered with morning glory vines. The bush is just beginning to bud now and the morning glory vines are fading in the cold so the timing worked out well.

This spider has been here for over a month. An orb spider, she is also called a garden spider, or a writing spider. I love the name writing spider and wonder if maybe a spider like this one was the inspiration for Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web.

In addition to the spider pictured, another formed a large web in the vegetable garden and I found two more outside our windows. I’ve joked that I don’t need Halloween decorations, the spiders are taking care of that for me.

I also love that the writing spiders expand my community of writers to non-human beings. I already feel a kinship with them as web making seems a bit similar to my crafting with crochet. Spiders are sometimes considered an animal symbol for creativity and ingenuity.

A Season for Savoring

Fall feels like a time of endings and letting go.

My favorite flowers, the tithonia sunflower still bloom in abundance. The plants have grown as tall as small trees but are not as sturdy as trees and are beginning to bend and break in the wind. I hope I have a few more days of bright blooms before they are finished off by the first frost.

The last of the butterflies flew away last week. The empty chrysallises are a wonder and I am hesitant to part with them but they are so delicate and brittle that saving them isn’t really an option. I will take some photos and release those too.

The leaves in the woods behind our house are just beginning to change and the early afternoon light this time of year offers a glowing backdrop from our porch. Now it is still mostly green, but pops of red, yellow and orange are beginning to arrive. There is still so much change to observe.

Moments of pause to wonder at these unique beauties are a welcome balm in this seasion.

I would love to hear from you, what are you pausing to notice and savor in this season of change?

Recommended Reading

As I have observed my spider visitor the past few months, I have also revisited Charlotte’s Web. I am touched by how much this book is about friendship, loss, love, and legacy. As a child I was so relieved that the pig’s life was saved that I don’t think I fully took in the impact of Charlotte’s death.

Rereading, I am struck by how carefully Charlotte prepares for her death, how she accepts it is the way of things, and works to care for those she leaves behind as well as leaving a legacy with her eggs.

Reading Some Writer: The Story of E. B. White by Melissa Sweet, I enjoyed learning more about E. B. White, his life and inspirations, and the time he took with imagining, writing and editing his stories.

I recommend both books.

I am also excited to announce the publication this month of In Praise of Listeing: On Creativity and Slowing Down by Christian McEwen. Christian has been an inspiration and encourager to me both through the words of her earlier book, World Enough and Time: On Creativity and Slowing Down and through her offering of creative companioning for my own writing practice.

Thank you for reading and being a part of creative community through this newsletter.

With a grateful heart,

Kathryn

Fall foliage at the Cleveland Botanical Garden with Ryan.

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