spiderwebs
When I first started paying attention to the world (because that’s what you do if you want to be a writer), it was spiderwebs that caught my scrutiny. I still notice them.
Today Hannah and I were walking and the snow was swirling. I was mesmerized by getting to walk in a snow globe in April; she was annoyed and irritated.
As we followed the curve of the road into the woods, I noticed a spiderweb with snowflakes clinging to it. “Look at that!” I said to Hannah.
I thought she would grumble, but instead she stopped in her tracks. “Wow! That is cool,” she said (with emphasis, even).
I’ve never photographed spiderwebs in the snow. It turns out that it isn’t very easy. We attempted to get a photo of the snowy web phenomenon, but decided it might be something we would have to carry in our memories instead of on the camera roll.
We walked a little farther and there was another snowy spiderweb…in fact, they were all over. So we took more photos. (They all fall short of the picture in my memory.)
Hannah said, “I’ve never noticed how beautiful spiderwebs are. It’s hard to believe that a spider can make something so delicate.”
“It’s true,” I said. “Webs are one of my favorite things. I’ve never seen any like this before. The snow just hangs and as it melts, it turns to droplets still clinging to the silk. Just think about how strong these webs are.”
We picked our way through the woods, careful not to ruin the webs. “I didn’t know it’d be so much fun just looking at spiderwebs,” Hannah said.
“It’s always fun to notice things the majority of the world misses because of their busy lives.”
“Or their busy screens,” Hannah said.
Spiderwebs remind me of the beauty of diligence. I don’t think spiders are in competition to make the most beautiful web…or the fastest web…of the strongest web. I think they are just doing their things, making webs and living life.
There is beauty in doing the thing you are made to do…there is beauty in the diligence of doing your thing year after year. For me, it’s stacking words and encouraging others to share their stories, too.
What I’m just beginning to realize (but maybe I knew all along) is that I can’t really write the stories knocking around inside of me unless I’m writing alongside other people who are noticing small things and sharing their stories.
There was a time in my life, just a few moons ago, when I questioned whether noticing spiderwebs was a worthy use of my time. I wondered if it was responsible and efficient to write about such small things. It turns out that there is much beauty in the diligence it takes to notice and write about the small things like a spider web. It turns out that writing about a spiderweb may be the most important topic I can find.
I’m joining a quiet community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us.
Let's Be Email Pals!
Teaching writers doesn't have to drown us.
Enter your information to receive my free eBook, plus weekly tips and encouragement for teaching writers.
I don’t think I have ever seen a spiderweb in snow. Spiderwebs always seem to be summer morning things to discover. What a fascinating trail you create from noticing the webs to wonderings, realisations and your final understanding.
Noticing the beauty and sharing the beauty in a way that draws another to see it, too- a special small moment for you and Hannah.
There is beauty in doing the thing you are made to do…there is beauty in the diligence of doing your thing year after year. For me, it’s stacking words and encouraging others to share their stories, too.
I love this line.. I love everything actually about this post, Ruth… it’s the literal and then you move use deeper in the universal… I’m so glad to be back with you… I love that black and white image…
I’m tearing up… in the background I’m listening to mayor De Blasio and I need a dose of beauty. I’m heading out now to listen to good music and look around my world.
Love being back !
LOVE your picture to start this post! It is the little things that are important, I think. It is the little things that help me with the normalcy I am craving. Trees still bud, flowers still bloom, spiders still make webs.
I also love this: “I’m joining a quiet community of writers… “
Deb, where is your link to join this quiet community of writers? 🙂
Ignore that previous comment. My brain is not fully functioning. I forgot where I was. I was just so excited to see your words.
I am entranced by spider webs and watching spiders (not interacting with them). I know how difficult it is to get a photo of a web. You nailed it! The way you “stack words” always leaves me in awe. Love the community that is growing here. You did it again. 🙂
“I was mesmerized by getting to walk in a snow globe in April; …” This starts to capture this small moment and the beauty of small moments for me. If we look and are patient we can find so many things to charm us, especially in God’s beautiful creation.
“We attempted to get a photo of the snowy web phenomenon, but decided it might be something we would have to carry in our memories instead of on the camera roll.” Another lovely reminder for me. Though I was delighted by an actual glimpse, too.
Heartfelt thanks for stacking your words (today sharing your walk and snowy spiderwebs) and for encouraging us to write!
We have snow again today, but so far from my windows, no webs. I’m glad you wrote and shared the magic of them, Ruth. And it’s lovely to see everyone who commented here, like old times!
While y’all are “enjoying” the snow, we are basking in 70 degree temps with gusty wind. I’m not crazy about spiders in general, but the creativity of their webs is amazing. What’s even more amazing is when you see one and go back a short time later, it’s already taken down by the spider.
Yes, “beauty of diligence.” I am glad you are stacking words again and welcoming others to breathe them in.
“There is beauty in doing the thing you are made to do…” Whoa. That is a beautiful reminder. And I’ll never look at a spiderweb in the same way.
Ohhh, I so enjoy a small quiet community sharing stacked words of magic …. even the comments breathe more magic into the story! 💜 That’s what I treasure most.
Snowflakes on a cob web….I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this and now I have questions. Are spiders out in winter? Is the snow this time of year out of the norm? Did the snowflakes “weigh” the spider web down? Noticing spider webs is worthy of your time and Hannah’s too.
Beautiful, as always.I love your invitation as well. Is this new community of writers yours? It sounds lovely..
Julie! I’ve wanted to reach out to you. After that sweet comment you left on my post about blogging, I knew you would fit right into the Magic community! I so hope you’ll write & join with us next week!
This line: There is beauty in doing the thing you are made to do…there is beauty in the diligence of doing your thing year after year. Yes. So good to be reminded. And to see that those very words are meaningful to others, as well. Thank you, Ruth, for inviting me to join this community.
Ruth, I think you are a web spinner yourself! What struck me about this moment is the way your awe at the spider’s work was contagious. We all knew Hannah would not hold out for long–none of us ever do when you are casting your web of goodness.
You keep fueling me as a writer & a human. Thank you.